Port Fairy Museum and Archives

Port Fairy Museum and Archives occupies the historic Port Fairy Court House, a National Trust-classified bluestone building overlooking the Moyne River wharf.

The courthouse was built in 1859, with the portico added in 1869 and three rear rooms added in 1874. The Port Fairy Historical Society moved into the building in 1992 and has developed it as an accredited museum, archive and local-history research centre.

The main courtroom retains original court furniture and contains a recreated courtroom display with costumed figures. Five additional rooms hold permanent and changing exhibitions.

Collection themes include:

Port Fairy's known Indigenous history
Early European settlement and pioneer families
Whaling
The development of the port
Local shipping and coastal shipwrecks
Rural and urban development
Local industries and businesses
Buildings, festivals and community life
Natural history and the surrounding environment

The archive includes historic photographs, publications, documents, objects and family-history material. A family-history researcher is usually available on Saturdays, although an appointment is recommended.

Opening Hours:

The museum is currently advertising Saturday opening from 2 pm to 4 pm. As this is a volunteer-operated museum and hours can change seasonally, check the official visitor information before travelling.

The museum does not normally open during the Port Fairy Folk Festival weekend in March.

Cost:

Adults: $5
Children aged 12-18 years: $1
Children under 12 years: Free
Group and school visits are available by appointment.