A long weekend escape is an ideal way to relax and recharge.
Even though there are public holidays scattered throughout the year, don’t stress out waiting for them, you can craft your own three-day getaway any time you like. Doing this has the bonus of avoiding holiday traffic and crowded caravan parks, leaving space to hang out and visit one of Victoria’s most beautiful historic coastal towns in peace.
There is so much to do in Port Fairy, making it the ideal place for an extended weekend break. Mix it up with these amazing Port Fairy gems for eating, playing and staying.
Where to eat in Port Fairy
Nothing beats a pizza bistro and Alexo Pizza & Bistro in Port Fairy is hands down fantastic for its pizzas and family-friendly dishes. They combine delicious Italian-style pizzas with authentic Asian dishes made with house-made sauces and fresh, regional ingredients. This pleasant and popular restaurant has a relaxed, jovial vibe that even gets patrons up and dancing.
https://www.alexopizzabistro.com/
With friendly staff, fresh ingredients and a menu full of flavour, the Lemongrass Thai Port Fairy is the place to go for an authentic Thai dining experience. Try their spicy roasted duck curry, lemongrass prawns, Tom Yum soup, satay stir fry or any of their delicious dishes on the menu. This busy and affordable restaurant is a great foodies option that sees many return the next night for more.
https://lemongrassthaipf.wixsite.com/main/home
Described by many as world-class with excellent food, service and atmosphere Conlan’s Wine Store is a stylish Australian wine bar and restaurant for lovers of fine wine and superb dining. This historical gem in the heart of Port Fairy houses a large array of local and imported wines, spirits and beers in their gorgeous wine room for you to browse. The mix of modern, warm, cosy, and rustic ambience makes Conlan’s Wine Store a perfect evening outing in Port Fairy.
https://www.conlanswinestore.com.au/
For a high tea with stunning beachfront ocean views just on the outskirts of Port Fairy, it’s a must to visit Time and Tide High Tea. Experience the tradition of high tea in this magical setting amongst the charming decor and cosy atmosphere. The staff are welcoming and the food is delicious. There is sparking rosé and loose-leaf tea or espresso coffee to sip while nibbling on an indulgent selection of sweet and savoury goodies made fresh from their kitchen. Not to mention the scones are to die for!
https://www.timeandtidehightea.com/
What to do in Port Fairy
Relax and be pampered at the Port Fairy Day Spa. Experience the peaceful ambience of total indulgence and bliss as every treatment is customized to suit each client as part of their holistic approach to beauty and health. There is nothing more nurturing than a hot stone massage, botanical facial, scalp massage or detox sauna by the coast while on a long weekend away from it all. There is yummy cake and tea, and boutique shopping too.
https://portfairydayspa.com.au/
The Port Fairy Golf Club is a popular golfing destination with a classic 18-hole course that winds its way through picturesque greens, fairways and sand dunes with spectacular views of the ocean. The club house overlooks the course and offers the perfect spot for a refreshment after a day of playing your best golfing game.
https://www.portfairygolf.com.au/
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve is a beautiful part of our Aboriginal cultural landscape and is only 14km from Port Fairy. Some of Australia’s iconic wildlife – emus, kangaroos, koalas, swans, ducks and blue wrens – live inside this magnificent dormant volcano near the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy the wondrous walking tracks across wetlands, craters and bushland and stay for a picnic lunch or BBQ. Visit the Tower Hill Visitor Centre and uncover Victoria’s largest dormant volcano!
One of the iconic sights in Port Fairy is the lighthouse on Griffiths Island. A stone’s throw from the town centre, Griffiths Island is a stunning walk full of native wildlife and migrating birds like the mutton bird and short tailed shearwaters. The Lighthouse was built in 1859 by Scottish stonemasons out of bluestone and is still fully operational. Keep walking around the island to the various viewing platforms and enjoy this natural coastal oasis.
https://lighthouses.org.au/vic/griffiths-island-lighthouse/
Where to stay in Port Fairy
Camp with the best view of the Moyne River! Idyllically located by East Beach on the banks of the Moyne River, Gardens Caravan Park is a popular place to stay for anyone planning their long weekend escape. There’s accommodation options for groups, singles, couples and the whole family all within walking distance of the town centre.
Caravan and campsites – If you love camping in the outdoors and fresh ocean air there is a range of large grassy powered and unpowered campsites to choose from. Ask our friendly staff about picking a site that is right for you. Then all you need to do is arrive, unpack, set up and relax!
https://www.gardenscaravanpark.com.au/caravan-and-camping/
Cabins – If you enjoy the comfort and convenience of a cabin, Gardens Caravan Park offers standard and deluxe cabins. The cabins can sleep between 5 and 6 people, and are self-contained with a dining table, chairs and private bathroom. They provide the perfect getaway for when you don’t want to pack too much but still love the camping vibe.
https://www.gardenscaravanpark.com.au/cabins/
Glamping – If you want to treat yourself to something special then you have to experience glamping at Port Fairy’s Gardens Caravan Park. This is luxury camping alongside the picturesque Moyne River with your bed, quality linen, rugs, cushions, bedside tables, lights, lamps and decorations all beautifully provided. Settle into sleep under the stars and wake up to the sunrise with interrupted views across the water. It is the ultimate in glamour camping.
https://www.gardenscaravanpark.com.au/port-fairy-glamping/
After you choose where to camp, enjoy your relaxing long weekend getaway and forget about the busy pace of life. Savour the serenity and wonderful lifestyle Port Fairy and the Gardens Caravan Park has to offer. The restaurants, local businesses and region welcomes long weekenders with open arms!
