The wonders of the Great Ocean Road are well documented. Ocean views and amazing limestone structures share a dramatic beauty that makes each kilometre of the infamous drive memorable and special. And when you near the end of the drive and begin to feel that perhaps the best moments are behind you, then prepare yourself for one last surprise- Port Fairy, the cherry on the cake of the Great Ocean Road. One of the oldest ports in Victoria, the history and the old world allure of this quaint coastal village is captivating and enchanting. Its peaceful beaches and quiet, wide streets make a fitting and relaxing end to your Great Ocean Road experience.

Built where the serenely flowing Moyne River enters the sea, the town was initially a base for whalers who used the river as a safe place to moor and nowadays a lot of the town’s attraction lies in its whaling history.

Whales themselves are an attraction in the winter months, with many tourists flocking to Port Fairy in the hope of viewing these magnificent creatures surfacing off the mainland with their young. Nearby Logans Beach is renowned as one of the best land based viewing spots in Australia and special viewing platforms and boardwalks have been erected. Many visitors to the town stay in ancient whalers cottages which give people a real feel for the town’s history.

Port Fairy has retained its colonial charm through the preservation of the architecture from that period, and there is a wealth of intriguing old buildings that can be visited in and around the town. Fifty of the towns buildings are classified by the National Trust and available for public viewing, and there are also many art galleries and studios around Port Fairy, in keeping with its reputation as a stronghold in the arts and crafts industry. This makes for some fascinating walks around the town - in fact walking is the only way to see Port Fairy.
 
The peaceful aura of the town is heightened by its tranquil beaches which are perfect for swimming, learning to surf or just relaxing on the white sand. Killarney Beach is a popular choice and is also frequented by fishermen keen to pull their dinner from the surf.

Fishing is one of the main incomes here, next to tourism, so the restaurants and cafes are always supplied with fresh seafood. So if you're not a fan of trying to catch your own dinner, relax in the picturesque surrounds of the waterfront and sample the haul of the fishing boats coming in from sea.

If it is not whale season and you still fancy getting close to some marine life, then you should consider getting a charter to Lady Julia Percy Island. Nine kilometres off the coast, this island of volcanic rock is home to more than 20 000 Australian fur seals that have taken up residence along its rocky beaches and in its many caves. The island is a nature reserve, so you are not allowed to land on it, but you are able to get up close to the seals by boat. Great white sharks frequent the area and feed on the seals, so if luck is on your side you may run into one of these magnificent creatures.

If you are planning a trip to this area, you may want to make it coincide with the Port Fairy Folk Festival, a four day event taking place on the Labour Day weekend in March each year. Growing in stature from humble beginnings, local and international acts play here and it attracts visitors from all over the world. Remember to get in on your accommodation bookings early though!

Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit CAR HIRE VICTORIA.