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Tara Cottage1850s Bluestone Whalers Cottage

Photo gallery for Tara Cottage1850s Bluestone Whalers Cottage

Exterior
Interior
Private kitchen
Dining
Room

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Deck or patio
  • Air-conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View in a map
Port Fairy, VIC
  • Place, Port Fairy Coastal Reserve
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, East Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Griffith Island
    ‪3 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Tara Cottage1850s Bluestone Whalers Cottage

Tara cottage is a lovingly restored 1850’s bluestone whaler’s cottage. It has been fully renovated. It has the comfort for the 21st century living whilst maintaining the charm and atmosphere of the 19th century. Only a block from the Eastern Beach, the cottage is a 10 minute walk to the town centre.

The cottage has :
* lounge room with an open fireplace and stone chimney
* fully self contained kitchen
* modern bathroom - toilet, shower and a claw bath
* bedroom with a queen bed
* period furniture
* picturesque cottage garden
* private back entrance
* sunroom with reverse cycle heater/cooler

The cottage is fully self contained. Linen is supplied this includes
* pillow cases, sheets, towels tea, towels and a bathmat

The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas/electric stove, a microwave and a dishwasher. Cutlery, crockery and saucepans are provided

The bathroom has a large claw foot bath and shower. There is an electric hot water unit

The laundry has a washing machine, ironing board and iron

The lounge has an open fireplace
Sufficient dry wood is supplied
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9225962
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Port Fairy

Port Fairy is home to this cottage. Port Fairy History Centre and Port Fairy Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Port Fairy Coastal Reserve and Belfast C.R. Coastal Reserve. Go Surf School and Eclectic Designs Glass Blowing Studio are also worth visiting.
View more Cottages in Port FairyOpens in a new window
Map
Port Fairy, VIC

What's nearby

  • Port Fairy Coastal Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • East Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Moyne River - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Port Fairy History Centre - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Griffith Island - 3 min drive - 2.3 km

Getting around

  • Warrnambool Station - 26 min drive
  • Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 166 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Stump - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Rebecca’s Café - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Gipps Street Fish & Chips - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪East Beach Fish and Chips - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Victoria Hotel - ‬17 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Tara Cottage1850s Bluestone Whalers Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Tara Cottage1850s Bluestone Whalers Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Tara Cottage1850s Bluestone Whalers Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tara Cottage1850s Bluestone Whalers Cottage?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Tara Cottage1850s Bluestone Whalers Cottage located?

Situated in Port Fairy, this cottage is steps away from Port Fairy Coastal Reserve, East Beach and Go Surf School. Moyne River and Belfast C.R. Coastal Reserve are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 22 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 74 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A fantastic return trip
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roslyn D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tara Cottage was really lovely and well maintained. We enjoyed our stay very much and so did our dachshund. The location is superb, close to the beach and a short walk or bike ride to town.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Fantastic cottage. Clean well maintained, beautiful comfy bed. Everything thing you need in a gorgeous old style cottage. Highly recommended would definitely stay again. Thankyou Dianna
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lisa w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely beautiful historic cottage in a great location. We loved our stay there and could take our dogs with us too. Walking distance to the beach and main town area. With a light filled room at the back that opens up into a beautiful private garden, it was such a joy sitting out in the mornings listening to the birds. Loved Taras cottage.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Warren R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Lovely property in an ideal location. Friendly town and great places to eat.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Feb 2024
HI Warren Thank you for taking the time to review Tara Cottage. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay at Tara Cottage and your time in Port Fairy. We look forward to your return visit to Tara Cottage and Port Fairy. Tara Cottage
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cath M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tara Cottage is a total delight. Beautifully appointed with period furniture & decor. Walking distance to beaches & town. I had an amazing stay. Perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kevin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tara cottage

Great place to chill out , great food @ Port Fairy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2023
We are delighted that you enjoyed your time in Port Fairy and your stay at Tara Cottage. We look forward to your return visit. Tara Cottage
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Francesca W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous Bluestone Whalers Cottage

Close to town centre and easy walk to the beach. Dog friendly with an amazing back garden, great for larger type dogs to run around!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

derick c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Great place for a quite weekend
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robyn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tara

A great 3 comfortable nights. Good position for the beach and a nice walk into town.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Feb 2024
Hi Robyn Thank you for taking the time to review Tara Cottage. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay at Tara Cottage and your time in Port Fairy. We look forward to your return visit to Tara Cottage and Port Fairy. Tara Cottage
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ciara M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

Tara cottage was amazing! Reminded us just like home in Ireland Would highly recommend Dog friendly too ! Thanks again, we hope to come back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

james t.

