australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria
accommodation review
OSCARS WATERFRONT BOUTIQUE HOTEL
PORT FAIRY
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The image that depicts Port Fairy best is that of the Moyne River waterfront, its wharves lined with colourful fishing boats and yachts. If any one house stands out amidst this most picturesque scene, it would have to be the big two-storey pale grey building close to the old fishing co-op.
Oscars Waterfront Boutique Hotel blends in perfectly with Port Fairy’s heritage, but surprisingly it’s a new building (apart from the restored Belfast ice works behind, now skillfully converted into B&B rooms). Modern French provincial is the theme throughout the main house, which is decidedly of mansion proportions.
The entrance hall is graced by a beautiful sweeping wrought-iron staircase leading to the upstairs guestrooms. Each of the five has a good-sized ensuite bathroom, king bed, and all the little extras expected in a classy place. Ask for a river-view room by all means, but remember the guest verandah, at wharf level, is always a good spot for a cuppa in sunny weather - and this, or the breakfast room just indoors, is where Oscars full-cooked breakfast can be enjoyed. There's also a big sitting room (left, second from top) with comfy couches, open fire, and magazines to browse. Oscars has hydronic heating and individual air-conditioning in rooms.
The courtyard has two spacious new guestrooms(at left), both ensuite and one with its own sitting room; each guestroom has a separate entrance.
Oscars is a luxury B&B with an unbeatable location - so close to the fishing-boat wharf that you can enjoy breakfast and chat to fishermen as they unload the catch of the day. From here you can walk to the lighthouse on Griffiths Island, stroll the streets admiring cottage gardens and local heritage, or head for one of the local restaurants for dinner. You can spend days exploring this fascinating town and nearby regions.
I have visited Oscars on three occasions, most recently in May 2007. On my next visit to Port Fairy I will stay overnight and report on the breakfast menu in detail.
WHERE: 41B Gipps Street, Port Fairy; 270km west of Melbourne via the Princes Hwy, a little over three hours drive. Alternatively, drive via the Great Ocean Road - about seven hours with sightseeing.
HOW MUCH: from $250/night per couple, bed & breakfast .
CONTACT: Phone: (03)5568 3022
copyright PETER ROBINSON 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED