8 REASONS TO WAKE UP TO PORT FAIRY

So you’ve landed in the charming seaside village of Port Fairy the perfect place to base yourself and explore. Port Fairy and surrounds has many natural attractions. Here are The top 8 places you must see for yourself - from a local!

1.Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve 

Declared Victoria's first National Park in 1892, Tower Hill is the ideal place to experience the Australian bush, enjoy magnificent scenery and landscapes while getting up close and personal with some of Australia's most iconic native birds and animals including emus, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and seasonal reptiles. Tip: Book a guided tour! Take a 90 minute tour with a local guide giving you an exclusive opportunity to discover the natural habitat of some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Gain plants for food and medicinal purposes and even learn how to throw a boomerang!

2. The Crags 

A short drive west of Port Fairy you will find The Crags. Crags is a wild and scenic section of the coastline with calcified tree roots, jagged outcrops and panoramic views along the coast. The rocky cliffs protect small bays and are rich in wildlife including significant Silver Gull breeding site on the eastern most island. You can view the whole reserve from the lookout including Lady Julia Percy Island offshore. Tip: Its worth getting up early to make it for sunrise!

3. Griffiths Island 

A natural oasis almost in the heart of the town, Griffiths Island supports a number of native animals including a small mob of swamp wallabies. It is also the site of one of Australia's most accessible breeding colonies of short tailed shearwaters or mutton-birds.  Tip: Griffiths Island is very popular for bird watching from September through to April.

4. Catch the End of Whale Watching Season

Whales can be seen in increasing numbers off the beaches in Port Fairy each year from June to October. The most commonly seen is the Southern Right Whale which comes into the area to mate and calve. TIP: Sign up to the Great Ocean Road Whale blog to be informed on all the latest sightings.

5. Beaches, Beaches and More Beaches! 

You cant go to a seaside village without exploring its beaches and you’re in luck Port Fairy has a beach to suit everyone whether it’s surfing, swimming, fishing or simply exploring rock pools. Click here to learn more!

6. Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim National park is a one hour drive from Port fairy.  Featuring several walking tracks, a camping area and excellent picnic facilities. The geological features include Lake Surprise, a beautiful crater lake, lava canals, a natural bridge, lava blisters, collapsed lava tunnels and lava cave. Tip: Pack a picnic lunch and take a torch for exploring. 

7. Hopkins Falls 

The Hopkins River meanders through the Moyne Shire until it reaches Wangoom where it plunges down a rocky escarpment before making its way to the sea at Warrnambool. A viewing platform offers fantastic viewing and photo opportunities. There are picnic facilities in the reserve. Tip: The best times for viewing the falls are winter and spring when rainfall is at its peak.

8. Port Fairy Botanic Gardens 

Established in 1859, Port Fairy’s Botanic Gardens were once described as “the handsomest of any provincial town”.  Still picturesque it’s the perfect place to take your favourite book!