8 of the best Port Fairy cafes to add to your list

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
hero media
From a casual beachfront cafe with cracking ocean views to a specialty roastery known for cranking out top-notch coffee, there’s a strong selection of Port Fairy cafes to choose from on your next visit.

When travelling on the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy’s unique combo of heritage buildings and incredible food and wine options make it a must-visit town. Whether you’re after a veggie-packed brunch, quick coffee pitstop or a classic burger and shake combo, there are plenty of Port Fairy cafes to choose from.

1. Port Fairy Coffee Roasters

This speciality coffee roaster  and retail store does a roaring trade all year long. Stop by for a takeaway latte, smoothie or cold pressed juice, or drop into the shop to grab a fresh salad or loaf of sourdough for later.

the exterior of Port Fairy Coffee Roasters
Stop by for a takeaway latte at Port Fairy Coffee Roasters.

If you love a dark roast, be sure to buy a bag of the Dead Man’s blend beans to take a little slice of Port Fairy goodness home with you.

roasting coffee beans at Port Fairy Coffee Roasters
Grab some takeaway beans at this specialty coffee roaster.

Address: 59a Bank St, Port Fairy

2. Bank Street + Co

The well-travelled owners of this popular corner cafe bring influences from around the globe to the menu of Bank Street + Co . You’ll see hints of Greek, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine shine through in the dishes, whether it’s a Turkish bread toastie or seafood linguine. Open (early) for breakfast and lunch, this superb cafe doesn’t take bookings, so you’ll have to try your luck for a table. If you’re an early riser, you’ll be pleased to know that this place opens at 6:30am for all your caffeine and brekkie needs.

a plate of food with coffee at Bank Street + Co
Bank Street + Co. serves up Greek, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 28 Bank St, Port Fairy

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

3. The Farmers Wife Harvest Cafe

Whether you’re after smashed avo on sourdough for breakfast, a filling panini for lunch, or a rich, chocolate brownie with a cup of Earl Grey tea in the afternoon, head to this comfy cafe tucked down an alley (look for the blackboard on the main street). In summer the courtyard is an especially great spot to bask in the sunshine while enjoying brunch or lunch.

coffee and pastries at The Farmers Wife Harvest Cafe
Head to The Farmers Wife Harvest Cafe for breakfast.

Address: 47 Sackville St, Port Fairy

4. The Mill

Open for breakfast, lunch and takeaway, this busy little cafe’s indoor and outdoor seating makes it a top option all year round. During summer, sit out the front and enjoy a chicken burger and milkshake in the sun. During winter, bunker down inside with a warming hot chocolate. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu options make The Mill a winner for visitors with dietary requirements too.

Address: 42 Sackville St, Port Fairy

5. Home Grown

If you’re after a nourishing yet delicious feed, make a beeline for Home Grown . As a cafe that champions local, organic and homegrown produce, you’ll find plenty of healthy options here. For breakfast, you can’t go past Greens Galore, a poached egg dish topped with a generous serving of sauteed greens, smashed peas, Meredith feta and pepitas.

a close-up shot of food at Home Grown cafe, Port Fairy
Home Grown cafe champions local, organic and homegrown produce. (Image: Gunilla Forbes)

Fairtrade coffee, organic tea, chai, protein smoothies, fruit lassis, babyccinos and puppyccinos made with lactose-free milk means everyone in the family (including your four-legged friends) can enjoy a pitstop here.

a close-up shot of food at Home Grown cafe, Port Fairy
Opt for a nourishing yet delicious feed at Home Grown cafe. (Image: Gunilla Forbes)

Address: 2/32 Bank St, Port Fairy  

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

6. Rebecaa’s Cafe and Ice Creamery

It’s all about the sweet stuff at Rebecca’s Cafe . During summer, the freshly churned fruit sorbets fly out the door, while the house-baked biscuits, cakes and slices are popular all year round. Stop by to grab a takeaway coffee and slice of cake to enjoy on the road or pop in for an ice cream cone after a day at the beach. Looking for some gifts? Buy jars of mini Yo-Yo biscuits or slabs of rocky road for friends and family back home.

