Whale Watch News

A WHALE which came within 200 metres of the Logans Beach viewing platform yesterday has raised hopes for a lucrative tourist season ahead.

The southern right was spotted about 7.30am between 1.5 and two kilometres off Logans Beach but during the morning came within 200 metres of the viewing platform.

Experts believe the whale, which left Logans Beach and headed towards Port Fairy about midday, could have been the same adult female spotted in Portland harbour on Tuesday.

(From the Standar 31/5/08)

 

Whale Watching Port Fairy

This years whales season is barely underway and already the war of words has begun, with the first broadside coming in the form of an article from a New South Wales tour operator in the Warrnambool daily newspaper (The Standard). The operator stated that he often bought tourist buses along the Great Ocean Road and stopped at the Logans Beach whale lookout to see the famous Southern Right whales, and for the last few years had not spotted a whale. He went on to say that he has removed whale viewing from his advertising.

The locals know that you are just as likely to see a whale in Port Fairy bay, but Port Fairy lacks a viewing platform. Not to worry just park your car anywhere along the cliff top, fish and chips, a cuppa in a warm car is much more civilized. Not to mention that the bay is just behind the Riverhouse so as you are strolling along the East Beach keep a look out over the ocean

July Food and Wine Weekend - and Childrens Special

A Kids (and adults) Night Out - 5th July

The Port Fairy Winter Weekends Committee have organised a small event for the children of visitors and patrons to the July Food and Wine Weekend (see Things to Do). This is a fantastic opportunity for parents to take time out and experience local Food and Wine while children are entertained with a Meal and Movie deal.

$30 for one child or $25 each for two or more children - includes pizza, drink, icecream, movie and QUALIFIED CARERS.

***5.30pm at Madagalli Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, Bank Street, Port Fairy.

***Followed by movie "Open Season" at the Reardon Theatre, Bank Street, Port Fairy

"Open Season"  is the story of US animals in a park who take revenge on the hunters during Open Season.

Designed for children 5 + years old. Maximum of 30 children - places limited. Bookings essential. Phone Sheryl on 5568 1670 or 0428 835 156.

Childcare also available on request for 0-5 year olds.

 

Easter Weekend

Port Fairy has lots to offer over the week end, especially as this year it will be hot.  This year Easter being part of the school holidays will make Port Fairy a destination to be at.

There will be the usual Farmers Market - Easter Saturday 9am till 2pm

A great range of tasty produce will be on sale, from organic veggies to free-range eggs and home made cakes.
The market is held on the Village Green, corner Bank and Sackville streets, Port Fairy.

Afterwards pop across the road to Rebecca's and treat yourself to a sumptuous breakfast or just a good brew of coffee

 A fantastic place for lunch is Time and Tide which is on the western coast of Port Fairy with spectacular views of the southern ocean, travel on the road to Portland just to the outskirts of town then turn left to the coast, they don't take bookings but don't let that put you off, their light lunch and aray of yummy cakes is worth the short drive.

 

Port Fairy Folk Festival

Port Fairy 2008 presents 136 acts - including 26 International, 70 National main acts, 40 Fringe acts. Port Fairy is transformed from a quiet, sleepy historic township into an enourmouse all-weekend festival.  The street fills with stalls, free entertainment, street proformers, buskers and the sports ground turns into a sea of oversized pervillions/tents which is fenced off for the paying patrons.  Its an unbelievable experience that has to be seen, there is now way it can be captured in print, visit the blog to view some of the acts or visit the Folk Festival web site. One thing about the Festival is that you can experience a week end of fun for free.

Article in today's Warrnambool Standard News Paper

HEADLINE act Shane Nicholson and Kasey Chambers are set to perform stripped-down versions of their music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival this weekend. Nicholson and Chambers hope their first visit to Port Fairy will be intimate and relaxed. Chambers said she had always wanted to perform at the famous festival.  "We want to try something different for the festival," Chambers said. "I like for people to go away feeling like they know me as a person more, not just as a musician. "The whole family will be down. Mum is even coming along to look after the kids." Nicholson, who has been compared to the likes of Alex Lloyd and Keith Urban, will bring his country tinged rock-pop sound to the Folkie.  "More than anything the atmosphere and general vibe is what I'm most looking forward to," Nicholson said.

 

Discover Scuba Diving  

Scuba Diving is held at the east beach behind the Riverhouse every morning at 9am during the festival, by the Devil Diving group Port Fairy 33 Bank St. Port Fairys waters are know for their many shipwrecks along the coast, the wreck of the Thistle which sank in 1849, now lies in only 2 metres of water and is a popular dive.  The South Beach has many large and safe rock pools which are ideal for spotting fish.

New Year's day

Commence early with a Community Craft Market on King George Square. At 2pm on the Moyne there is a sail past of wooden and classic boats followed by the Duck Durby where by members of the Surf Life Saving Club release hundreds of little yellow ducks at a designated spot and the first duck to hit a rope strung further down the river is the winner, an eminent auctioneer has been successfully calling the race for many years making it a highlight of the day. Make sure you buy a duck number which are on sale around town and at the market on the day, support the Surf Club and win a fabulous prize. The best way to wind down the day is to set yourself up on the lawn in front of the Riverhouse with a glass of wine, friends and enjoy the proceedings.

Moyneyana Festival

The Moyneyana Festival is the longest running festival in the state, this year celebrating 60years. A hard working local committee provide a variety of entertainment for all ages during the five week holiday period.

The festival commences on the 24^th December with entertainment on the village green and clubs holding individual events throughout the period. A program is available.

New Year's Eve

A big night with free entertainment on the village green and the famous street procession, culminating in a fireworks spectacular at midnight.

  What's on Calendar