Day 3: Hit the Road

If you’ve got your own wheels (or a rental), you’re in for a treat. You can still bike, hike, and wander, but you also get to chase a few adventures that are just a little further afield.

Volcanic Walk

Start the day at Tower Hill, where the walking trails take you right through an ancient volcanic crater, now a wildlife haven.

There’s something pretty magical about standing in the middle of a volcano with an emu staring at you, there are a range hiking options for beginner and experienced hiker alike.

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Drive Inland

Then, point the car inland and head for Budj Bim – about 50km away and Australia’s only Indigenous World Heritage Site. This is one of the oldest aquaculture systems on the planet, built by the Gunditjmara people more than 6,000 years ago.

Book a cultural tour or visit the Budj Bim Cultural Centre to learn how these ingenious stone channels once farmed eels to feed an entire community.

Let’s Eat

By now, you’ll be ready for something tasty, and luckily Tae Rak Aquaculture Café is just the spot. Try native eel, or sample other bush foods crafted by a local Gunditjmara chef. Not feeling quite that adventurous? There’s always coffee, cake, and some traditional fare too.

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Treasures on Secret Shores

On the way back, if the beach is calling, go for a swim. But if it’s a bit gusty, ask a local (we mean us!) about Killarney Beach – not only is the view along the coast amazing but you might just find some washed up ambergris as you walk along the shore. This strange waxy stuff, produced by sperm whales and occasionally coughed up on shore, is prized by perfumers and worth more than gold.

Given the value and rarity of ambergris verified finds are not often talked about, but this writer’s uncle found ambergris on this very beach some years ago, but keep that one between us, yeah?

Whether you strike gold or just collect the seashells, it’s time to head back to base and figure out dinner. Group cook-up? Easy pub feed? Or or maybe an ambergris funded fine dining blow out – the choice is yours.

Thanks for spending your time with us – until next time, happy wandering!

– The Wandering Whale Guesthouse

Stay in Comfort in the heart of Port Fairy

Plan Your Next Adventure at The Wandering Whale.

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What Our Guests Say

    
 
 
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   Thomas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. lovely stay. my girlfriend and I had a good rest in the 2-person bedroom 🥰. Lovely people! The dog is very funny and a bit of a drama queen 😂🐶. edit: really loved the recommendations of the owner of what to do around port fairy. It was really helpful 🥰.
  
 
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   tracy Windsor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a gem this place is. Location is a short walk from the bus stop, Main Street and the river. The place is clean, neat and well presented. Beds are comfortable and bathrooms clean. Definitely worth the stay!
  
 
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   Emanuel Banakh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome place. Super inviting, great facilities and met some nice people. The room was well decorated and very clean. Highly recommend! Thanks for the great stay!
  
 
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   Lia Torly 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is my favourite place to stay in the world! The staff are so friendly and helpful, the hostel itself is beautiful inside and out, and the atmosphere is welcoming and cosy. Highly recommend!!!
  
 
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   Seamus Noonan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This place is an absolute gem. The house itself is a period property from the 1800s. It's fascinating to stay in a property with history such as this. Port Fairy itself is very tranquil with enough to do. East beach is idyllic, in that the water doesn't go above 4 feet for most of the bay. Jess and Laurene are phenomenal, both exceptionally friendly and really work hard to make the space clean, welcoming and comfortable.
  
 
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   Morena Federico Romano 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beautiful old building. Probably the cleanest hostel I've been to in my life. Quirky decorations and great vibes