The Victorian town of Port Fairy is a popular tourist destination, whether you visit for the weekend from Melbourne or stay in the town after a road trip along the Great Ocean Road. But what’s it like visiting with a dog? Find out more about visiting Port Fairy with a dog…
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Port Fairy
Dogs are allowed at times on the main beaches in Port Fairy, with restrictions over the busy summer months, as detailed in this brochure published by the Moyne Shire Council.
Dogs are prohibited from the two main beaches between 9am and 6pm between 24th December and Easter Monday inclusive. This applies to Pea Soup Beach (South Beach) between the South Beach Carpark and Powling Street, and to the stretch of East Beach between Battery Lane and Connolly Street, at the northern end of town.
To head to the beach with your dog in summer during the day, either head to the unpatrolled Southcombe Beach, the protected Little East Beach south of Battery Lane, or the northern and wild end of East Beach, north of Connolly Street.
Alternatively, simply enjoy a walk on the other beaches during the morning or evening. Or if you visit during spring and up until 23rd December, there are no restrictions – dogs are allowed off-leash on all the surrounding beaches, excluding Griffiths Island.
Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Port Fairy
Much of Port Fairy’s charm is thanks to its many well-preserved historic buildings and sites, including 50 classified buildings. The best way to explore the town and it’s history is on foot (and paw). Two walking trails have been established, with self-guided walking maps available from the visitor information centre and online.
I recommend firstly talking a walk through the town’s centre, especially along Sackville Street, admiring the 19th-century buildings including the former bank and post office, plus the rich variety of cottages (some are open to the public on selected Saturdays).
Don’t also miss a walk along the riverfront in Port Fairy, with a separate Maritime Heritage Walk mapping out some of the most interesting scenic points. Or just admire the many fishing boats that still use the port. Perhaps continue along to the small Botanic Gardens, where dogs are allowed on a leash.
Note that dogs are not allowed on Griffiths Island, home to the Port Fairy Lighthouse and a colony of shearwaters. Dogs are also prohibited from Sandy Cove Nature Reserve, next to the carpark for Griffiths Island.
A few years ago, there was a proposal to ban dogs from the main streets of Port Fairy over the busy summer months, between Christmas and Easter. However, following a backlash and long list of signatures against it, luckily the proposal was voted down.
However, Dogs are permitted off-leash at the Russell Clark Reserve.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Port Fairy
To enjoy some off-leash time with your dog at Port Fairy, in addition to the above beaches, head to Russell Clark Reserve or Southcombe Park, where dogs are allowed off-leash. Both are marked in green on the local council brochure.
Additionally, dogs are allowed off-leash at Gardens Oval and Southcombe Caravan Park, except between 1st December and 30th April inclusive, when they need to be leashed.
Note however that dogs must always be leashed when within 50m of a marked Hooded Plover nest site, in between Connolly Street and Anna Catherine Drive in Port Fairy.
Dog-Friendly Cafes in Port Fairy
A great spot to head with your dog and enjoy the sea views is Charlies on East, located at the surf club next to East Beach. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, dogs are allowed at the outside tables near the entrance and on the deck. Just keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on the adjacent sand after 9am over the summer months (see above).
Alternatively, there are quite a few cafes in the centre of town that have outdoor seating and welcome dogs. One highly recommended spot is Bank St + Co, open daily for breakfast and lunch. Also nearby is The Farmers Wife Harvest Cafe and Rebecca’s Cafe.
Dog-Friendly Pubs in Port Fairy
The best spot to head for a drink or meal in the evening in Port Fairy with your pup is The Stump at the Caledonian Inn, established all the way back in 1844. Dogs are welcome to join you at the outdoor tables – just check before taking a seat in case only some are dog-friendly.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Port Fairy
During our most recent visit to Port Fairy, we stayed at the Gum Tree Caravan Park, located just outside of Port Fairy. As well as allowing pets on sites year round, pets are also allowed in selected cabins.
We stayed in a Studio Cabin (which was very comfortable and ideal for a couple). Pets are also allowed in the Villa Cabins, Superior Ensuite Cabins, Standard Ensuite Cabins and Budget Ensuite Cabins. The park also has its own off-leash area and dog playground – it’s an extra dog-friendly caravan park!
Pets are also allowed year round at the Southcombe Caravan Park and Gardens Caravan Park. (Check out my guide to caravan parks along the Great Ocean Road that allow pets year-round.) Note that seasonal restrictions apply at the Port Fairy Holiday Park and BIG4 Port Fairy Holiday Park.
If you’re after a dog-friendly holiday home, make a booking for Sweet Tide O’Moyne through Dogs on Holidays. With three bedrooms, it can accommodate up to nine at a pinch. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome, including inside, and there is a large secure yard with an outdoor shower. Just note an additional cleaning fee applies per stay.
Head Next To
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.