Tour Description
Portland and Port Fairy
(Combined Departure)
Six Days: 26th February – 3rd March 2025
Twin Share: $2669 per person. Sole Use: $3169 per person.
- Home pick-ups & set downs (most metro areas – please contact us for details)
- Picnic-style morning teas & all meals
- All accommodation & admissions to all attractions
- Experienced & informative tour driver/guide.
Discover the coastal charm and historical treasures of Portland and Port Fairy on this delightful tour. From scenic tram rides through Portland to leisurely strolls on Port Fairy’s enchanting streets, each day is packed with unique experiences. Marvel at the heritage of lighthouses and museums, and relish local culinary delights. This tour offers a perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and cultural enrichment, set against the backdrop of Victoria’s stunning landscapes.
Day One – WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2025
After our home pick-ups via our chauffer-driven cars, our journey takes us to Tailem Bend for a refreshing morning tea, providing a perfect pause before we press on towards the captivating Limestone Coast.
At Salt Creek, we make a brief comfort stop, stretching our legs and soaking in the coastal environment of the Coorong.
Continuing our journey, lunch is enjoyed at the Crown Inn Hotel in Kingston SE, a delightful venue that promises a taste of local hospitality.
In the afternoon, we explore the charming streets of Robe, offering a blend of history and quaint shopping experiences.
Our day culminates as we arrive at Mount Gambier and check into The Henty (08) 7725 4100 where we will relax and dine, unwinding in preparation for the adventures ahead.
Day Two – THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2025
After starting our day with a hearty breakfast at The Henty in Mount Gambier, we’ll set off towards Heywood, where a morning tea rest stop awaits. This is a perfect opportunity to stretch our legs and admire the local mural that captures the town’s spirit.
Next, we journey to the charming town of Port Fairy for lunch. Known for its picturesque wharf, beautiful beaches, and meticulously preserved colonial buildings, Port Fairy offers a charming glimpse into the past. Its vibrant arts scene, boutique shops, and excellent eateries make it a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.
Here, you’ll have some free time to wander the quaint main street, renowned for its artsy vibe and boutique shops.
Afterward, we head to Griffiths Island, a serene escape linked to Port Fairy by a causeway. Known for its beautiful walking trails that meander through native vegetation and rugged coastlines, the island is also home to a thriving colony of shearwater seabirds or mutton birds.
Travelling a little further along the coast, our day concludes in Warrnambool as we check into the Quality Suites Deep Blue (03) 5559 2000, our home for the next three nights.
We’ll gather for dinner at the hotel, reflecting on the day’s adventures and the scenic beauty we’ve encountered.
Day Three – FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Following breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive around the town, unveiling its coastal allure and deep historical roots.
Mid-morning, we embark on an intriguing guided tour at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, an immersive experience into Victoria’s maritime voyages and shipwrecks. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to delve into the rich tapestry of maritime history and view artifacts from shipwrecks along the notorious Shipwreck Coast. Morning tea at the museum offers a picturesque view over the historic village and bay.
For lunch, we head to Cheeseworld in Allansford, a chance to indulge in locally produced cheeses and a selection of fine regional delicacies.
The afternoon is reserved for exploring the Fletcher Jones Market in Warrnambool, where you can enjoy free time to peruse a variety of stalls displaying local crafts, foods, and antiques.
We return to the Quality Suites Deep Blue in the late afternoon, providing time to unwind before reconvening for dinner, where we’ll exchange stories from the day’s explorations and savor the warm hospitality of our hosts.
Day Four – SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2025
After enjoying breakfast, we set out for Portland, where the morning begins with a leisurely break for morning tea refreshments.
We embark on an enchanting journey aboard the Portland Tram. This historic tram, meticulously preserved, offers a captivating tour through Portland, blending scenic beauty with a rich tapestry of the town’s history. The tram route passes iconic landmarks and provides insightful commentary, enhancing our understanding of Portland’s past and present. Following our tram tour, we gather for a delightful lunch.
In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to explore the Portland Power House Motor and Car Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of vintage automobiles and engines.
Our visit continues to Cape Nelson Lighthouse, where we’ll marvel at the stunning coastal views and learn about the lighthouse’s role in maritime navigation.
We return to Warrnambool in the late afternoon, allowing some time to relax at the accommodation before concluding the day with a delightful dinner at the hotel.
Day Five – SUNDAY 2 MARCH 2025
We begin our day with breakfast before we take a scenic drive around the town. Shortly after, we head to Tower Hill Reserve, an extinct volcano which is now a thriving natural habitat. We drive around the reserve to take in the views and pause for morning tea amidst the area’s breathtaking scenery.
Midday brings us to the Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum, located at the original site of the Ansett airline offices in Hamilton. This museum celebrates the legacy of Sir Reginald Ansett, founder of Ansett Airlines, one of Australia’s premier airlines. The museum houses a fascinating collection of memorabilia, including photographs, uniforms, and airline equipment, offering a deep dive into the history of Australian aviation and the incredible story of its expansion from a single plane to a fleet of jets.
Following the museum visit, we’ll enjoy lunch nearby at Woody’s Café Bar.
In the afternoon, we journey to Harrow to visit the Johnny Mullagh Interpretive Centre, dedicated to honoring the remarkable achievements of the first Australian cricket team to tour England in 1868. This centre not only showcases the rich history of cricket but also serves as a cultural touchstone, celebrating the pioneering Indigenous players who made cricketing history.
Our day concludes as we check into the William MacIntosh Motel in Naracoorte (08) 8762 1644, settling in before gathering for dinner at the motel’s restaurant, where we reflect on the rich experiences of our last few days touring.
Day Six – MONDAY 3 MARCH 2025
This morning, we farewell our hosts, before visiting the Sheep’s Back Museum. This unique museum provides an immersive look into the sheep and wool industry, which has been central to the area’s economy. Here, you’ll explore exhibits that illustrate the process from shearing to market, accompanied by artifacts and historical insights that celebrate the region’s pastoral heritage.
After exploring the museum and enjoying a morning tea break, we make our way to Keith, a town that serves as a vital hub for the surrounding agricultural district. Here, lunch awaits at the Keith Hotel.
Post-lunch, we proceed with a comfortable drive, making a brief stop in Tailem Bend to stretch and refresh.
Our journey then continues back to Adelaide, concluding our tour with fond memories of the fascinating places and the wonderful people we’ve met along the way.
