Be in your Grounded Element
Slow down, sip local, and step into the stories of the land beyond the coast.
Discover another side to Port Fairy - stay and explore on days out in the countryside, discovering artisan tipples, and connect with the land on a cultural tour. Slip on the RMs and soak up the relaxed charm.
DAY 1: Melbourne to Port Fairy via Princes Highway
Travel west from Melbourne along the Princes Highway to Port Fairy, one of Victoria’s most charming and well-preserved coastal towns. Known for its historic stone cottages, working fishing port and creative community, Port Fairy offers plenty to explore.
Arrive in Port Fairy
Start with a wander through the town’s boutique stores and galleries. You’ll find locally made art, jewellery, homewares and clothing. The relaxed main street and friendly shop owners make this an enjoyable way to ease into the trip.
Stop for lunch at The Stump, Victoria’s oldest licensed hotel, where seasonal produce and local wines feature on the menu.
Southcombe Deluxe Villas will be your home base in Port Fairy. These comfortable, self-contained villas are well located for exploring both the town and its surrounding attractions.
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The Stump Port Fairy
41 Bank Street, Port Fairy
An afternoon exploring
In the afternoon, drive a short distance to Suffoir Winery, Brewery and Distillery in nearby Macarthur. Enjoy a tasting or a glass in the peaceful garden setting.
Later, visit Budj Bim National Park. A walk to Lake Surprise, set within a volcanic crater, or the Cantilever Lookout offers views over the ancient lava landscape and a sense of the region’s geological history.
Return to Port Fairy for dinner at Merrijig Kitchen, a long-standing favourite known for its thoughtful seasonal menu, local produce and welcoming atmosphere.
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Suffoir Winery, Brewery and Distillery
144 Mount Eccles Road, MacArthur
DAY 2: Abalone, Ancient Culture and Coastal Views
Visit an abalone farm
Begin the day with a visit to Ocean Road Abalone where abalone is sustainably farmed on site. This behind-the-scenes tour offers a rare chance to see how abalone are carefully raised in tanks using fresh, filtered seawater drawn from the Southern Ocean. Learn about the process from hatchery to harvest
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Ocean Road Abalone
2891 Princes Hwy, Port Fairy
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
Next, head to the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant Indigenous cultural sites in Australia. Guided tours reveal the remarkable aquaculture system built by the Gunditjmara people more than 6,000 years ago, where stone eel traps, channels and weirs were constructed to farm and manage eels for food and trade. Walking these lava flow landscapes offers insight into one of the oldest known examples of sustainable farming and settled community life in the world.
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Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
Breakaway Creek, Victoria
Relax for the evening
Return to Port Fairy in the late afternoon. If time allows, take a gentle walk along the wharf precinct or make the short trip to Griffiths Island Lighthouse, a favourite sunset spot for its sweeping views over the Southern Ocean and the chance to see shearwaters returning to their nests.
Dinner tonight is at Sidro at The Oak & Anchor Hotel, where local produce is paired with Mediterranean flavours in a casual, welcoming space.
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Griffiths Island Lighthouse
Port Fairy
DAY 3: Rail Trails, Craft Drinks and Volcanic Landscapes
Visit the neighbours
This morning, explore part of the Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail, a gentle path that winds through farmland, wetlands and bushland. Walk or cycle a section of the trail to enjoy the countryside at a slower pace.
Next, head inland to Koroit for lunch and a tasting paddle at Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co. This small-batch brewery and distillery is known for its craft beers, gins and relaxed, welcoming vibe.
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Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co
128 Commercial Road, Koroit
Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
In the afternoon, visit Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, an extinct volcanic crater now home to kangaroos, emus and native birds. Walking trails here offer close encounters with local wildlife and views across the crater’s unique landscape.
On the way back to Port Fairy, stop at Basalt Wines, a coastal vineyard producing cool-climate varietals including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Enjoy a tasting or a glass overlooking the vines and distant ocean views.
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Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
105 Lake View Rd, Tower Hill
DAY 4: Return Home via Warrnambool and the 12 Apostles
Hot springs and coastal delights
On your way home, stop at the Deep Blue Hot Springs in Warrnambool for a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich geothermal pools—perfect after a few days of exploring.
Continue to Childers Cove, a quieter coastal spot known for its dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches. It’s less crowded than the Great Ocean Road’s more famous stops but just as impressive.
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Childers Cove
608 Childers Cove Rd, Mepunga
A gallery and an icon
Nearby is Nirranda Arts Studio, a small studio and gallery showcasing works by a local artist.
Finish your journey at the iconic 12 Apostles. These towering limestone stacks are one of Australia’s most recognisable natural landmarks and a fitting final stop before heading home.
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Nirranda Arts Studio
3255 Great Ocean Road, Nirranda
