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| Fascinating island to the west of Port Fairy. Australia’s only submarine volcano, the lava flows have created an unusual flat top and almost vertical cliffs surround the island. Home to the largest fur seal colony in the southern hemisphere - you are able to book a boat trip from the wharf (subject to weather). |
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• Swim or surf only at beaches patrolled by lifeguards
• Always swim between the flags marking the area safer for swimming.
• Read and obey the signs
• Be careful where you dive – accidents often result from diving into shallow waters.
• Be aware of slippery banks and rocks when fishing
• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Always swim under supervision
• If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help, then float and wait for assistance
• Float with a current or undertow. Don’t try to swim against it.
• When out on the water always wear the correct safety equipment. |
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22 & 33 Bank Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: Daily during summer holidays and weekends. Surf, snorkel and bike rental. Surf lessons |
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| | Short Drives - Mount Eccles (40 minutes North West) |
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| Mt Eccles is one of several volcanoes that produced the lava forming Victoria’s Western volcanic plains. Nestled in the centre of Mt Eccles is the beautiful Lake Surprise. There are 4 major walking tracks taking in the crater rim, lava caves and canals. |
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Port Fairy and Warrnambool
Learn to surf with professional coaches |
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The Wharf Area - at its peak in the 1850’s the port was the second busiest in Australia. Wool, wheat and gold were loaded onto great sailing ships bound for England.
Today, The Wharf is a wonderful place to relax and watch the world go by. The Norfolk pines and colonial buildings form a picturesque background to the tranquil waters of the Moyne River. An active fishing fleet still operates out of the harbour which is also home to a small fleet of pleasure craft. |
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| Home to swamp wallabies and a large colony of short-tailed shearwaters (mutton birds). The birds arrive in September after an amazing 15,000 klm flight from the Aleutian Islands near Alaska. After nesting and raising their young they set off again in April leaving the chicks behind. Eventually hunger forces the chicks to find the migratory route on their own. |
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| | Horse Riding - Rundells Mahogony Trail Rides |
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Millers Lane off Princes Highway IIowa VIC
near Warrnambool
Open: 7 days except Christmas |
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| | Battery Hill and the Powder Magazine |
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| The hill first served as the Garbour Master’s signal point for shipping. Local militia units established the gun batteries and built the concrete fortifications that were completed in 1857. The collection of such weapons is exceptional. The bluestone powder magazine was built in 1860 to store explosives used in construction of the river wall. |
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The most popular beaches for swimming are the East Beach and Pea Soup Cove. The local surf lifesaving club patrols East Beach during peak times (always swim between the flags).
East Beach offers excellent surfing breaks, for beginners through to advanced, also popular for kite surfing. |
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| Situated on Griffiths Island and constructed from local bluestone by Scottish stonemasons in 1859. The keepers cottages were demolished in the 1950’s but the lighthouse still operates on wind and solar power. The light is visible 19 kilometres out to sea. |
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| | Short Drives - Yambuk (15 minutes 17 kilometres West) |
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| Small settlement on the Shaw River. Yambuk Lake and wetlands are formed by the natural damming of the Eumeralla and Shaw Rivers behind the massive sand dunes in the area. Good fishing, boating and walking. Haven for bird, animal and plant life. Historic Hotel dating back to the 1850’s. |
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3 Sackville Street Port Fairy VIC
National Trust Building dating back to the 1840’s. Open 2-4pm Wednesday and Saturday |
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| Griffiths Street (near Battery Lane). The lifeboat was built in Williamstown in 1857 and is the oldest surving self-right lifeboat in the world. The Lifeboat Station contains a collection of 19th century maritime rescue equipment. Guided tours are available if booked through Information Centre. |
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| | Short Drives - Codrington Settlement & Gardens |
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4887 Princes Highway Codrington VIC
(23 kilometres West of Port Fairy)
Licensed Restaurant open Thursday to Sunday 10-4. Antiques, local artists works, 3 acres of gardens. |
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| | Short Drives - Koroit (15 minutes North West) |
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| Historic township midway between Port Fairy and Warrnambool on the northern slopes of Tower Hill. Speciality shops, historic buildings, eateries |
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| | The Crags Coastal Reserve |
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Part of cemented dune limestone cliff formation exhibiting stunning jagged cliffs with several stacks and islets formed over thousands of years from the forces of wind and waves from the Southern Ocean. View the whole reserve from lookout.
