The best walks you can go on in Port Fairy without using your car

Ditch the keys and discover Port Fairy on foot. While Western Victoria boasts countless beautiful landscapes, it's easy to get distracted by destinations further afield and overlook the treasures right here in Port Fairy.

From sandy shorelines and historic architecture to rare wildlife, some of the region's best experiences are accessible via walking trails that start right in town.

We've rounded up some of our favourite car-free adventures, so lace your shoes up — we're going walking.

And if we’ve missed something, let us know! Email [email protected]

Griffiths Island Circuit

This is an easy one: the must-do car-free Port Fairy walk is the Griffiths Island Circuit. This accessible 2.9km loop takes just 34 minutes with minimal elevation, alternating between established tracks and sandy paths. The island offers more than just scenic beauty — with stunning coastal views, swaying native grasses, and the famous red and white lighthouse — it’s also home to a rich history. 

Formed approximately 300,000-400,000 years ago by lava flows from Mount Rouse, the island was originally known as Moleen by the Gunditjmara people before later serving as a whaling station base. One of its most notable features is the large breeding colony of Short-tailed Shearwaters (also called mutton birds), which visitors can see in all their glory as they come home to roost at dusk. Keep in mind that their habitat is delicate, so your dog’s going to have to sit this one out.

Historic Town Walks

You don't have to abandon Town and venture into Wilderness to get a good walk in. If you stop by Port Fairy's Visitor Center, you can pick up a guide that will lead you to all the most interesting destinations around town — 30 historic spots ranging from Gobles Flour Mill from 1864 to Merrijig, Victoria's oldest inn. The full guides at the visitor's centre are available to purchase, but the locations are listed on their website if you prefer to create your own route using Google Maps.

East Beach Walk

Port Fairy's East Beach is full of gorgeous spots that deserve exploration — so why not visit all of them on this 10km out-and-back walk along the water? The simply stunning coastline curves from Reef Point in the east to the North Mole (harbour entrance wall) in the south. Follow the bay right around to the other end where you'll reach a rocky headland in front of the golf course. Make a pit stop at Charlie’s on East along the way to grab fish and chips or a homestyle cake while you watch the waves.

Mahogany Trail

Are you tired of beach walking yet? No? Okay sicko, keep on strolling for the next 5-8 hours because we're doing the 22km Mahogany Trail — named after the legendary shipwreck of an alleged 16th-century Portuguese vessel that hit these sands centuries ago. 

The first section overlaps with the East Beach Walk, but instead of turning around at the golf course, you keep walking towards Killarney Beach's shoreline, and then to Thunder Point's dramatic coastal formations in Warrnambool. It's not exactly difficult but oh boy is it long, but the rewards are plentiful: enormous sand dunes that command the landscape, empty beaches where you can take in the scenery, and fascinating lava reefs formed by ancient volcanic activity.  

Port Fairy to Warrnambool Rail Trail

For all the mega-walkers out there, there's another trail to Warrnambool. This one's even longer, running 37.5km — open to walkers, runners, and bikers alike. The rail trail connects Port Fairy on an upward slope to Koroit, then down to Illowa, Kelly’s Swamp wetlands, and the Merri River before reaching the Warrnambool Breakwater. 

You'll also have an opportunity to explore the 30,000-year-old volcano and bountiful wildlife through a quick detour in Tower Hill, as well as discover the charm of each historic town along the way. If you're too tired for the return journey, buses run between Warrnambool and Port Fairy, though be sure to check the schedule for times. Or — if you’ve still got more in you, check out our favourite walks you can do sans car in Warrnambool. 

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