The Colonial Charm of Port Fairy

The wonders of the Great Ocean Road are well documented. Ocean views and amazing limestone structures share a dramatic beauty that makes each kilometre of the infamous drive memorable and special. And when you near the end of the drive and begin to feel that perhaps the best moments are behind you, then prepare yourself for one last surprise- Port Fairy, the cherry on the cake of the Great Ocean Road. One of the oldest ports in Victoria, the history and the old world allure of this quaint coastal village is captivating and enchanting, and its peaceful beaches and quiet, wide streets make a fitting and relaxing end to your Great Ocean Road experience.

Built where the serenely flowing Moyne River enters the sea, the town was initially a base for whalers who used the river as a safe place to moor, and nowadays a lot of the towns attraction lies in its whaling history. Whales themselves are an attraction in the winter months, with many tourists flocking to Port Fairy in the hope of viewing these magnificent creatures surfacing off the mainland with their young. Nearby Logans Beach is renowned as one of the best land based viewing spots in Australia, and special viewing platforms and boardwalks have been erected. Many visitors to the town stay in ancient whalers cottages, which give people a real feel for the towns history.

Port Fairy has retained its colonial charm through the preservation of the architecture from that period, and there is a wealth of intriguing old buildings that can be visited in and around the town. Large Georgian style merchants homes are built sporadically around the town, interspersed with smaller, cosy whalers and sealers cottages with thick stone walls. Fifty of the towns buildings are classified by the National Trust and available for public viewing, and there are also many art galleries and studios around Port Fairy, in keeping with its reputation as a stronghold in the arts and crafts industry. This makes for some fascinating walks around the town, in fact walking is the only way to see Port Fairy. In a car you miss out on the important details that give an old town like this its character.

The peaceful aura of the town is heightened by its tranquil beaches, which are perfect for swimming, learning to surf or just relaxing on the white sand. Killarney Beach is a popular choice and is also frequented by fishermen keen to pull their dinner from the surf. Fishing is one of the main incomes here, next to tourism, so the restaurants and cafes are always supplied with fresh seafood. So if you're not a fan of trying to catch your own dinner, relax in the picturesque surrounds of the waterfront and sample the haul of the fishing boats coming in from sea.

Port Fairy is situated on the treacherous Shipwreck Coast, which is said to have laid waste to over 700 ships in years gone by. These have become an attraction in themselves, and there are many in the waters nearby that are popular amongst scuba divers. Most notable is the 'Thistle', which sank off Port Fairy's East Beach in 1849 and now lies in two metres of water, making it accessible to divers and snorkellers. There is also a walk of about two kilometres that runs from the town and takes in the wrecks of four ships that ran aground during the nineteenth century. About twelve kilometres from the town are the Crags, which make up a rugged stretch of coastline consisting of harsh rocky outcrops. Similar to many of the features along the Great Ocean Road, these contrast with Port Fairy's serene beaches and help justify the presence of all the shipwrecks in the area. The beautiful panoramic views offered by the Crags make them worthy of a visit.

If it is not whale season and you still fancy getting close to some marine life, then you should consider getting a charter to Lady Julia Percy Island. Nine kilometres off the coast, this island of volcanic rock is home to more than 20 000 Australian fur seals that have taken up residence along its rocky beaches and in its many caves. The island is a nature reserve, so you are not allowed to land on it, but you are able to get up close to the seals by boat. Great white sharks frequent the area and feed on the seals, so if luck is on your side you may run into one of these magnificent creatures.

A good holiday is always built around a plan, and the best way to plan your stay in Port Fairy is to visit www.portfairyaccommodation.com
to organise where you are going to stay and what you are going to see. This simple and easy to use website lists the details and information of all the accommodation options in Port Fairy, and provides important information on tourism operators and sites to see in the region.

If you are planning a trip to this area, you may want to make it coincide with the Port Fairy Folk Festival, a four day event taking place on the Labour Day weekend in March each year. Growing in stature from humble beginnings, local and international acts play here and it attracts visitors from all over the world. Remember to get in on your accommodation bookings early though!

Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Car Hire in Victoria