Portland

Portland Vic 3305 (Pop 10 600)
Pic: by Biatch

Portland is a pretty holiday destination on Portland Bay 362 km s-w of Melbourne. As the only deepsea port between Melbourne and Adelaide, it is a major exporting centre for grain, wool and locally manufactured items. Original inhabitants were the Kerrup-Tjmara Aborigines who named the area ‘Pulumbete’ meaning ‘little lake’ referring to nearby Fawthrop Lagoon. Portland is said to be Victoria’s first permanent settlement established by the Henty family in 1834, however a whaling fishery had been set up here the previous year by William Dutton. The town has continued to prosper with its fishing industry, aluminium smelter and fertilizer industry. An innovative town, it won an award  (1984) for successfully harnessing geothermal energy from the artesian basin providing power to many of local government buildings.  Foreshores Carnival (Jan), Yachting Regatta (Feb), Dahlia Festival (Mar), Jazz Festival & Pioneer Week (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Portland Maritime Discovery Centre & Tourist Information, Lee Breakwater Rd fascinating displays and artifacts relating to the area’s local maritime history, shipwrecks, marine life etc. Open (9am-5pm) daily. Historic Portland (countless sites, many National Trust listed) include Portland Inn (1840) (Victoria’s oldest building on original site), Steam Packet Inn (1842), Old Customs House (1849), Christian Community College (1851) (incorporates the house where Mary MacKillop lived), ‘Claremont’ (1852) (a former Henty residence), Victoria House (1853), St Stephen’s Church (1856), All Saints Catholic Church (1857) (where Mary MacKillop worshiped). Botanic Gardens, Cliff St established in 1857 with historical trees, croquet lawns and a charming bluestone cottage (1858). History House, Charles St located in the old Town Hall (1863) featuring intriguing local history and maritime displays, photographs and memorabilia. Open (10am-12 and 1pm-4pm) daily. Lookout Tower Museum, Percy St former 25 m water tower (1930s), WWII museum and excellent views. Open (10am-4pm) daily. Fawthrop Lagoon, Glenelg St permanent wetland with 5 km of walking trails and prolific birdlife. Portland Battery, Victoria Pde (1889) includes a powder magazine and an 1811 cannon.

Nearby:
Cape Nelson State Park (12 km south) 210 ha park featuring high craggy cliffs, unique soap mallee forests, stunning coastal walks and an historic lighthouse (1883) with 2 lighthouse keepers’ cottages. Cape Bridgewater (21 km south) home to a large Australian fur seal colony with the viewing platform reached by a 2 hour walk. The return trip passes the Bridgewater Lakes. Also of interest here are the Blowholes. Part of the Great South Walk from the Blowholes to the viewing platform takes 3 hours (return) and takes in Victoria’s highest coastal cliffs (130 m) and the ‘Petrified Forest’. Discovery Bay Coastal Park (comprising Cape Bridgewater) 8 590 ha park of sweeping coastlines and sand dunes, rugged rock formations, Aboriginal middens and pretty lakes. Kangaroos, wallabies and over 140 bird species make their home here amid the scenic walking trails and bush camping areas (Swan Lake Flats and Lake Monibeong). Mt Richmond NP (25 km n-w) extinct volcano area of 1733 ha with spring wildflowers, prolific flora (450 species) & fauna and several heath and forest walking trails. Great South Walk 250 km circular walking trail comprises the complete spectrum of local scenery particularly Lower Glenelg NP, Discovery Bay NP, the seal colony and Cape Bridgewater. Narrawong (16 km n-w) small artesian bore town with a beach, excellent river fishing and camping facilities. The historic cemetery contains the grave of Portand’s first settler, William Dutton. Lower Glenelg NP (44 km n-w) spectacular 50 m deep river gorges, lookouts and the Margaret Rose Caves. Fishing, canoeing, camping and bushwalking all popular pursuits.

Accommodation:
Portland has 8 motels, 3 hotels, 7 B&Bs, many holiday apartments/cottages and half a dozen caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Lee Breakwater Rd. Tel (03) 5523 2671 or 1800 035 567.