Your guide to the best Port Fairy accommodation

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
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Charming inns, bell tent glamping, stylish holiday homes, heritage pub stays and cruisy caravan parks, there’s a wealth of Port Fairy accommodation options to choose from.

Any Great Ocean Road trip needs to include a visit to Port Fairy. Home to a wealth of well-preserved heritage buildings, this historic fishing village honours its past while also welcoming the new. When choosing where to stay, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re splashing out on a celebratory weekend to remember or planning a budget family break by the sea, there are lots of Port Fairy accommodation options to suit you.

Hotels

1. Merrijig Inn

Best for: Food and wine lovers

A little microcosm of magic, the Merrijig Inn is one of those inviting places with a special aura of its own.

the exterior of Merrijig Inn in Port Fairy
The Merrijig Inn is said to be Victoria’s oldest inn. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Laying claim to being Victoria’s oldest inn, a stay in one of the charming suites or compact attic rooms (not recommended for tall folk) includes a smorgasbord breakfast of house-made delights.

a dining room with a fireplace at Merrijig Inn in Port Fairy
Keep warm by the fireplace. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No visit is complete without a tipple at the convivial front bar and dinner at Merrijin Kitchen – food is an important chapter of this hospitality legend’s story.

the entrance to Merrijig Inn, Port Fairy
Step into the Merrijig Kitchen next door. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 1 Campbell St, Port Fairy

2. Seacombe House

Best for: History lovers

From motor inn suites to historic cottages and rooms in a heritage-listed guesthouse, Seacombe House has lots of different styles of accommodation to choose from.

the exterior of Seacombe House, Port Fairy
Stay in a heritage-listed guesthouse.

Like many other buildings in this storied town, Seacombe House is listed on the National Trust, so when you stay here you’ll be walking in the footsteps of the traders, sailors and merchants who earned a crust living or visiting Port Fairy in centuries gone by.

the living room interior of Seacombe House, Port Fairy
Seacombe House offers a cosy spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Address: 22 Sackville Street, Port Fairy

3. The Victoria Apartments

Best for: Travellers who prefer self-catering holidays

If you love having all the creature comforts of home while you’re away, try Victoria Apartments. Book a 2-bedroom apartment or 3-bedroom townhouse here and you’ll enjoy access to a range of amenities that will make you feel right at home. Use the large, well-equipped kitchen to cook meals, do a load of washing in the laundry, relax in the spacious lounge room while watching movies on the flatscreen TV and park your wheels in a lock-up garage – these apartments have everything you need for a comfortable break.

Address: 48/50 Bank Street, Port Fairy

4. The Oak & Anchor Hotel

Best for: Couples and solo travellers looking to enjoy an adults-only break

Although this heritage-listed hotel dates back to the mid-1800s, you’ll bed down in supreme comfort. Choose from seven stylish suites (most with freestanding bathtubs and Euro-style walk-in showers) ranging from the ground-floor Anchor Suite all the way up to the luxurious Bridal Suite.

a Euro-style walk-in shower with tub at The Oak & Anchor Hotel, Port Fairy
The stylish suite boasts spacious, Euro-inspired bathrooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re after an adults-only retreat, you’ll be pleased to know this boutique accommodation is just for grownups.

the bed at The Oak & Anchor Hotel, Port Fairy
Experience ultimate comfort and relaxation in the beautifully designed beds. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 9 Bank Street, Port Fairy

5. Central Motel

Best for: Visitors who value convenience and affordability.

Located right in the centre of town just 25 metres or so from some of Port Fairy’s best restaurants and cafes, you can’t beat Central Motel for convenience. If you’re watching your pennies, this neat and tidy motel has all the basics covered at an affordable price point. Looking for accessible accommodation? There’s a ground-floor, wheelchair-friendly room perfect for travellers with special needs.

Address: 56 Sackville Street, Port Fairy

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6. YHA Port Fairy

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who are happy sharing communal spaces

If you love meeting other people and staying in places with a more communal vibe, YHA Port Fairy is just the place for you. This warm and welcoming heritage accommodation has shared ‘co-living’ rooms with bunk beds, family rooms and private rooms as well as shared spaces like a self-catering kitchen, communal lounge room, laundry, pool table and outdoor courtyard with a barbecue. Perhaps the best part is you’re just one block away from some of Port’s Fairy best eats, including killer cocktails and pizza at Coffin Sally on Sackville Street.

Address: 8 Cox Street, Port Fairy

Guesthouses and Airbnbs

7. Cherry Plum Cottages

Best for: People seeking a secluded break in the countryside.

This collection of cute, self-contained cottages surrounded by greenery is the ideal spot to get away from it all.

the living room interior at Cherry Plum Cottages
This rustic abode is designed with a cosy interior.

Take a wander through the gardens (don’t forget to say hi to the alpacas), prepare dinner on the barbecue and sit on the veranda in the morning and listen to the birdlife with a cup of tea in hand – this is the perfect place to enjoy living life in the slow lane.

breakfast by the garden at Cherry Plum Cottages
Spend early mornings in quiet contemplation.

Address: 37 Albert Road, Port Fairy

8. Sweet Tide O Moyne

Best for: Groups, families and pet owners.

If you want to plan a private break with your nearest and dearest, look no further than this well-appointed holiday house.

the outdoor deck at Sweet Tide O Moyne, Port Fairy
This charming beach-style cottage is just steps from East Beach.

