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DESTINED FOR YOUR LOVE - WITH SO MUCH TO EXPLORE.

RICH HISTORY
Delve into history and get back to nature in this thriving city by the sea. Wander streets dotted with beautifully maintained heritage buildings and dine on great pub fare while overlooking the harbour. Head out into the blue to catch the perfect wave or a tuna or two.
Grab the Portland self-guided Historical Buildings Walk map (from the Portland Visitor Information Centre) and take a closer look at the city's hundreds of heritage buildings. Portland became Victoria's first permanent European settlement in 1834 and boasts more than 200 buildings of historic significance.
Visit the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre for an insight into the region's long seafaring history, or take a ride along the foreshore in the Portland Cable Tram. The cable tram links the Portland Botanic Gardens, Portland Maritime Discovery Centre, Powerhouse Vintage Car Museum, WWII Memorial Lookout Tower and the Cable Tram Museum, whilst providing a scenic ride along the picturesque Portland Bay foreshore.
WHALE WATCHING
If you see the yellow flag flying outside the Portland Visitor Information Centre - it means a whale has been spotted! Southern Right Whales, which often visit Portland and Cape Bridgewater Bays in winter are easily identified by large white bumps on the top and sides of the head.
These majestic creatures put on an amazing show for visitors offering a truly spectacular experience. For the best vantage points to spot these sea-giants visit here.


EXPLORE THE REGION
During your stay, take the time to explore the townships of Portland, Cape Bridgewater, Casterton, Heywood, Dartmoor, Narrawong, Merino and Cape Nelson. Each townships offer something different from sweeping scenic views of rolling hills and productive agricultural land, to perfect pine plantations through the hinterland, and coastal beaches and rugged cliffs.
Cape Bridgewater is one of our absolute favourites (a must-do really) with it's lush petrified forests, blowholes and freshwater springs.
WHAT A CATCH!
If you're after a spot of fishing, Portland is literally an angler's paradise.
Choose from boat fishing or beach fishing and hook yourself a King George whiting, flathead, snapper, tuna or mulloway.
There's nothing like eating a fish you've caught yourself.

GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK
The Great South West Walk begins and ends at the Portland Visitor Information Centre. You can tackle a small section or try the entire 250 kilometre walk and see stunning forests, river gorges, capes and beaches along the way.
The 250km trek, which weaves through the communities of Portland, Cape Bridgewater, and Nelson, across the capes of Discovery Bay and trailing the Glenelg River, is one of the region’s biggest tourist attractions.
Take a few minutes to view our video featuring committee members of the Friends of the Great South West Walk who highlight the stunning landscape features and unique flora and fauna of the trail, which was first established 33 years ago.
Portland Hooked on Tuna Fest
This years competition will be held over 4 weekends in April. Dates are as follows:
8 & 9 April, 15 & 16 April, 22 & 23 April, 29 & 30 April
This year's event will be more than just a fishing competition, with significant family friendly events occurring on the opening weekends that includes:
- Interactive Fishing Display Trailer
- Fish Filleting Display
- Local Food Producers Stalls
- Celebrity Chef
- Fishing Clinics for kids
- Live Music
- Beer Club Presentation
- Kids Activities
- Tours of the Harbour
- Fishing kayaks
- Jumping castles

WATERFRONT ACTIVITY
Portland's waterfront is alive with activity – see big ships from around the world come in to load up local produce and the local fishing fleet unload its catch.
Walk the foreshore, spot seals at Cape Bridgewater, watch blue whales off Cape Nelson or traverse the Great South West Walk.
There's plenty of coastline to explore.
Where To Stay
Holiday Lifestyle Henty Bay Portland
Holiday Lifestyle Henty Bay Portland is a perfect spot for your next beach break. The holiday park is located right on the beach and is a great place to relax,...
Victoria Lodge Motor Inn & Apartments
If you are looking for a good night’s sleep, then you need look no further than the Golden Chain Platinum Victoria Lodge Motor Inn & Apartments. We offer spacious 4 star motel style accommodation where you can select from our Executive Double, Executive Twin, Executive Spa or Deluxe Spa Suites or you might like to try one of our deluxe one or two bedroom self-contained apartments.
Portland Holiday Village
The Portland Holiday Village offers a variety of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets, including ensuite studios and a two-bedroom apartment, as well as fully self-contained villas, caravan and...
Melaleuca Motel
The Melaleuca Motel is only a 2 minute walk from the beautiful beachfront, jetty, port and harbour; fantastic cafes, shops, restaurants and hotels.
Cape Nelson Lighthouse
The Cape Nelson Lighthouse precinct offers luxury accommodation in the original cottages built for lighthouse keepers.
Portland Tourist Park
Portland Tourist Park is set on 11 acres of natural bushland, just 1.7 kilometres from the centre of Portland, and is ideal for the keen angler with a boat wash...
What To See and Do
Cottage in the Gardens
Situated in the Botanical Gardens, this two storey bluestone cottage was the home of the Portland Botanical Gardens' curator.
Forrest Brewing Company
Forrest Brewing Company is an equal parts micro brewery, eating place and mountain biking hang-out. Offering a true boutique product not widely available outside of Forrest, all beers are brewed...
Cape Nelson State Park
The picnic areas at Cape Nelson State Park set in quiet bush surroundings are an ideal location for a pleasant meal with family and friends.
Portland Maritime Discovery Centre
At Portland Maritime Discovery Centre you'll experience a range of activities. Step inside the rib cage of the Sperm Whale skeleton.
Gannets in Portland
Head to Portland Victoria to see these wonderful birds up close and personal. These fishing birds are truly beautiful with wingspans growing up to two metres.
Portland Botanical Gardens
The Portland Botanic Gardens are a hidden tranquil beauty, established in the 1850s by William Allitt, one of the earliest botanic gardens in Australia.
What’s On
Around the region
Portland Community Market
Now that Spring has sprung bring your family and friends down to the Portland Community Market.




Blue Light Disco
Blue Light Disco is a great night of fun for kids aged nine to 14.




Community Christmas Carols
Portland's Christmas Carols are back again, join in the festive spirit with an evening of carols and good company.




5 at 5s
The 5 at 5's is back to celebrate the festive season with food, wine and entertainment.




Christmas Eve
Families are invited to celebrate the exciting hours before Christmas and catch a final glimpse of Santa at the Portland Foreshore for a...




Kids Learn to Sail with Tackers
An introduction to fun sailing and confidence on water for those just starting out. The kids sail in pairs in small boats.



