Portland is located on the far south-west coast of Victoria, mid-way between Port Fairy and the small town of Nelson which is adjacent to the state border with South Australia.

Portland was the site of Victoria's first permanent settlement back in 1834, with the town quickly prospering due to fishing, pastoral and agricultural industries. 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 Alcoa aluminium smelter which commenced operations in 1986.

Portland is a place of historic discovery with over 200 buildings within the town classified by the National Trust, many of which are constructed out of bluestone.

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.

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 that stretches 50 kilometres north-west along the coast to the small town of Nelson, close to the state border with South Australia.

	Cape Nelson Lighthouse Located a short drive south of Portland on the Great South West Walk, the Cape Nelson Lighthouse offers guided tours of the historic precinct and an on-site cafe
	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
	Port of Portland History, maps, photos and information on facilities at the deep water bulk port at Portland harbour
	Powerhouse Car Museum A museum offering an extensive display of vintage and classic cars, as well as motorbikes and engines

	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
	Cobboboonee National Park Situated north-west of Portland, it consists of lowland forests, heathlands and wetlands with several walking tracks, picnic areas and a horse riding trail
	Discovery Bay Coastal Park Features a majestic 50 km sweep of ocean beach, huge dunes, Aboriginal middens and coastal lakes
	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
	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

Upwelling Festival A free community festival that celebrates the unique features of Portland. It is staged on Portland's foreshore and includes market stalls, entertainment, childrens activities, marine talks and a street parade.

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