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PORT FAIRY: IT'S ALL YOU NEED FOR A GIRLS' WEEKEND

by BETH GIBSON

Port Fairy is THE BEST location for a girls’ weekend.

The historic town has everything a girl loves: chocolate, food, coffee and wine, clothing stores and clothes and gift shopping.

There are day spas for pampering and beaches where you can take time out from giggles and champagne, or catch up with a friend.

There's lots of accommodation options for groups, some places comfortably sleeping up to 16 people!

To help with your planning, I’ve pulled together a 4-day itinerary for the best ever girls’ weekend in Port Fairy:

Day 1 – Arrive & Unwind

Whether you’ve arrived from Horsham, Ballarat or Melbourne (or even further!)- you’ll want to ditch your bags and relax straight after your trip.

Kick off your shoes, choose your room (remember the pregnant friend always gets the biggest bed!), open some chocolate and relaaaaax!

Then, as a gentle introduction to Port Fairy, here’s what I’d suggest you do:

Lunch/Afternoon Tea

To kick start the weekend’s proceedings, head to the charming and eclectic Rebecca’s Café & Ice creamery in Sackville Street, where you’ll also find take-home buckets of the best yo-yos this end of the Great Ocean Road.

Beach stroll

Park at Eastern Beach and take a gentle stroll. If it’s winter, you’ll likely have the beach to yourself - and look out for Southern Right Whales!

If some of you are keen to roam a bit further, the Griffiths Island walk is on the fringe of town, so just park and start! This return walk takes about an hour and showcases the diversity of the coastal environment at every turn. It even has a lighthouse where you can take some amazing group photos.

Dinner options

The Wharf at Port Fairy restaurant is right on the Moyne River at the historic wharf precinct. The Modern Australian menu is easy to navigate and the surroundings are conducive to a good old group catch up. The food is fresh; they have cocktails and, there’s a stunning sunset to boot.

Day 2 – Pamper Day

Eat out for breakfast

After a delightful sleep in (without the interruption of children!), it’s time to head down to the heart of Port Fairy for a delicious breakfast at Bank Street + Coand to linger over a coffee (or two).

Schedule a spa or reiki

Book some time at the Port Fairy Day Spa.

A must-do on any girls’ weekend, the treatment menu will make you feel good, feel even more beautiful, and so very relaxed.

If you’d like to take self-care a step further, book a session with Reiki practitioner, Michael Davey.

Dinner in your PJs

It’s unlikely anyone will feel like venturing out after a relaxing day of body treatments, so I’d suggest getting takeaway and chilling out in your PJs with a glass of local wine.

Day 3 – Shopping Day

One of the best things about Port Fairy is the cafes and shops are all located in our vibrant, intimate town centre. You can have a solid day of shopping without the blisters.

Start with breakfast at Driftwood Coffee & Eatery (slightly restrain yourself as you’ll have having high tea, later!) before you start walking our lovely, historic streets to buy yourself a treat (or two)!

Don’t miss:

Tour on a Tuk Tuk

For some great fun, contact the guys at Eco Tuk Tuk’s for a whirl around town! The comfortable 6 seat electric Tuk Tuk’s will take you to spots like the surf beach, basalt rock pools and the town’s historic buildings. You’ll get some very funny selfies.

Afternoon tea

Brace yourself for the most decadent, wonderful and amazing afternoon tea you could dream of!

Just a few minutes out of town is the Time and Tide Tearoom. The luxurious cafe ooze 1920s European glamour and the private lagoon views are exquisite (you may spot a curious dolphin or even a whale over your tea cup). Indulge in champagne and towering assortments of savories and cakes, all made on the premises.

It’s safe to say, you won’t want dinner that night.

Day 4 – Purchase some local art

Before you head home, why not browse, or perhaps buy a piece of local art to remember your special weekend away with friends in Port Fairy?

After a coffee heart starter and yummy slice at Village Bakehouse visit:

- Eclectic Design Glass Blowing Studio

- Jan’s Fine Glass

- Whalebone Gallery

- Blarney Books and Art

- Bay of Whales Gallery and Coffee Shop

Final need-to-knows:

- Check out events that will be on during your visit

- Call Port Fairy Taxis and Tours if you need a ride