CHINA BIRDS Pty Ltd is based in PORT FAIRY, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA.
Port Fairy is a country town with around 2,500 inhabitants. It is a major tourist destination, and well known for its beautiful heritage buildings.
It is located on Victoria's moody south west coast. Beautiful beaches- and Griffiths Island which is linked to the mainland by a causeway- provide enjoyment for walkers and birdlovers. China Birds operates out of a nineteenth century cottage in Cox St, Port Fairy, one of the older streets in this quaint old town. The cottage dates from 1858, when the original owner bought the property off the Atkinson Survey. The name of the cottage " Talune" is a mystery. Why the name "Talune"? Was it named for the ship, or the river in Tasmania ?
The cottage consists of many small rooms with a tiny central passage way. The floor boards were stripped and polished about 16 years ago, during which time some interesting features were revealed. For example a hearth came to light under some carpet, and as it was under a window some major renovating must have been done. The windows have deep sills which can be used for displays of china and glassware, or for flowers.
Blue and white china is always fresh and endearing in the cottage setting. Many of the designs of the older pieces were inspired by China and Chinese porcelain. East meets West companionably in this house.
And now a little more about Port Fairy:
Port Fairy is well known for Festivals. The Port Fairy Folk Festival will hold it's 34th festival next March. International and National- and local - musicians display their talent over the Labour Day long weekend.
The population of Port Fairy swells to around 30,000. It is a wonderful event.
The Spring Music Festival is held in October every year- a fabulous celebration of music. All the halls in the small town echo to the sounds of music over that weekend.
Ex Libris Port Fairy Book Fair is held on the first weekend in September. It is a combination of great book sales ( mostly secondhand treasures), and author events.
Winter Weekends are held over the four winter months- June July, August and September. They are themed, and offer great events - many indoor- on the first weekend of the above months. Ex Libris is held on one of the weekends- and books and literature is the theme.
Wonderful boutiques and restaurants make Port Fairy a great holiday destination- or if you are lucky- a great place in which to live and work.