This area also contains many Aboriginal cultural sites and places. |
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| There are over 50 buildings of significance and the best way to appreciate this legacy is on foot. Walking guides are available at the Visitor Centre. |
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 | | Short Drives - Warrnambool (20 minutes) |
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| Warrnambool is the largest city on the Great Ocean Road with a permanent population of 31,000. Overlooking the sheltered beach of Lady Bay the town is renowned for its visiting whales, the grand national steeplechase and the fabulous laser & light show at Flagstaff Hill |
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Located on the Princes Highway between Warrnambool and Port Fairy.
Discover ancient volcanic land formations, wildlife, aboriginal culture. Guided walks with Worn Gundidji’s experienced team. Contact Information Centre for further details. |
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5 Gipps Street Port Fairy VIC
Fishing clinics, social functions and all your fishing advice |
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| | Mulloka Cruises | Adults $16, kids $8 |
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The Wharf Gipps Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: Phone to arrange cruise. Join Jane and crew for a fun, informative and scenic 30 minute bay cruise. Prices: Adults $16, kids $8. |
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| The waters around Port Fairy abound with many varities of fish, such as whiting, snapper, bream, salmon and brown trout. Ocean fishing trips and bay cruises opearate from the wharf. Remember you need a fishing licence. |
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At the Wharf Gipps Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: 7 days weather permitting
30 minute cruise scenic and informative. Fishing trips rods, reels and bait supplied. |
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Information about fishing along the Great Ocean Road.
List of best baits to use for each fish species.
Detailed information on the species of fish you might expect to catch in this area. |
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Woodbine Road Port Fairy VIC
Consistently ranked amongst the best 25 public access courses in Australia. Green fee players most welcome.
Pro Shop open 8am to 5.30pm |
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| | Winter In Port Fairy Festival |
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Starting Queens Birthday long weekend in June
A series of fun weekends held at various venues around town throughout the winter months. This is a great way to spend some of those wintery weelends with good music, great food and have a laugh with some very funny comedians. Take a step back in time on the History Weekend and explore Port Fairy’s many historic attractions.
Contact Visitor Information Centre |
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1st weekend in September
Ex-Libris is a celebration of literature inspired by the Welsh “bookshop” village of Hay on Wye. During the fair, Port Fairy will come alive with thousands of books for sale at the Community Centre and literary events happening at various venues around town. |
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| | Port Fairy Historic Centre |
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30 Gipps Street Port Fairy VIC
A wonderful collection of shipping relics, old photographs and displays relating to the history of the local region. |
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| Some Port Fairy beaches do allow dogs between 9am and 6pm daily for the period 1st December until 1st May. Please check the Visitor Information Centre for details. Dogs are never allowed onto Griffith Island. Owners must keep their dogs on a lead in the area bounded by Campbell, James, Regent and Williams Streets, King George Square and Martins Point. It is an offence not to carry a bag or clean up after your dog. |
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| | Wilma Preston Art Gallery |
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41 Regent Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: 7 days
Wilma is a realist artist whose works are displayed for sale or viewing at the sudio/gallery at the rear of 41 Regent Street. |
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Old School, Downs Road Codrington VIC
Open: Usually open but advisable to ring
Expose yourself to art and experience the passion that is the art of Kate Smith |
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| | Port Fairy Region Visitor Information Centre |
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Railway Place, Bank Street Port Fairy VIC 3284
Thinking of Visiting Port Fairy?
Contact us for up to date information. |
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| | Wishart Gallery & Expresso Bar |
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19 Sackville Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm and by request
Large contemporary art gallery specializing in works by leading Australian printmakers. Also painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewellery and textiles by established and emerging local and national artists. |
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| | Port Fairy Historical Society |
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30 Gipps Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 5pm and or by appointment |
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| | Port Fairy Spring Music Festival |
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Held Annually in October
Victoria’s premier regional festival in the area of classical and contemporary ensemble music featuring Australian and overseas artists in programs of national and international music. In addition to works by great composers, the program includes music theatre, jazz, comedy and dance, staged in historic venues of Port Fairy. More detail Visitor Information Centre |
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Labour Day Weekend
Approximately 40,000 people come to Port Fairy every March for this world famous independent music festival. The best musicians from around the globe perform at this 4 day festival of folk, country, blues, jazz, bluegrass, acoustic rock and world roots music. The festival transforms the town into a spirit of cultural celebration with the “Free Festival of the Streets” alongside the main concerts in the ticketed arena.
