8 of the best Port Fairy cafes to add to your list

Jo StewartBy Jo Stewart
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From a casual beachfront cafe with cracking ocean views to a specialty roastery known for cranking out top-notch coffee, there’s a strong selection of Port Fairy cafes to choose from on your next visit.

When travelling on the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy’s unique combo of heritage buildings and incredible food and wine options make it a must-visit town. Whether you’re after a veggie-packed brunch, quick coffee pitstop or a classic burger and shake combo, there are plenty of Port Fairy cafes to choose from.

1. Port Fairy Coffee Roasters

This speciality coffee roaster  and retail store does a roaring trade all year long. Stop by for a takeaway latte, smoothie or cold pressed juice, or drop into the shop to grab a fresh salad or loaf of sourdough for later.

the exterior of Port Fairy Coffee Roasters
Stop by for a takeaway latte at Port Fairy Coffee Roasters.

If you love a dark roast, be sure to buy a bag of the Dead Man’s blend beans to take a little slice of Port Fairy goodness home with you.

roasting coffee beans at Port Fairy Coffee Roasters
Grab some takeaway beans at this specialty coffee roaster.

Address: 59a Bank St, Port Fairy

2. Bank Street + Co

The well-travelled owners of this popular corner cafe bring influences from around the globe to the menu of Bank Street + Co . You’ll see hints of Greek, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine shine through in the dishes, whether it’s a Turkish bread toastie or seafood linguine. Open (early) for breakfast and lunch, this superb cafe doesn’t take bookings, so you’ll have to try your luck for a table. If you’re an early riser, you’ll be pleased to know that this place opens at 6:30am for all your caffeine and brekkie needs.

a plate of food with coffee at Bank Street + Co
Bank Street + Co. serves up Greek, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 28 Bank St, Port Fairy

3. The Farmers Wife Harvest Cafe

Whether you’re after smashed avo on sourdough for breakfast, a filling panini for lunch, or a rich, chocolate brownie with a cup of Earl Grey tea in the afternoon, head to this comfy cafe tucked down an alley (look for the blackboard on the main street). In summer the courtyard is an especially great spot to bask in the sunshine while enjoying brunch or lunch.

coffee and pastries at The Farmers Wife Harvest Cafe
Head to The Farmers Wife Harvest Cafe for breakfast.

Address: 47 Sackville St, Port Fairy

4. The Mill

Open for breakfast, lunch and takeaway, this busy little cafe’s indoor and outdoor seating makes it a top option all year round. During summer, sit out the front and enjoy a chicken burger and milkshake in the sun. During winter, bunker down inside with a warming hot chocolate. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu options make The Mill a winner for visitors with dietary requirements too.

Address: 42 Sackville St, Port Fairy

5. Home Grown

If you’re after a nourishing yet delicious feed, make a beeline for Home Grown . As a cafe that champions local, organic and homegrown produce, you’ll find plenty of healthy options here. For breakfast, you can’t go past Greens Galore, a poached egg dish topped with a generous serving of sauteed greens, smashed peas, Meredith feta and pepitas.

a close-up shot of food at Home Grown cafe, Port Fairy
Home Grown cafe champions local, organic and homegrown produce. (Image: Gunilla Forbes)

Fairtrade coffee, organic tea, chai, protein smoothies, fruit lassis, babyccinos and puppyccinos made with lactose-free milk means everyone in the family (including your four-legged friends) can enjoy a pitstop here.

a close-up shot of food at Home Grown cafe, Port Fairy
Opt for a nourishing yet delicious feed at Home Grown cafe. (Image: Gunilla Forbes)

Address: 2/32 Bank St, Port Fairy  

6. Rebecaa’s Cafe and Ice Creamery

It’s all about the sweet stuff at Rebecca’s Cafe . During summer, the freshly churned fruit sorbets fly out the door, while the house-baked biscuits, cakes and slices are popular all year round. Stop by to grab a takeaway coffee and slice of cake to enjoy on the road or pop in for an ice cream cone after a day at the beach. Looking for some gifts? Buy jars of mini Yo-Yo biscuits or slabs of rocky road for friends and family back home.

Address: 70/72 Sackville St, Port Fairy

7. Gregory’s Cafe Restaurant

Open for both lunch and dinner on the weekends, Gregory’s  straddles the line between cafe and restaurant. Whether you want a light lunch of toasted paninis or something more substantial like lamb shanks with mashed potato and gravy, Gregory’s Cafe Restaurant can do both! Bookings recommended.

a food plate at Gregory’s Cafe Restaurant, Port Fairy
Gregory’s is perfect for brekkie, lunch or dinner.

Address: 1/32 Bank St, Port Fairy

8. Charlie’s On East

This casual, kid-friendly spot right on the beach is perfect for a no-fuss post-swim brekkie, lunch, coffee or snack. No need to dress up here – just rock up in your flip-flops and boardshorts and perch yourself at a table out the front. Spending a leisurely morning enjoying a coffee and a plate of Eggs Benedict with ocean views is the rare type of simple pleasure this no-frills cafe gets right.

Address: 4 Hughes Ave, Port Fairy 

Now read our guide to the best restaurants in Port Fairy.

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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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.