General News
15 May, 2026
Tourism accolades for Port Fairy
PORT Fairy has once again proven its worth as a top tourist attraction, ranked number four in Australia’s Top 100 ‘Best Towns to Travel To’ according to the Australian Traveller.
The Traveller released its top 100 list earlier this week, with 20 Victorian towns included – Port Fairy leading the state at number four.
Reinstating the town’s reputation as a regional travel powerhouse, Port Fairy was also crowned Australia’s top Festival and Events town, thanks to its rich cultural calendar anchored by the famous folk festival, historic streetscapes and enduring seaside charm.
“It’s far enough from Melbourne that it hasn’t been fully overrun by tourists and retains its charm,” panellist Adrian Williams said.
Catriona Rowntree described Port Fairy as “secretly everyone’s favourite town on The Great Ocean Road, it’s fancy and we are here for it.”
Fellow panellist Irene Jones described it as “a cute historic seaside village.”
Victoria’s strong showing in the Top 100 spans every travel style, from country towns and food hubs to wellness retreats, beach escapes and cultural centres, reflecting the state’s remarkable variety within a few hours’ drive.
Other Victorian towns to make the list were Beechworth (number 10), Lorne (11), Daylesford (12) and Meeniyan (27).
Ballarat was ranked at number 50 while Geelong was at 34.
“It’s a good sign when you visit somewhere and can imagine yourself living there,” Australian Traveller print editor and panellist Imogen Eveson said.
“That’s the experience I’ve had in just about every regional Victorian town I’ve ever been to; many of them reflected on this list.
“It speaks to a rich seam of character and culture that runs through each community, large or small – whether its backdrop is coastal, river, high country, wine region or goldfields.”
The full list highlights Victoria’s ability to deliver meaningful, memorable travel experiences across seasons from cosy inland escapes to lively coastal towns and heritage-rich regional centres.
“For more than 20 years, Australian Traveller has championed regional travel – encouraging Australians to explore the wealth of amazing places you find in your own backyard,” Ms Eveson said.
“This list is no exception and comes at a time when destinations around Victoria are doing it tough. We hope to support those towns by encouraging travellers, where they can, to get out there and keep exploring.”