The festival has won 3 Australian Torism Awards in a row and the Hall of Fame Award. Demand for tickets and accommodation is huge (tickets sell out in 1 day) so contact the festival before October. |
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| | Carwick’s House of Antiques |
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Corner Commercial Rd & High Street Koroit VIC
Open: 11am to 5pm Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.Daily Christmas-Jan
Authentic antique furniture, decorative wares, jewellery, collectables |
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3/22 Banks Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
Feel welcome to browse through our shop filled with antiques, vintage clothing and accessories, collectable china, porcelain, etc. |
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| The area bounded by Regent, Gipps, Campbell and William Streets is an Alcohol Free Zone. Police ensure that this local law is observed. |
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Police 000 Campbell Street Port Fairy
Ambulance 000 or 133 009 for non emergency transport
Fire Brigade 000
SES Emergency 132 500
Hospital
Moyne Health Services Villiers Street Port Fairy Ph: 03 5568 0100
Medical Clinic Villiers Street Port Fairy Ph: 03 5568 1559
Pharmacy
Sackville Street Port Fairy Ph: 03 5568 1083
Vet
Ph: 03 5568 1855 |
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| | Other Festivals & Events Port Fairy & Districts include |
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January
Wooden Boat Festival.
The Great South West Pub Trail
February
Mortlake Buskers Festival.
Championship Sheep Dog Trials
Warrnambool Wunta Fiesta
Tarerer Festival
April
Koroit Irish Festival
May
Warrnambool Racing Carnival
June
Southern Right Whales Arrive
Warrnambool Fun for Kids Festival
November
Heritage Discovery Week
Port Fairy Show
The Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre will have current information on all festivals 1 month prior to each event |
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Trains run daily from Melbourne to Warrnambool with connecting coach services to Port Fairy.
Ring V-Line for up to date timetable Ph: 136196.
Warrnambool Buslines 03 5562 5748 |
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Trains run daily from Melbourne to Warrnambool with connecting coach service to Port Fairy. Just ring V-Line from anywhere in Victoria for an up to date timetable. There are also coach connections to and from Hamilton, Ballarat, Apollo Bay, Mount Gambier, Halls Gap and Ararat.
V-Line 13 61 96
Warrnambool Bus Lines 03 5562 5748
Port Fairy Bus Depot 03 5568 1355 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday
Port Fairy Taxi 0419 764 983 |
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Christmas Eve to Australia Day
The festival starts with a free BBQ, Santa and a sing-a-long on Christmas Eve. On New Years Eve the streets are lined with locals and visitors enjoying the vibrant colours and creativity of the old fashioned decorated float parade, followed by live music and spectacular fireworks display. Each day there are different events to suit all ages. |
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| | Time and Tide Beachfront Gallery |
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21 Thistle Place Port Fairy VIC
Open: 9.30 to 5pm (closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
Minutes from the heart of town. Experience great art |
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34 James Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: Thursday to Maonday 10.30am to 4pm or by appointment
Over 1000 dolls and toys from old to modern. Wheelchair access. |
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Population
Normal 2,500 Peak Periods 10,000 Folk Festival 40,000
Climate
Moderate climate with average temperatures
Summer 22 degrees Winter 14 degrees
Rainfall
Average Yearly 700mm |
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| | Eclectric Designs Glass Blowing Studio |
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62 Regent Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: Most afternoons 1pm to 5pm
Visit the working studio where Robert and Freya create colourful hand blown glass, lampworked beads, cast glass sculptures and enambled plates. Glass bead making workshops |
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| | Sou’West Collectables & Music |
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1164 Princes Highway Killarney VIC
Open: 10am to 5pm 7 days
New and secondhand instruments. Sheet music and accessories. Collectables, old wares and antiques. |
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| | Old Market Inn Art Studio |
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51 William Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: 1pm to 5pm most afternoons or by appointment
Well known local artist Kathryn Weatherly’s studio is a wonderful work and display space for her silk paintings and 2D work. Visitors welcome |
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39A Bank Street Port Fairy VIC
Open: 7 days
This colourful and contemporary gallery is home to 7 local artists. Glass, sculpture, painting, silk, jewellery and more. Call in and meet the artists. |
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