Port Fairy: Coast, Island Trails and History

Port Fairy brings together a long coastline, island trails, rock pools and maritime history. On Griffiths Island, paths wind through low scrub; along the coast, the broad curve of East Beach and sheltered Pea Soup Beach offer contrasting beach landscapes. Historic walks and a folk festival add to the natural attractions. When planning your trip, you can focus on the coast, history or both.

Explore Griffiths Island on foot

From Martin’s Point, a short walk across the causeway leads to Griffiths Island. Walking trails wind through low scrub, offering a chance to take in the landscape step by step. Griffiths Island is a natural oasis close to the town centre; its residents include a small group of swamp wallabies. Dogs are not permitted on the island. Visitors are asked to stay on the trails.

The Griffiths Island Lighthouse and the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage are also part of the island’s history. Scottish stonemasons built both structures from bluestone in 1859. Their shared year of construction and building material make the lighthouse and cottage a vivid example of local architectural history.

Two beaches, contrasting coastal landscapes

East Beach is Port Fairy’s main beach and stretches for 5.8 kilometres. Its broad, sweeping arc runs from Reef Point in the east to the North Mole at the harbour entrance in the south. Its orientation also changes: at Reef Point, the beach faces south; at the North Mole, it faces east. Its length, curve and changing direction make East Beach a striking part of the coastal landscape.

Pea Soup Beach has a different profile: it is flat, sheltered and protected by a reef, and it also has rock pools. When comparing the two beaches for your trip, you can use these characteristics as a guide: East Beach forms a long, sweeping coastline, while Pea Soup Beach is defined by its sheltered location and rock pools.

Local history and vibrant culture

The Port Fairy Historic Wharf Tour is a walking tour through the Historic Port Precinct along the Moyne River. Knowledgeable guides lead the tour. Visits for adult groups can be arranged on request. The Port Fairy Historic Walking Tours also take visitors to historic buildings that remain standing today. The Port Fairy Maritime and Shipwreck Heritage Walk focuses on local maritime history, offering a distinct way to explore the town’s past through its connection to the sea.

The trees lining the streets also tell the story of Port Fairy’s character. The Norfolk Island Pine Avenues are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. These significant pines are to be protected and enhanced for their importance to the town’s character, community and history. Another cultural tradition is the Port Fairy Folk Festival, held annually since 1977 on the lands of the Pyipgil Gundidj in Peek-Whurrong Country.

Activities on the water

The Port Fairy Surf School caters to children and beginners and serves Port Fairy and Warrnambool. Activities include snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and surf lessons, as well as surfboard hire. As operator offerings may change, check which activities are currently available before making plans.

From Port Fairy’s wharf, visitors can take a cruise to the seal colony on Lady Julia Percy Island. Here too, it is advisable to check cruise availability in advance. Together with the walking trails, historic tours and beaches, this gives visitors a range of ways to tailor their stay to their interests.

Find accommodation to suit your travel interests

The places and activities described offer different points of reference, without limiting your trip to a single activity. You can match your accommodation choice to the focus you want for your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ballarat East, Ballan, Tarrawarra, Yackandandah, Cape Bridgewater, The Basin, Halls Gap, Murrindindi.

View the broader travel guide: Victoria.