Address: 70/72 Sackville St, Port Fairy

7. Gregory’s Cafe Restaurant

Open for both lunch and dinner on the weekends, Gregory’s  straddles the line between cafe and restaurant. Whether you want a light lunch of toasted paninis or something more substantial like lamb shanks with mashed potato and gravy, Gregory’s Cafe Restaurant can do both! Bookings recommended.

a food plate at Gregory’s Cafe Restaurant, Port Fairy
Gregory’s is perfect for brekkie, lunch or dinner.

Address: 1/32 Bank St, Port Fairy

8. Charlie’s On East

This casual, kid-friendly spot right on the beach is perfect for a no-fuss post-swim brekkie, lunch, coffee or snack. No need to dress up here – just rock up in your flip-flops and boardshorts and perch yourself at a table out the front. Spending a leisurely morning enjoying a coffee and a plate of Eggs Benedict with ocean views is the rare type of simple pleasure this no-frills cafe gets right.

Address: 4 Hughes Ave, Port Fairy 

Now read our guide to the best restaurants in Port Fairy.

Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
View profile and articles
Port Fairy accommodation
Port Fairy

Your guide to the best Port Fairy accommodation

Charming inns, bell tent glamping, stylish holiday homes, heritage pub stays and cruisy caravan parks, there’s a wealth of Port Fairy accommodation options to choose from.

Read more
the lighthouse on Griffiths Island
Port Fairy

8 of the best things to do in Port Fairy

From joining a kayaking tour to pedalling along a historic rail trail and swooning over a cute, heritage lighthouse, there are plenty of things to do in Port Fairy.

Read more
Port Fairy restaurants
Port Fairy

8 of the best Port Fairy restaurants to visit on your next trip

From a lively pizza joint with a big personality to a classic pub with a long and storied history, there are plenty of Port Fairy restaurants to choose from on your next trip along the Great Ocean Road.

Read more
surfing in Port Fairy
Port Fairy

Top Towns for 2022: The top things to see and do in Port Fairy

Maritime history meets coastal cool at the old sealing and whaling village of Port Fairy, writes Jo Stewart. Discover why Port Fairy landed at no.6 on your list of Top 50 Aussie Towns list.

Read more
hero media

8 iconic ways to experience the Murray

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    Continue
    No matter your interests, you’re bound to find a unique and utterly memorable experience along the mighty Murray River.

    Along the Murray River lies a network of towns that are at once intertwined and wildly diverse. Linked by the legendary waterway yet strikingly distinct, each has its own personality, pace and collection of experiences you won’t soon forget.

    1. On the river

    fishermen on Lake Mulwala
    Get out onto the pretty Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

    A visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt on the iconic river. If you’re something of an adventurer, Lake Mulwala – an inlet on the Murray – is perennially popular for all kinds of watersports. Glide among ghost gums on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, or pick up the pace by waterskiing or windsurfing.

    For a more relaxed (but no less immersive) river experience, hop on board one of the famed paddle steamers. Departing from Echuca Moama, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga Mulwala, these historic boats provide a nostalgic view of the Murray.

    2. First Nations culture

    Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, murray river
    Wander the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    The river is a meeting place of ancient cultures, home to over 50 First Nations clans and an integral part of their communities, storytelling and way of life.

    To learn more about the Traditional Owners, take yourself on a guided stroll through the Wagirra Trail. Situated in Albury/Wiradjuri country, the trail passes through red gum forest, riverside wetlands and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    Alternatively, visit the Dharnya Centre in the heart of Barmah National Park on Yorta Yorta country. The centre tells the history and stories of the Yorta Yorta people, offering guided walking tours and cruises.

    3. Delicious eats

    the Mildura Boat House
    Savour a relaxed riverside meal at Mildura Boat House.

    For a representative taste of the Murray’s epicurean highlights, a few destinations are well worth your time (and appetite).

    Opa in Echuca is a local staple, serving up authentic and bold Greek dishes in lively surrounds. Greek not your thing? The twin towns of Echuca Moama have numerous top-notch drinking and dining spots to choose from and an ever-evolving food scene.

