Portland
Portland is a coastal town with a population of 10,000 people, and another 4,000 in the surrounding region. It is situated on the western tip of the Great Ocean Road, about 4 hours' drive from Melbourne.
Portland was the earliest town in Victoria to be settled by Europeans, and its historic past continues to play an important role. Many of its oldest buildings are now restaurants or hotels.
The main industries in Portland are Alcoa (aluminium smelter), Keppel Prince Engineering, the Port of Portland, the fishing industry, Kalari Transport and the Codrington Wind Farm. The port is one of only three deep water ports in Victoria.
Educational facilities in Portland are of excellent standard, with both private and public schools available.
Portland has an airport with daily flights to and from Melbourne and Adelaide, making a trip to the city quick and easy.
The waterfront is always alive with activity: Big ships from around the world coming in to load up, the fishing fleet unloading its catch in the early morning or heading out in the dark of night and people enjoying the wide foreshore.
For those who like dropping a line, Portland is an angler’s paradise. Portland boasts some of the best surf this side of Bells Beach, Southern Right Whales can be seen frolicking close to shore September and October, and there are always many seals at the seal colony.
The city of Portland offers everything for the individual who is seeking a fulfilling rural lifestyle: surfing, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, scuba diving, bush walking in the many national parks, vineyards and wineries, an indoor heated pool and a range of sporting clubs such football, soccer, basketball and cricket. Bridgewater Bay's lifeguard patrolled beaches are just 15 minutes away.
Festivals held locally are a fantastic way to unwind on those lazy weekends. A short drive will have you dancing at Koroit's Jazz Festival, enjoying the vibe at the Port Fairy Folk Festival or having fun at Warrnambool's Wunta Festival.
To learn more about Portland, visit the Glenelg Shire Council home page.
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