Where the Moyne River meets the ocean, Griffiths Island is home to a protected short-tailed shearwater (mutton-bird) colony; they descend on the town each October and stay until April (dusk is the best time to visit) before commencing their extraordinary 15,000km northern migration to Alaska. The 3km circuit makes for a lovely one-hour walk, passing the lighthouse (c 1859) and some swimming spots along the way.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
12.9 MILES
The world-class Flagstaff Hill precinct is of equal interest for its shipwreck museum, heritage-listed lighthouses and garrison as for its reproduction of…
12.78 MILES
One of Australia's oldest art galleries (established 1886), WAG has a stellar collection of works by prominent Australian painters. Its most famous piece…
12.58 MILES
Set up in a former funeral home by local art collective the F Project, this contemporary gallery always has something interesting showing at its monthly…
Tower Hill Natural History Centre
7.99 MILES
Managed by the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative, this centre runs daily bushwalks led by Indigenous guides that include boomerang throwing and bush…
0.53 MILES
Back in the 1850s the town's port was one of the busiest in Australia, serving as the main departure point for ships heading to England laden with wool,…
Logan's Beach Whale-Watching Platform
14.87 MILES
Southern right whales come to mate and nurse their young in the waters near Logan's Beach from July to September, breaching and fluking off the platform…
0.73 MILES
Port Fairy's best gallery, set in a historic bank building, is run by the former curator of the Warrnambool Art Galley. The multi-room space exhibits…
20.71 MILES
On the outskirts of Warrnambool – 12km east, in the dairy township of Allansford – is the slightly tacky Cheese World. It's run by the Warrnambool Cheese …
Nearby attractions
0.38 MILES
Located across the bridge from Port Fairy's picturesque harbour, Battery Hill is worthy of exploration, with cannons and fortifications positioned here in…
0.53 MILES
Back in the 1850s the town's port was one of the busiest in Australia, serving as the main departure point for ships heading to England laden with wool,…
0.54 MILES
Housed in the old bluestone courthouse (complete with mannequins acting out a courtroom scene), this museum has shipping relics and old photos.
0.69 MILES
One of Victoria's oldest buildings, Mott's Cottage (c 1843) is owned by the National Trust and is only open on specific dates; call ahead if you're keen…
0.73 MILES
More attractive than it sounds, Pea Soup is a lovely little sheltered beach that's popular with families.
0.73 MILES
Port Fairy's best gallery, set in a historic bank building, is run by the former curator of the Warrnambool Art Galley. The multi-room space exhibits…
0.95 MILES
Safe for swimming, East Beach has a surf life-saving club and small waves to suit beginners.
5.76 MILES
Just outside Port Fairy is this family-run biodynamic winery that does free tastings in its tin shed, with a glass atrium so you can enjoy the views…