Our Story

About Us

In 1977, this heritage-listed homestead and stables was transformed into a
youth hostel under the YHA (Youth Hostels Association) network and has been
welcoming travellers exploring the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians and
further afield ever since.

Whilst operating under the YHA umbrella for a majority of this time, the site has long been privately owned and run as a family business – with our tenure beginning in 2021. In May 2025, following restructure at YHA Australia, we have relaunched, fully independently, as The Wandering Whale Guesthouse and Hostel and continue to welcome our guests to our comfortable, yet ever evolving and growing, historic home.

Guests are warmly welcomed by Jess, our friendly and knowledgeable manager
and co-owner, who’s always ready to share local tips and hidden gems to explore around town. She’s joined by Wilbur, the unofficial assistant manager, who greets every visitor with a wagging tail. Together, they help make the Wandering Whale a truly special place to stay.

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Our Story

Although The Wandering Whale site has been offering budget accomodation for the last 50 years, it was not always so. The heritage listed colonial Georgian-style stone dwelling and stables date back to 1844 when they were built as the home for William Ruttledge, a local entrepreneur and land-owner who lived a colourful life fully entwined in the early European history of the area. The main building, amongst the oldest in Port Fairy, was further updated in 1885 providing the distinctive present-day façade with its stylised ornamentation.

Just prior to offering accomodation the building operated as a doctor’s surgery –
we may be offering a different service today, but still advocate a healthy and active lifestyle!

You can learn more about the history of the building and those who lived in and around the area during your stay at The Wandering Whale, where we continue to cherish the history of the building alongside a unique and memorable stay for all our guests surrounded by history in modern comfort.

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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