Fairbairn was born at Melbourne Australia, the son of Thomas Fairbairn, a pastoralist and his wife Lena Carmyle. He was also the nephew of rower Steve Fairbairn. He was educated at Eton College and Jesus College, Cambridge and rowed for Cambridge in the Boat Race in 1908.
Fairbairn was born in Melbourne, Australia, to a family of pastoralists; he was also the nephew of an accomplished rower. He received his education at prestigious institutions and participated in a notable rowing event.