Zoe and Jazmin Royal are Yambuk locals, based near their family farm just a few minutes west of Port Fairy. The sisters love that there’s so much on offer, right at their doorstep; swimming and surfing local beaches, day tripping to going on daytrips to the Grampians or Cape Bridgewater or learning more about local wildlife from shearwaters to whales and dolphins and more.
A natural leader and environment-lover, she also loves the music and arts scene here, works in one of Port Fairy’s cafes and is excited about the town’s growing food scene.
Jazmin goes to Port Fairy Consolidated School and loves playing sport, riding the family’s Icelandic horses and being involved in erosion control, tree planting and other sustainable environment projects. But Jaz’s favourite thing about Port Fairy? The flavours at Poco’s Artisinal Ice Cream, of course!
No matter the type of outdoor activity you’re into, Port Fairy has you covered. Just ask local sisters Zoe and Jazmin Royal.
“There’s heaps of things to do in our free time,” says Jazmin. “After school I usually play sport or just do something relaxing like walking or having a lazy swim at Pea Soup. It’s so peaceful there, the water is calm and perfect for snorkeling or swimming out to the little island.”
The girls cycle the rail trail or just hang out with mates in one of the town’s parks.
“When it gets cold, you just rug up and go for a walk around the island,” says Zoe. “Or go for a short drive to The Crags or Tower Hill. They’re both only a few minutes from town but they’ve got really different views.”
When asked about where to eat in Port Fairy Zoe and Jazmin Royal start with an urgent recommendation.
“Poco’s for ice cream. Oh my God. People have REALLY got to go to Poco,” says Jazmin. Only open in summer, she says everyone hangs out all year for them to open. But it’s worth the wait. “It’s so fresh and creamy and the flavours aren’t like normal ice cream shops.”
Continuing a theme of indulgence, the girls also love rooms with spectacular views.
“Time and Tide is in the most beautiful location with huge glass windows framing the southern ocean,” says Zoe, of the ocean-facing high tea cafe. “It’s really delicious and decadent. Everyone deserves a bit of a treat every now and then!”
“On weekends and in the holidays, I love the markets,” says Zoe. “We get such fresh local produce, we’re really lucky. You can make your own lunch and walk to the wetlands or pick any of the beaches. Just grab other supplies from the supermarket.”
“There’s some hidden picnic tables near Battery Point — they look straight on to Little East Beach. It’s like your own private beach.”
Fantastic food in delightful settings is Port Fairy’s specialty. Choose from an enticing mix of contemporary cafes, charming pubs and fine dining in hatted restaurants.
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Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Great Ocean Road region the Wadawurrung, Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their unique cultural heritage and the connection to their traditional lands. We commit to building genuine and lasting partnerships that recognise, embrace and support the spirit of reconciliation, working towards self-determination, equity of outcomes and an equal voice for Australia’s first people.
