Live Like a Local in Port Fairy
Port Fairy isn’t just a holiday destination, it’s a way of life. Slow days, coastal adventures, community spirit, and long-standing traditions make this seaside town truly special. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a long summer break, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience Port Fairy the way locals do.
Moyneyana Festival – Summer Fun, Port Fairy Style
Each year, Port Fairy comes alive with the iconic Moyneyana Festival, a month-long celebration packed with events and activities for holidaymakers of all ages.
From outdoor movies and markets to guided walks, surf lessons, and sporting competitions, the festival brings the community together in true coastal holiday spirit.
Highlights of the Festival
New Year’s Eve Parade –
The heart of the festival — and a beloved Port Fairy tradition. Locals, clubs, and community groups create colourful floats (usually with a cheeky sense of humour!) and parade through town. The celebration continues with live music, family entertainment, and a spectacular midnight fireworks show that lights up the ocean sky.
The Famous Duck Derby
Watch hundreds of rubber ducks race down East Beach in a fun-filled competition that has everyone cheering.
Weekly Events & Activities
-Saturday markets
-Lions Club Art Show
-Surf lessons
-Outdoor movies
-Guided town and cemetery walks
-Golf competitions
-Cricket matches
-Family fun days at Belfast Aquatics
Port Fairy’s summer calendar is overflowing — and every event invites you to join in like a true local.
Get Out on the Water
Surfing & SUP Lessons – Go Surf
Catch a wave or learn a new skill with Go Surf, offering surfing lessons and stand-up paddle boarding at beautiful East Beach.
W: gosurf.com.au
Fishing Charters
Head out on the water with Salty Dog Charters for the ultimate fishing adventure in some of Victoria’s best marine environments.
W: saltydogcharters.com.au
Mulloka Boat Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing 30-minute cruise around the Port Fairy Bay — a great family activity and a relaxing way to take in the scenery.
Weekend Market Culture
Experience Port Fairy’s vibrant community spirit at the Summer Markets, held every Saturday at Railway Place. Explore stalls filled with fresh local produce, handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delicious treats.
W: portfairycommunityhouse.com.au/community-market/
History & Culture
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape – World Heritage Listed
Just a short drive away, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Budj Bim offers a deep dive into thousands of years of Gunditjmara cultural heritage. Discover ancient aquaculture systems, lava flows, and guided cultural experiences.
W: budjbim.com.au
Taste the Region
The Port Fairy region is home to exceptional cool-climate wines, craft brews, and fantastic local produce.
Suffoir Wines – winery, brewery & distillery in Macarthur
W: suffoirwines.com.au
Basalt Wines – biodynamic wines overlooking Tower Hill
W: basaltwines.com.au
Noodledoof Brewery & Distillery (Koroit – 10 minutes away)
W: noodledoof.com
Hit the Green
Bring your clubs and tee off at the stunning Port Fairy Golf Course — regularly named one of Australia’s best public access courses.
W: portfairygolf.com.au
Live Local, Explore Local
From fireworks and festivals to surf lessons, wineries, wildlife, markets, and coastal adventures — Port Fairy offers endless ways to live the good life, just like the locals do.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, you’ll always discover something new in this charming seaside town.
