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When you think of some of the most beautiful towns on Earth, it’s not hard to immediately conjure imagery of fairytale spots like Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland and Praiano in Italy, or even the laidback beach hamlet of Noosa in Queensland.
For me, the first place that comes to mind is Port Fairy – a charming fishing village about three-and-a-half hours from Melbourne, and the final stop along Victoria’s famed Great Ocean Road. Home to towering Norfolk pine trees, a buzzing food and arts scene, and a postcard-perfect red and white lighthouse, it’s everything you could want from a dreamy, underrated coastal destination.
And apparently, I’m not the only one who agrees. Condé Nast Traveler just named Port Fairy one of the 20 most beautiful towns on Earth. Featured alongside the aforementioned Lauterbrunnen and Praiano, as well as gorgeous locations in Japan, Ecuador, Indonesia and Slovenia, Port Fairy is the only Aussie inclusion on the global list.
According to the round-up, which is all about making a case for the sleepy, quiet towns that are still equally worth a visit when on holiday, Port Fairy is worth lingering in for a while to soak up the rugged beachside scenery and check out the antique shops and historic 19th-century cottages.
I’ve been coming to Port Fairy regularly since I was a child, with my family making the annual pilgrimage every Labour Day long weekend to attend the Port Fairy Folk Festival (affectionately known as ‘the Folkie’). Some of my fondest memories are of boogie boarding at East Beach, eating fish and chips at the wharf and watching street performers attempt all sorts of death-defying stunts along Sackville Street.
While the Folkie is undoubtedly a major drawcard – 2027 marks 50 years of the beloved event, with the line-up featuring John Butler, The Waifs, Mia Dyson and Sixpence None the Richer – I recently returned for a late-summer weekend getaway, and was once again reminded just what a special place Port Fairy is.
Sure, it’s a little further to drive than tourist hotspots like Anglesea, Lorne and Apollo Bay, but the scenic journey passes all the must-see spots along the Great Ocean Road and Shipwreck Coast – think the 12 Apostles, Otway National Park and Loch Ard Gorge. And if you’re visiting between May and October, it’s a whale-watching haven (Logan’s Beach in nearby Warrnambool is actually considered one of the most reliable land-based viewing locations in the country).
The township itself is dotted with boutique shops, art galleries, cute cafés and even an old-school lolly shop. There’s a rich maritime history to discover, with more than 60 buildings (including whitewashed seafarer’s cottages and stately properties) classified by the National Trust. And the picturesque wharf area is still considered one of Victoria’s busiest fishing ports – expect to see everything from squid to crayfish being hauled off the boats.
Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to keep them busy. Go for a dip at the beach, walk the Griffiths Island loop trail that skirts the fully functional lighthouse (keep your eyes peeled for swamp wallabies and short-tailed shearwaters) or venture out to Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As far as local pubs go, Port Fairy has a cracker: the Stump. Established in 1844, it’s the oldest continuously licensed pub in Victoria, and serves up epic meals and live music on weekends.
Like Condé Nast Traveler, I also recommend staying at Drift House. Run by locals Colleen Guiney and John Watkinson (who opened the property in 2013), it’s an exclusive boutique hotel that’s committed to sustainability and supporting the community. It boasts just six luxuriously designed suites, where modern, bespoke elements are seamlessly blended with original features like timber beams and stonework. Be sure to dine at on-site restaurant, the Salon, where there’s an emphasis on championing as much local and home-grown produce as possible.
If a trip to one of the most beautiful towns on Earth sounds like your idea of holiday heaven, Port Fairy is for you. Just don’t be surprised if you fall under its spell and find yourself returning again and again…
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