8 of the best things to do in Port Fairy

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
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From joining a kayaking tour to pedalling along a historic rail trail and swooning over a cute, heritage lighthouse, there are plenty of things to do in Port Fairy.

A coastal town that once hung its hat on whaling and fishing, Port Fairy is now a hub where food, creativity and the arts flourish. A charming blend of old and new, Port Fairy is one of those places that makes you dream of packing it all in and setting up a new life by the seaside. Whether you prefer an active break or a more chilled getaway by the sea, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Port Fairy. Here are some to get you started.

1. Go to market

Held on alternating Saturdays at Railway Place, the Port Fairy Community Market and Port Fairy Farmers Market are lovely spots for a wholesome morning wander.

people busy shopping at Port Fairy Market
Shop your way around Port Fairy Market. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Fresh produce, cakes, preserves, local honey, wine, arts and crafts, plants and more are all for sale here, making it a top place to grab a gift for a friend or stock up on gourmet goods straight from the producer.

a woman holding a ceramic at a stall in Port Fairy Market
Head to Port Fairy Market for great ceramic finds. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. Step back in time on a walking tour

Did you know that Port Fairy was once called Belfast? Or how about the town having more than 50 buildings listed with the National Trust? Learn historical facts and other stories about this distinctive town on a walking tour led by a local expert guide from the visitor information centre.

a couple on a historic walk in Port Fairy
Go on a historic walk in Port Fairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you miss out on joining one of the tours, you can DIY by downloading a heritage trail map  and going for a self-guided wander.

a couple on a walking tour in Port Fairy
You can also opt for a self-guided wander. (Image: Visit Victoria)

3. Join in the festival fun

When it comes to festivals and community celebrations, little old Port Fairy certainly punches above its weight. Throughout the year, the town hosts a wide-ranging program of festivals, including the ever-popular Port Fairy Folk Festival (March), Port Fairy Jazz Festival (February), Port Fairy Literary Weekend (September), Port Fairy Spring Music Festival (October) and the Port Fairy Annual Show (November). Large festivals like the Port Fairy Folk Festival draw big crowds (so be sure to book accommodation and restaurants well in advance) while the Port Fairy Annual Show is a classic country fair beloved by locals. Either way, visiting when one of Port Fairy’s many festivals and events is in full swing is a great time to witness the strong community spirit of this mighty, little town by the sea.

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4. Explore Griffiths Island on foot

Walking from the centre of town to Griffiths Island’s famous lighthouse is a must-do when visiting Port Fairy. Home to a range of native wildlife, you may be lucky enough to see a swamp wallaby or echidna here.

the lighthouse on Griffiths Island
Griffiths Island’s famous lighthouse is a must-do when visiting Port Fairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

More than 80 bird species have been recorded on this small island, so if you’re into birdwatching bring your binoculars and bird book – you may just get to tick a few new species off your list.

walking on foot at sunset on Griffiths Island
Walk on foot at sunset. (Image: Visit Victoria)

As a nesting site for short-tailed shearwaters, you’ll need to leave your dog at home for this walk. The circuit around the island should take an hour or so to complete but take your time to take it all in – there’s no rush in this corner of Victoria.

biking around Griffiths Island
You can also pedal your way around Griffiths Island. (Image: Visit Victoria)

5. Get stuck into some water sports  

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to surf, try your hand at kayaking or find out what paddleboarding is all about, Port Fairy is the top place to give it a go.

surfers heading out to the beach in Port Fairy
Learn to surf or go paddleboarding in Port Fairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Run by local surfers with top knowledge of local conditions, Port Fairy Surf School  has a range of classes and tours that enable visitors to experience the area’s beautiful beaches and waterways.

surfers gathering at sea in Port Fairy
Hit the waves in Port Fairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you book a group kayaking tour for you and your mates, a private surf lesson to brush up on your technique or your very first surf class to learn the basics, you’ll walk away with some new skills and an awesome experience to remember Port Fairy by.

surfing on a sunny day in Port Fairy
Soak up the sun on your surfboard. (Image: Visit Victoria)

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6. Cruise the bay (and back) in under an hour

Getting out on the water is a must-do when visiting the Great Ocean Road, and the good news is you don’t have to commit to spending an entire day on a boat in order to experience some time on the sea. If you’re short on time, book a half-hour bay cruise on a small boat with Mulloka Cruises . Cruises leave from the town’s main fisherman’s wharf and offer top views of Port Fairy’s historic lighthouse. This short, simple cruise is perfect for kids or anyone who loves the idea of cruising, but not the cost (or seasickness) that comes with a full day out on the choppy, open water.

a woman walking on Port Fairy Beach
Spend an entire day on the sea. (Image: Visit Victoria)

7. Ride the Port Fairy to Warrnambool rail trail  

If the weather is fine, hop on your bike and explore this scenic rail trail  that stretches from Port Fairy all the way to Warrnambool. On this 37.5-kilometre trail, you’ll pedal along the Moyne River, past the Koroit old rail station building, through wetlands areas and tracts of picturesque farmland. Don’t have your own wheels? Hire a bicycle or e-bike and helmet from the Port Fairy and Region Visitor Information Centre.

8. Taste premium seafood on an abalone farm tour

Seafood fans are well taken care of in Port Fairy. There are fish and chip shops, fine dining restaurants specialising in seafood and fishing charter boats you can join for a day of angling.

a basket full of abalones at Ocean Road Abalone, Port Fairy
Hold a basket full of molluscs at Ocean Road Abalone. (Image: Jo O’Keefe)

What many visitors don’t know is Port Fairy is also home to Ocean Road Abalone , a large abalone farm that is a pioneer of land-based abalone farming in Australia.

a hand holding a shell of abalone at Ocean Road Abalone, Port Fairy
Get a taste of premium Australian tiger abalone. (Image: Jo O’Keefe)

On the 90-minute tour, you’ll learn all about the production of premium Australian tiger abalone and get to taste some of the delicacies found on fine dining restaurant menus around the world.

a farmer harvesting abalone at Ocean Road Abalone, Port Fairy
See how farmers harvest abalones up close. (Image: Jo O’Keefe)
Here are 8 of the best Port Fairy cafes to add to your list.
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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Wine, art and good food: 15 ways to spend your time in Albury Wodonga

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

    Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

    Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

    Exploring the Murray River

    1. The Crossing Place Trail

    woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop
    Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

    Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

    Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    2. Canoe The Murray

    two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park
    Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

    What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

    Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

    3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

    aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga
    Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

    4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

    Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga
    Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

    It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

    Adventuring on Lake Hume

    1. Walk the dam wall

    parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume
    Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

    A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

    A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

    2. The High Country Rail Trail

    This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

    3. Water sports

    two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume
    Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

    Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

    Sip and Savour

    1. Dux Albury

    two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury
    Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

    Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

    2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

    people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co.
    Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

    Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

    3. Temperance and General

    Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

    4. BeanStation Cafe

    two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga
    Dine on a modern Australian menu.

    Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

    5. River Deck Cafe

    waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga
    Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

    Museums, murals and more

    1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

    Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

    2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

    couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery
    Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

    3. HotHouse Theatre

    Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

    Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.