Sleeping up to nine guests, this comfy home right by East Beach has all the mod cons needed for an independent, self-catered break.

a painting mounted on the wall with a vase below at Sweet Tide O Moyne, Port Fairy
The walls are adorned with paintings of the beach.

Use the Nespresso machine to make your morning coffee, cook up a banging lunch in the kitchen and use the barbecue to prepare dinner each night while everyone gathers around the firepit.  Board games, books and a travel cot make this holiday house perfect for a family getaway.

a close-up shot of the bed at Sweet Tide O Moyne, Port Fairy
This chic accommodation is a holiday haven for families.

Address: 1 Moyne Court, Port Fairy

9. Clonmara Country House & Cottages

Best for: Couples and small groups looking for a quiet and cosy country retreat full of charm.

Soak up the serenity at this historic country house and cottages located just outside the historic town centre. If you value the classic ‘cottage-core’ aesthetic and love wandering in country-style gardens, you will be in your element here. A top spot for a quiet, gentle break where you can truly relax, Clonmara Country House & Cottages is the type of place to enjoy lazy afternoons reading a paperback in the shade and cosy nights drinking wine by the warmth of the gas log fire. Bliss!

the Clonmara Country House & Cottages in Port Fairy
Settle into a cosy country retreat.

Address: 106 Princes Hwy, Port Fairy

Camping Grounds

10. Port Fairy Glamping

Best for: Couples and friends looking for a whimsical weekend away.

If you love the idea of camping but don’t want to truly rough it, enjoy the best of both worlds with Port Fairy Glamping. Forget struggling to pitch a tent, this local outfit will set up a romantic bell tent in a grassy area of one of Port Fairy’s caravan parks for you.

Inside you’ll find plush bedding, towels, lamps, rugs and cushions to ensure you’ll enjoy a comfy stay. An outdoor table setting means you’re set to enjoy sundowners and snacks after a day exploring Port Fairy’s historic buildings and windswept beaches.

a Port Fairy Glamping tent
Spend a whimsical weekend in a Port Fairy Glamping tent.

Caravan Parks

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11. Gardens Caravan Park

Best for: Visitors who value access to the river, beach and town centre.

When it comes to convenience, this caravan park’s location can’t be beaten. Sitting on the banks of the Moyne River, it’s just 600 metres from the centre of town and also right near East Beach and the botanic gardens.

the Gardens Caravan Park at sunrise
Gardens Caravan Park is spread along the banks of the Moyne River.

Check in to a cabin to enjoy some creature comforts or roll into a powered or unpowered site if you’re travelling with a motorhome or caravan.

two women walking along the Tower Hill Reserve, Port Fairy
Be at one with nature as you walk along through the coastal landscape.

Address: 111 Griffiths St, Port Fairy

12. Southcombe Caravan Park

Best for: Beach lovers and families

If being near the beach is your number one priority this family-friendly caravan park near Southcombe Beach is a winner.

a boat sailing at Southcombe Caravan Park
Go fishing by the river near Southcombe Beach.

Stay in a one-, two- or three-bedroom villa or set up your tent, motorhome or van on one of the powered or unpowered sites. Stroll into town for dinner or use the free barbecues or camp kitchen to whip up dinner each night – the choice is yours.

a girl lying on a blanket while reading a book
Or lie on a blanket with a book in hand.

Address: James St, Port Fairy

13. Big4 Port Fairy Holiday Park

Best for: Families and groups

Sure, there’s plenty to do in Port Fairy but this modern holiday park has heaps of amenities to discover too. Big kids and little kids alike will love navigating the mini golf course while the indoor heated swimming pool provides an option for wet weather days.

a group of travellers gathering outside a caravan at Big4 Port Fairy Holiday Park
This modern holiday park is an ideal retreat for those travelling in groups.

There’s even a purpose-built cycling track. This holiday park’s three-bedroom cabins sleep up to eight people making it a top spot for a group getaway or intergenerational holiday.

Address: 115 Princes Hwy, Port Fairy

14. Gum Tree Caravan Park

Best for: People travelling with pets

There’s no need to leave your four-legged friends at home as they’re welcome to stay at this dog-friendly caravan park. Guests are well taken care of here with a range of items for hire, including baby chairs, cots, bikes, surfboards and wetsuits.

Address: 8 Amble Lane (off Toolong Rd) Port Fairy

15. Port Fairy Holiday Park

Best for: Visitors who love active breaks

If you like staying active during your holidays, then this holiday park’s facilities are sure to impress.

the caravan site at Port Fairy Holiday Park
Port Fairy Holiday Park is perfect for campers and caravanners.

There’s an indoor heated swimming pool, a full-sized tennis court, a playground and a giant jumping pillow for the little ones.

a deep-soaking tub inside a safari tent at Port Fairy Holiday Park
The outdoor tub is the perfect way to end the day.

There are also lots of different accommodation styles ranging from safari tents with deep-soaking, clawfoot baths, deluxe villas and cabins, holiday units and powered and unpowered sites for campers and caravanners.

the safari tent at Port Fairy Holiday Park
Seek comfort in a safari tent.

Address: 139 Princes Hwy, Port Fairy

Discover the best things to do in Port Fairy.

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Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

    There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

    The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

    From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

    1. Warburton

    Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
    Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

    The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

    If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

    2. Yarra Glen

    Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

    A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

    Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

    If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

    3. Healesville

    One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose.
    Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

    To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

    Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

    4. Olinda

    Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties.
    Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

    The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

    The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

    Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

    5. Emerald

    A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park.
    Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

    You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

    The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

    Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au