While Portland has been described as “at the end of the earth” or “the last frontier”, this coastal city is an Australian gem. It’s the birthplace of Victoria as the first European settlement in the state. Located over 300 kilometres from Melbourne, it may seem like a bit of a drive. But Portland is abounding in some of Victoria’s best attractions.
At Walk 91, we know the coast of Victoria like the back of our hand, having organised Great Ocean Walk Tours for two decades. And while we know most people will come to Victoria to traverse the big trek from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, known as the Great Ocean Walk, few will go beyond to explore the rest of the region.
If you’re feeling inspired to expand your horizons, then keep reading our blog on some of the best things to do in Portland, Victoria. Should you have any questions about our walking tours, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Visit Discovery Bay Coastal Park
The Discovery Bay Coastal Park protects the coast and cliffs of Cape Bridgewater, and is well worth a visit. It is known for its spectacular views, high rugged cliffs, long beaches, dune fields, wetlands and woodlands.
The basalt cliffs are the highest on Victoria’s coast and are the remains of an enormous volcanic crater which stretched along Bridgewater Bay.
Two million years ago from the cliff tops, you would have been standing on a volcanic vent in the path of molten lava traveling from Mount Richmond towards the Blowholes! Standing and looking down over the arc of Bridgewater Bay Beach, the sand marks the edge of where a massive underwater crater once stood. This is a wonderful beach to walk along and explore.
Do Some Wildlife Watching
The coast surrounding Portland is teeming with wildlife. It’s particularly well-known for the whales that frequent its shores in the winter months. During this time if you are lucky, you’ll be treated to sightings of Southern Right Whales, and maybe even a Blue Whale! The Blue Whale is the largest mammal in existence, weighing up to 300 pounds. The Discovery Bay Marine National Park helps to protect crustaceans, such as krill, which the whales feed on as they migrate along the coast. There is even a Portland whale viewing platform set up with binoculars to enhance your viewing experience.
Another animal that has made Portland its home is the gannet. Both Australian and Cape gannets inhabit a corner of Point Danger Coastal Reserve between September and March, forming the only land-based colony in Australia.
At Cape Bridgewater, you can admire an incredible colony of seals, numbering around 2,500! While there are viewing platforms, one of the best ways of getting up close to these animals is on a boat tour, during which you can capture some incredible photographs.
Experience The Bonney Upwelling
In November, the south-east winds in the area start pushing the warmer surface water of the coast out to sea, and as a result pushes the cold nutrient rich water from the ocean floor to the surface. This creates an explosion of microscopic plants, which in turn feed great swarms of krill. This not only attracts whales, but a vast array of fish, seals, dolphins, penguins and gannets.
It is hard to see marine animals feeding under water but at the right time of year, between November and April, you might also see huge amounts of gannets diving for fish.
Explore Portland’s Petrified Forest
There has always been great debate on how these amazing formations came about. They were once thought to be petrified tree stumps, but then science stepped in! It is now thought that they are hollow tubes of limestone (called solution pipes) eroded by millions of years of rainfall. Then, when water gathers in a shallow pan of sand and seeps downwards, it dissolves the limestone and the minerals forming a cement which hardens the trunk-like pipes.
Some of the pillars in the area are as high as 20 metres, but the ‘pipes’ here along the path are smaller. However, It’s quite amazing to see such old natural structures still standing, whilst directly behind them are huge man-made towers – windfarms! They are all along the coast here, and you will be surprised at how many there are.
Discover the Blowholes in Portland
Also located in the Discovery Bay Coastal Park (on the western side of Cape Bridgewater) you can stop and view the blowholes from the wonderful viewing platforms provided.
The blowholes are mainly formed of basalt and scoria rock, which push up the cold water of the Great Southern Ocean to create spectacular spouts of sea spray during high tide and high seas.
For those who may not like to walk too far, there is parking available at the end of Blowholes road, and then only a short path to the Blowholes Lookout.
Stop and enjoy the amazing panoramic views, and if conditions are right, enjoy watching the impressive water display!