Liked: Communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Tara Cottage

Good location but had a very bad smell inside for the duration of the stay
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Feb 2024
Hi James Thank you for taking the time to submit your review James. The caretakers would have appreciated a phone call regarding the smell inside the cottage. Learning about this via a review days later doesn’t give them an opportunity to rectify the problem. A phone call at the time would have ensured the problem was dealt with immediately. The local Port Fairy service industry aims to please as their livelihood depends on it.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tatiana G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

Gorgeous and relaxing. Everything we wanted. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend break

Fabulous historical building with period furniture, interesting photos and objects to look at. Great fireplace, lots of wood, very relaxing, fab garden. Dog friendly. Close to beach and town
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jun 2023
Thank you Andrew. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay atTara Cottage and your time in Port Fairy. We look forward to your return visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Races accommodation

Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2024
Thank you Robert. I hope you had some wins at Warrnambool. We look forward to your return visit.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Louise G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute but too much inside

Great place and location. A little too much clutter which meant there wasnt enough room for our stuff to go.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 May 2024
Thank you for taking the time to review Tara Cottage. We feel very privileged to have Tara Cottage - a listed historical building in Port Fairy. Our objective in having it as a cottage to rent is to allow people to share the experience of staying in a 1856 cottage. We have real issues with maintenance and upkeep and finding appropriate trades’ people with the necessary skills to help us maintain the property. As a 1856 whaler’s cottage, the original front section has been kept in the manner of a Victorian cottage – with lots of possessions on display.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tara revealed

We really enjoyed the house and area but would have been great if some minor breakfast supplies were supplied.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Feb 2024
Hi Gary Thank you for taking the time to review Tara Cottage. We are pleased you enjoy your stay. We thank you for your suggestion and we will discuss this with the caretaker. We look forward to your return stay at Tara Cottage. Tara Cottage
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We will return

First class
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Deb R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cottage

Tara was very picture as had a lovely backyard and was great for my puppies. They were safe and secure there. The cottage had all the facilities we needed. I guess my only complaint was how uncomfortable the lounge chairs and things were to relax on and could’ve done with a bit better outdoor furniture. but on the whole it was beautiful clean and tidy easy walk to the beach and a beautiful town altogether
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Deb J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Fairy Good

Easy booking and access. Difficult to maintain a property that old, however some grubby handles and lots of dusty shelves. Furniture in the old bluestone matched the age and gave an old world charm. Fantastically setup for dogs, with extra bowls and leads. Kitchen was excellently equipped with every utensil and gadget you could want.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

6/10 Okay

SUE R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Not my favourite Port Fairy Accomm

The property was crammed with furniture and Knick knacks making a relaxing stay nigh on impossible. Lighting was dim making it hard to read in the front section of the house. We left one day early
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Apr 2023
Thank you for your comments Sue. Tara Cottage is an 1856 cottage and as such the original front section has been kept in the manner of a Victorian cottage..
Verified

8/10 Good

Kate L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely eclectic mix of old and modern

Very interesting to have one end of the house very old and the other quite modern! The bed was comfortable which is always good. My husband is tall and hit his head on the kitchen entrance twice (he is tall but possibly was not careful enough) so an addition of hazard tape/foam might be an idea. The only other recommendation would be a shower caddy to hang over the shower head with shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Most B&Bs include this, even if they are inexpensive brands. I'm glad I brought some small sample bottles just in case. No complaints though, just trying to better your accommodation for others.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 May 2024
Thank you for taking the time to review Tara Cottage. We feel very privileged to have Tara Cottage - a listed historical building in Port Fairy. Our objective in having it as a cottage to rent is to allow people to share the experience of staying in a 1856 cottage. We have real issues with maintenance and upkeep and finding appropriate trades’ people with the necessary skills to help us maintain the property. As a 1856 whaler’s cottage, the original front section has been kept in the manner of a Victorian cottage. Please be aware that Tara cottage is not a bed and breakfast. No food, is supplied other than tea and coffee. Soap and lotions are supplied but not shampoo.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little cottage

Comfy place to stay whilst enjoying Port Fairy
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randeep D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming whaler’s cottage

Lovely place with nice decorations. Nice to relax on a sunny afternoon in the back garden.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Clive W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Delivers what it promises

We really enjoyed our stay, the kitchen was well stocked (and gas cooking), large yard for the dog, and stone cottages was quaint and well furnished. Note: Phone reception is non-existent behind 1 foot of solid bluestone (hardly surprising), and there is a very comfortable living room down the rear of the house with an AC if you get tired of feeding the fire. All in all, very enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Tara Cottage

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English
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