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Its builder was John Walwyn Taylor, from the West Indies, who made
money at the gold fields and decided to erect a chain of hotels with
the "Star" prefix.
His Port Fairy venture which was erected in 1856 was the only one
completed. It is said that Taylor had made plans to build a Star of
the East at Wangaratta but his death in 1860, at 40 years of age,
ended this plan.
The most distinguished guest at the Star of the West was a Governor
of Victoria, Sir Henry Barkly, who visited the district in 1858.
Barkly arrived at the port in H.M Sloop Victoria and was rowed
ashore in Captain John Mills' Harbourmaster's boat. He was taken to
the hotel in procession lead by an impromptu band of three musicians -
McBride the undertaker, a large man, playing a fife; Aldridge, a clerk,
lean, gaunt and knock-kneed, beating on an improvised drum, and
Hillyar, a Cornish stonemason, stout, short and stuffy, playing a flute.
The weather was wet and boisterous but that did not hold up the
presentation at the hotel of a loyal address, the holding of a levee,
lavish banquet, and "a good time being indulged in" by all and sundry.
The good time continued for two days after his Excellency left the town.
It was from the star that Cobb & Co's coaches started when they first
began serving Belfast in 1859. The balcony, in the old days the scene of
startling gymnastic feats by squatters in town, was originally not
supported by posts and the outside bluestone walls were not coated with
cement until 1876. The Star used to stock a very efficient branch of
champagne, which the local councillors were accustomed to pour liberally
into visiting ministers of State and heads of departments when they
wanted something done for Belfast.
The Star has seen its fair share of colourful characters over the
years, both owners and patrons. Ronnie Wearmounth, the Collingwood
champion rover, was licensee for a period in the eighties. It has been
the hang out of fishermen, SEC & rail workers, soldiers even the odd
pirate or two, a smuggler here and there, not to mention the "hidden
Passage" between the Star and the Wharf. Ah - not much has changed over
the years.
In 2006, Star of the West Hotel celebrated its 150th birthday. Your hosts, Damian
& Sue Gleeson, have operated the Star since July 2003. Having been in
Geelong before that they are really enjoying their time at home.
The Port Fairy Hotel comprises of a main bar - TAB area, The
JW Taylor Room,
Dining Room, Outside
Courtyard (licensed for 300) and accommodation upstairs. It has the only
TAB Gaming facility in the
town of Port Fairy. The nearest TAB Gaming is in Koroit.
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