Embark on the Great South West Walk
Victoria may be known for the magnificent and world-renowned Great Ocean Walk, but there’s another trail that’s certainly worth exploring. The Great South West Walk spans a circular route of 250 kilometres, beginning and ending in Portland at the Maritime Discovery and Visitor Information Centre (a great place to pop in and get a map). It was originally set up by locals in 1984, and the volunteers and friends of the Great South Walk still help Parks Victoria to help maintain the track today.
While you don’t have to complete the full trail, this epic walk is notable for passing by some of the region’s best attractions, including the Cape Nelson Lighthouse and various wildlife lookouts, and encompasses the Petrified Forest, Discovery Bay and the secluded Glenelg River.
The walk provides 17, 2 hour loops, so it is suitable for different age groups and abilities.There are lots of access points from the Portland Nelson Road, and you can choose day walks (staying in accommodation Portland) or you might prefer to camp closer to the trails.
These walks are arguably the best way to experience Portland. You’ll stroll along coastal cliffs, trek through forests, traverse a river gorge, and cross long stretches of beach. And, if you are lucky, you might just spot kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and emus.
Visit the Cape Nelson Lighthouse
The Cape Nelson Lighthouse, at the tip of Portland, is an iconic landmark in the region. It was first lit in 1884, helping to prevent the number of shipwrecks that were previously occurring on the rugged coastline from the flux of European settlers to the region.
One of these tragic shipwrecks was the barque Marie, wrecked near Cape Bridgewater in 1851, killing 25 passengers. Sections of the ship were eventually washed up in Cape Otway and Apollo Bay (at the start of the Great Ocean Walk).
Building the Cape Nelson Lighthouse to help avoid tragedies along the coast was not an easy task. The bluestone that was originally quarried from close by ran out quickly, and further stone supplies were then found 11kms away. But, without a direct route, the stone had to be carted via Portland by 15 teams of men, a total of 21kms. This was a massive undertaking, traveling along extremely rugged roads.
Today, you can join a guided tour of this fascinating lighthouse, climbing to the top of it for stunning views of the cape. During your tour, you’ll learn more about the shipwrecks that dot the coast as well as the lives of the lighthouse keepers.
After the tour, you can grab a bite to eat at Isabella’s Cafe, named after one of the shipwrecks. If you want to get a true sense of lighthouse living, you can even book to stay in one of the historic lighthouse cottages.
Surf in Portland
For keen surfers, Portland is a great area enjoy the surf. But note, many of the surf breaks are not for beginners and in remote areas. The Information Centre has a mud map of the breaks, but be warned — the map is a little hard to follow, and the surfbreaks are a bit hard to find, so bring your sense of adventure along with you!
Ride the Portland Cable Tram
For a historic jaunt through the town, you can go for a ride on the Portland Cable Tram. You’ll travel along a 7.2-kilometre route in restored cars that harken back to years ago. Departing from the Portland Cable Trams Museum and Depo, where you can learn more about the history of these vehicles, you’ll make stops at the Powerhouse Museum, Portland Botanic Gardens, Portland Maritime Discovery Centre, and a World War II Memorial Lookout.
During the trip, a guide on board will fill you in with fascinating facts about Portland’s heritage. The Portland Cable Tram is run entirely by passionate volunteers, who have lovingly revived the history of Portland for all to enjoy.
Tour the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre
Diving further into Portland’s history, the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre reveals the intriguing whaling era of the region and even has the 14-metre skeleton of a sperm whale!
Discover the inextricable link between Portland and the sea, the town’s local fishing heritage, and relics from shipwrecks. A major attraction at the centre is a preserved 1858 lifeboat, one of the oldest unrestored vessels in Australia. Best of all, the Discovery Centre is free to visit, making Portland’s history accessible to everyone!
See More of Victoria with Walk 91
The state of Victoria has countless wonderful attractions, especially on its breathtaking coastline. If you want to immerse yourself in its natural beauty, embarking on the Great Ocean Walk is a must. You can even combine it with the Great South West Walk for an all-encompassing experience of Victoria. To organise your Great Ocean Walk, feel free to get in touch with the team at Walk 91. We can’t wait to share our slice of paradise with you!
