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Portland information and attractions

Introduction:

Portland is located in the far south-west of Victoria on the coast, mid-way between Warrnambool and the city of Mount Gambier in the neighbouring state of South Australia.

Portland was the site of Victoria's first permanent settlement back in 1834. Thanks to its long history, over 200 historic buildings grace the streets of the town.

Portland's commercial centre is based around Percy Street with a number of retail outlets and eateries spilling over into Bentinck Street which overlooks a grassy foreshore, the town's marina and the expansive sands of Nuns Beach. The Portland Cable Tram offers visitors a scenic and informative journey through the foreshore, providing views along the coast and passing attractions such as Botanic Gardens, Portland Powerhouse Car Museum, Maritime Discovery Centre, Whalers Bluff Lighthouse, and the World War 2 Memorial Lookout Tower at Anderson Point.

Portland is the only deep-water sea port between Adelaide and Melbourne, making it a major centre for sea transport of goods and produce from the surrounding areas. A large sheltered harbour provides calm waters for a marina, wharves and shipping berths. One of Portland's major industries is the local Aluminium Smelter which commenced operations in 1985.

South of Portland is Cape Nelson which includes a 210 hectare state park bordering rugged cliffs with the Cape Nelson Lighthouse located on the coast's southern tip. To the west is Cape Bridgewater, which marks the start of the Discovery Bay Coastal Park which stretches around 50 kilometres north-west along the coast to the small town of Nelson, close to the state border with South Australia.

 
Attractions:

Portland Cable Trams
Operating 7 days a week, ride on this tourist tramway along the coast and harbour
Portland Maritime Discovery Centre
Offers themed displays which include immigration, whaling, shipwrecks, rescue, navigation, tools, underwater exploration and much more
Powerhouse Car Museum
A museum offering an extensive display of vintage and classic cars, as well as motorbikes and engines
Port of Portland
History, maps, photos and information on facilities at the deep water bulk port at Portland harbour

Parks, gardens & trails:

Great South West Walk
A 250 kilometre walking track forming a giant loop between Portland and Nelson, following the coast along the Discovery Bay Coastal Park and inland along the Glenelg River
Discovery Bay Coastal Park
Features a majestic 50 km sweep of ocean beach, huge dunes, Aboriginal middens and coastal lakes
Cape Nelson State Park
Located 11 kms south-west of Portland, this park featuring spectacular coastal cliffs, diverse bird life, picturesque walks and picnic areas
Lower Glenelg National Park
Covering 27,300 hectares and situated in the south-western corner of Victoria, the Glenelg River is the park's central feature as it carves gorges up to 50 metres deep through limestone
Mount Richmond National Park
Situated to the west of Portland and north of Cape Bridgewater, the park is based around an extinct volcano surrounded by low, flat land and is noted for its flora and fauna

Festivals & events:

Portland Bay Festival
A vibrant festival based around Portland's historic waterfront with exhibitions, fun activities, art, food wine and live entertainment

Local tourist guides:

The Great Ocean Road - Portland
Tourism guide covering Portland and the Great Ocean Road
Portland Holidays
Explore Portland's attractions, accommodation, food & wine, and events
Walkabout - Portland
A travel guide with information on the history of the area and things to see

* All the above links are external and open up in a new window

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