    In Albury, the River Deck Cafe is perched right on the river, delivering scenic vistas and a vibrant daytime menu. Expect lemon meringue waffles or Green Goddess smashed avo for breakfast, or a zippy duck salad with Southeast Asian flavours for lunch. For more waterfront dining options, head to Mildura Boathouse . Enjoy iconic views and a modern Australian menu focused on local producers and wines.

    4. Hiking and biking trails

    two people on bikes at Lake Boga
    Discover the Murray Region on two wheels. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    The best ways to experience the Murray’s surrounding landscapes are on foot or by bike. Luckily, plenty of well-marked trails take you through the diverse scenery.

    The Mildura Riverfront has a shared path for both walkers and cyclists, connecting the town centre with a string of parks and lookouts. The path lets you take in the entire town and its distinctive terrain at a leisurely pace, and is relatively flat throughout.

    For a more challenging experience, head to the Huon Hill Parklands or Nail Can Hill Reserve in Albury Wodonga. Both feature a varied network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails through undulating terrain.

    5. Best views along The Murray

    swan at wonga wetlands in the murray
    Spot the birdlife at Wonga Wetlands. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    The Murray region is perhaps unsurprisingly a prime destination for epic vistas. The Wonga Wetlands just outside Albury are an aquatic feast for the eyes, a winding web of billabongs and lagoons. Take a stroll through the tranquil landscape and see if you can spot one of the more than 170 bird species living within.

    Stop by Moama Beach at sunset to catch the dazzling display. Vivid hues of pink, amber and gold flare against a backdrop of river red gum trees and are reflected in the river’s glassy waters.

    Head away from the Murray itself, 15 mins from Albury Wodonga, for stunning mountain views at Lake Hume. Or head to Gunbower National Park, a picturesque place boasting a diverse wonderland of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants.

    6. Art and culture

    People viewing art at Murray Art Museum.
    Immerse yourself in art at the MAMA, Albury. (Tourism Australia)

    The region’s diverse mix of galleries, museums and cultural hubs provides a window into its past and present.

    One of the most prominent is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), which has a rotating roster of contemporary exhibitions. The Burrajara Gallery is another Albury gem, with a powerful collection of works from local First Nations artists.

    There are several smaller museums and galleries scattered across Echuca Moama and Mildura reflecting the artistic depth of the Murray. Popular picks include The Foundry Arts Space and Customs House Gallery in Echuca Moama, and the Arts Centre, Riverfront Gallery and NAP Contemporary in Mildura.

    7. Murray Region Events

    band on stage at Riverboats Music Festival
    Time your trip around one fo the regions live music events. (Credit: Riverboats Music Festival)

    Each year, the Murray hosts events as unique and characterful as the region itself.

    The Massive Murray Paddle takes place every November, a 415-kilometre, five-day river paddle raising money for local charities. Whether you take part in a canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard or boat, or watch from the riverbanks, you’ll be in for a memorable experience.

    If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck throughout the year. In summer, plan a trip for Riverboats Music Festival . And in the cooler months, head to the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival for four days of performances across different venues.

    8. Best stays along The Murray

    the Cozy Dome at Charm Lodge accommodation
    Find unique stays by the river or in the countryside.

    Throughout your busy few days of exploring, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest.

    Echuca Moama Riverside Holiday Park is right on the river and has gorgeous views. Pick from riverfront and pet-friendly lagoon cabins, or set up camp at one of the powered sites set among native bush. Or head into the countryside to stay in the quaint glamping or lodge options of Charm Lodge .

    Alternatively, treat yourself to a night or two at The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods , which has stylish modern rooms and luxe amenities. There’s a heated infinity pool, day spa and an on-site restaurant doing elevated fare with local produce.

    For a quintessential Murray experience, hire a houseboat from one of the many operators in Mildura. Available for weekend and week-long adventures, these well-appointed boats immerse you in the leisurely rhythm and quiet beauty of the Murray River.

    Discover what’s new on The Murray at visitthemurray.com.au