You can't say you've truly experienced summer in the Port Fairy region unless you've ticked off our summer checklist.
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From a SUP on the Moyne River to hiking to the top of a volcano, or simply tasting the local drop, we have 20 must dos to complete your ultimate summer. How many have you done?
1. Visit Budj Bim National Park. Visit UNESCO world heritage site, Budj Bim National Park. It's at the top of the list for a reason. Discover the rich cultural heritage and the natural wonders of this incredible ancient volcanic landscape. Explore the tranquil crater lake, lava canals and caves in a bushland setting. Take a picnic and walk along the manna gums teeming with native wildlife.
2. Take a SUP Tour. Whether you are an experienced paddle boarder or an absolute beginner, a SUP (stand-up paddle) tour on the Moyne River with Go Surf in Port Fairy is a must.
3. Try the local gelato. Try the locally made gelato at Poco Artisan Ice Cream - trust us, it's worth waiting in line for!
4. Take a trip to Portland. Visit the amazing new foreshore playground and grab fish and chips to eat on the beach as you watch the hustle and bustle of the marina. You could even pack the fishing rods.
5. Head to Griffiths Island. Take a walk around Griffiths Island and snap a selfie at the famous lighthouse, one of the most Instagrammed locations along the Great Ocean Road. Keep your eyes peeled for the native wildlife too.
6. Try the local brew. Try the local drop at Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co in Koroit, famous for not only their beer, but their gin distilled with locally sourced native botanicals from Worn Gundidj.
7. Fun at Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground. Take the kids to Lake Pertobe Adventure Playground, the 8th largest adventure park in the world. With giant slides, flying foxes, paddleboats and a maze, it's stacks of fun, even for the bigger kids at heart.
8. Visit Cape Bridgewater. A roadie to Cape Bridgewater is always a must. With its rugged cliffs, blowholes, sand dunes and a petrified forest, it's the perfect day trip. Don't forget to stop in at Portland Strawberries on the way home and taste their amazing strawberry ice cream too.
9. Go rock pooling. Spend the day rock pooling at Pea Soup Beach - good old simple fun! Just remember if you pick up any little critters to place them back where you found them.
10. Try the local drop. Spend the afternoon at Basalt Winery in Killarney. Their award-winning pinot noir is a must try.
11. Dine Out at The Wharf @ Port Fairy. Reward your tastebuds with a seafood platter at The Wharf @ Port Fairy. Enjoy freshly sourced seafood with beautiful views over the Moyne River.
12. Take a Worn Gundidj Tower Hill Tour. Book in tour at Worn Gundidj Tower Hill with a local guide. Learn about Aboriginal history and cultural heritage, maybe even taste some bush tucker and no doubt you'll get to see loads of local wildlife.
13. Tee off at Port Fairy Golf Club. Book in a game of golf at the Port Fairy Golf Club. Even if you don't have a "day out" the views will still be worth it.
14. Check out Childers Cove. Visit Childers Cove, part of the Bay of Islands Coastal Park and one of the areas best kept secrets. You may even have the whole beach to yourself!
15. Climb Mount Sugarloaf. Climb to the top of Mount Sugarloaf for spectacular 360-degree views across the Volcanic Lakes and Plains.
16. Chill in the Merrijig Garden Bar. Enjoy a specialty cocktail in Port Fairy's Merrijig Garden Bar - this place is such a little gem.
17. Visit The Crags. The Crags is a wild, scenic section of coast and has spectacular views of rocky calcarenite cliffs. You can also spot Lady Julia Percy Island (Deen Maar) 19 kilometres offshore too.
18. Relax at Deep Blue Hot Springs. Leave dad and the kids at home and rejuvenate with a session at Deep Blue Hot Springs. The 15 natural hot spring bathing experiences will have you relaxed and ready for the next adventure, or alternatively bring the whole family along. Kids aged five or over are welcome in the morning or arvo session.
19. Brunch at The Oak & Anchor. Meet the new kid in town, The Oak & Anchor. This is the perfect place to grab brunch in their outdoor courtyard or try the tapas in the afternoon with a wine in the beer garden. Your pick.
20. Yambuk Sliding. Tackle the famous Yambuk Slide, a 33-metre thrill-seeking ride down Yambuk's sand dunes! Need we say more?
This story is from the new edition of Summer in Port Fairy. Click here to read the magazine online. Enjoy your summer!