Portland, Great Ocean Road

Located on the Great Ocean Road, Portland Victoria is a coastal city where nature meets culture. With rugged cliffs, old growth forests and ocean views, Portland is an experience. It’s the entrance to famous surf beaches like Bells Beach, sandy beaches and coastal routes to Port Campbell, Cape Otway and Apollo Bay. As one of Australia’s oldest towns, Portland’s combination of landscapes and history makes it a must see on the south coast.

Early History

Portland has a rich history, being the site of Victoria’s first permanent European settlement, established by Edward Henty in 1834. Henty’s family came from Tasmania, where they had livestock, seeds, and a desire to settle. As they settled and developed the land, the small community grew around Portland Bay, mainly because of its natural harbour. This port became a major trading hub between Victoria and the rest of Australia, and over time, Portland developed a cultural heritage tied to its port. Portland still celebrates this history through heritage buildings, historic sites like the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre and relics that tell the stories of the early settlers and the traditional owners of the land.

Origin of Name

The name Portland was given to the area by British navigator James Grant in the early 1800s after the Duke of Portland. It was a fitting name for this spot as it was a perfect port for the Bass Strait and later proved to be the lifeblood of early trade and exploration. Portland’s maritime history and connection to the rest of Australia by sea has shaped much of its early development and growth, and today, it’s a reminder of Victoria’s colonial past.

City Port

The Port of Portland is a busy deepwater port and is still the lifeblood of the region and international trade. One of the oldest and busiest ports in Australia, it handles a wide range of cargo, including agriculture, timber and livestock exports. The port also services the Portland Aluminium smelter, a major local industry. For visitors, the port area offers a glimpse into Portland’s working maritime industry, which includes fishing boats, cargo ships, and a working waterfront. Portland Bay, surrounded by the cliffs of Cape Nelson and the open waters of the Bass Strait, is a picturesque backdrop to the port’s activity and offers great photo opportunities and a taste of life on Victoria’s southern coast.

Cityscape

Portland, Victoria’s cityscape is a blend of historic architecture, modern facilities and natural beauty. Walking through the town, you’ll find a range of sights, from heritage-listed buildings with Georgian and Victorian facades to art installations and boutique shops that add character to the main streets like Bentinck Street. The town has multiple lookouts over the Pacific Ocean with views of the coastline and native wildlife like sea eagles and seals. A walk along the waterfront and through South Portland will find you quaint cafes, colourful art galleries and a taste of the creativity and community spirit that Portland is famous for.

Things to Do

Portland has something for every kind of traveller, from history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts to families and couples. Here’s a closer look at some of the top experiences this coastal town has to offer.

Fishing

Fishing in Portland is a must-do, with multiple locations to fish from, including Portland Bay, Bridgewater Bay and the Glenelg River, where you can catch snapper, kingfish, tuna and bream. The waters around Portland are renowned for sport fishing, and charters are available for both recreational and serious anglers looking for a big catch. Fishing is a long tradition in Portland. Visitors can experience it for themselves, whether by casting off the jetties or joining a charter to explore the Southern Ocean’s fishing grounds.

Walking

Portland offers walking trails suited for all fitness levels, many of which highlight the region’s rainforests, coastal cliffs, and breathtaking ocean views. The Great South West Walk is the standout, covering 250km of diverse landscapes, from towering eucalypt forests to pristine beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs. For those seeking shorter hikes, the Point Danger Lookout Walk provides stunning views over Bridgewater Bay, where seals can often be seen basking on the rocks below. Inland, the walks around Mount Richmond National Park take you through ancient rainforests, offering a chance to encounter native wildlife in their natural habitat. Experience it all with tours Great Ocean Road Australia.

Picturesque Parks and Gardens

Portland’s parks and gardens are some of its best natural attractions, where you can get amongst the flora and fauna. The Portland Botanic Gardens, established in 1857, has unique plant species including rare Norfolk Pines and lush ferns. Fawthrop Lagoon is another peaceful spot, popular for birdwatching and picnicking, with walking trails that circle the lagoon. Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve nearby is home to kangaroos, koalas and emus so is a must see for wildlife enthusiasts.

Whale Watching

Whale watching is a seasonal highlight in Portland, from June to October when the southern right whales migrate past the coast. Cape Nelson and Cape Bridgewater are the best lookout points for seeing these magnificent creatures breaching and playing in the ocean. For the ultimate experience, head to the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre, which has information on whale migration and guided tours to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.

Outdoor Activities

Portland has outdoor activities galore set against beautiful backdrops. The rugged cliffs at Cape Bridgewater are perfect for rock climbing and hiking for the adventurous. For a more relaxing time, the beaches around Portland Bay are great for sunbathing, swimming and surfing, especially Johanna Beach and the sandy stretches of Skenes Creek. Inland, the extinct volcanoes at Mount Elephant and the trails around Mount Richmond National Park allow you to explore unique landscapes with lush vegetation, native wildlife and coastal views.

Accommodations

Portland has accommodations to suit all, from luxury beachfront resorts overlooking the Pacific Ocean to B&Bs and budget motels in the main town. South Portland and the South Waterfront have scenic accommodations with beach and city attractions at your doorstep. If you prefer to stay closer to nature, there are camping grounds near national parks where you can rough it under the stars with the sound of the ocean in the background.

Eat and Drink

Eating in Portland is a pleasure, and there are many options featuring local produce, seafood, and regional wines. The waterfront area is full of seafood restaurants where you can eat locally caught lobster, abalone and a range of fish straight from the Southern Ocean. Portland’s café culture is also strong, with cozy spots in the city centre and South Portland offering gourmet coffee, pastries and Australian brunch favourites. For a taste of local wines, visit the nearby wineries, where you can try cool climate wines that are only found in this region.

A Weekend in the City

A weekend in Portland is a great way to unwind and experience the natural and cultural attractions. Start with a visit to the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre to get an overview of the area’s history then take a walk along the South Waterfront. Day two could be whale watching at Cape Bridgewater, exploring the cliffs at Cape Nelson or a lazy afternoon of fishing at Bridgewater Bay. Evenings in Portland can be spent eating at one of the waterfront restaurants and watching the sunset over the southern coast.

Best Time to Visit

Portland can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. Summer (December to February) is best for beach activities, coastal walks and water sports with warm weather and sunny days. Winter (June to August) is the peak season for whale watching as the whales pass through Portland Bay. Spring and autumn are mild and quiet, with plenty of time to explore the rainforests, scenic trails and Portland’s many parks and gardens.

Discover Nearby Towns

You’re in the perfect spot to explore the surrounding towns, each with its own Great Ocean Road attractions. Port Fairy has historic cottages, a Folk Festival and art galleries. Apollo Bay and Port Campbell have surfing beaches and natural wonders like the Bay of Islands, the Twelve Apostles and the Loch Ard Gorge, all in the Port Campbell National Park. Inland Mount Gambier in South Australia has a Blue Lake and sinkholes, another layer of the region’s many landscapes.

Portland has a rich history, being the site of Victoria’s first permanent European settlement, established by Edward Henty in 1834.