MS Delphin Details

Due into Portland on Tuesday, 5 February 2013 at 7 am.

Cruise Ship Visits to the Glenelg Shire

Date	Cruise Ship Name	Passenger Total
5 February 2013	MS Delphin	470
March 2014	MS Europa	408

CRUISE SHIP PASSENGER & CREW INFORMATION

Portland Victoria

Welcome to Portland, Victoria’s first settlement. Situated in the far south west of Victoria in the Glenelg Shire- 362 kms south-west of Melbourne, it’s one of Victoria’s best kept secrets. Portland is not only the western gateway to the Great Ocean Road, but the perfect holiday destination for those who enjoy beaches, bays, history and heritage.

PORT ENTRY & EXIT

Shuttle Bus Service information, including designated stops, running times etc

ORGANISED TOURS VIA SHIP

If you have booked a tour on board the ship, buses will be at portside on your arrival. Passengers, Tour operators will show you to your bus. If you have booked a tour with private companies it is advisable that they pick up and drop passengers off at the Portland Maritime Discovery & Information Centre.

PICK UP BY RELATIVES, FRIENDS AND PRIVATE TOUR OPERATORS

It is advisable for all passengers and crew, if they are being met by relatives, friends or private tour operators, to catch the shuttle bus to the Portland Maritime Discovery & Information Centre and be “picked up and dropped off” at the same point and again catch the shuttle back to the ship. This alleviates any issues that may arise from a security perspective.

THINGS TO DO

A shuttle bus will collect passengers from the ship and shuttle bus route will consist of a number of stops which will start at the Portland Maritime Discovery & Information Centre. You can disembark from the bus at any of the stops on the itinerary and catch the next bus approximately 45 minutes later. This gives you enough time to wander around the stops that interest you or simply stay on the bus and enjoy the lovely scenery.

A variety of local tours will be available and are on offer from the Portland Maritime Discovery. For further information on discovering Portland and surrounds please contact the Portland Maritime Discovery & Information Centre on 1800 035 567 or email portlandvic@glenelg.vic.gov.au

Local Taxi Company- Taxis of Portland may be able to offer day trips and can hold up to (6) passengers including wheelchair access. Prices may vary and may exclude lunch and admission fees.

• Taxis of Portland (03) 5523 2022
• Email: taxiport@westnet.com.au

Hire cars can also booked, it is advisable to book via the net or direct with the hire car company before arrival due to the limited number of vehicles generally available. Please check with the hire car company when hiring on your pick up and return point. In most cases an international licence is required.

• Hertz Portland (03) 5521 7211
• www.hertz.com.au

DRIVING

Australians drive on the left, which can be disconcerting for visitors used to driving on the right side of the road. Roads are generally good and major routes well signposted. Speed limits and distances are expressed in kilometres and vary substantially from 50 kph in residential and heavy traffic areas to 110 kph on highways/freeways (please follow signage for speed limits). Drink driving is a serious offence and heavily policed. Drivers can be stopped anywhere at random and subjected to a breath analysis test. The legal limit in Australia is a blood alcohol content of 0.05%.

Summer: December to February

December to February has average temperature of 21°C. Summer brings warm sun, sea breezes, squeaking sand and long twilights. A great time for boating, bushwalking, beaches and fishing.

Autumn: March to May

Winter: June to August

June to August has an average temperature of 13°C. If the yellow flag is flying outside the Portland Visitor Centre, there is a great chance you will catch a glimpse of Southern Right Whales, which often visit Portland & Cape Bridgewater Bays in winter. It’s a great time to rug up and explore galleries, antique shops, heritage sites and local foodie spots. Days can be crisp and bracing and evening’s cosy in front of an open fire.

Spring: September to November

Spring and Autumn: are pleasant seasons with temperatures in the mid teens. Autumn is calm, cool and sunny with the trees displaying an amazing array of red and golden colours. Spring is cool and fresh and the national parks in the area are well known for the amazing displays of wildflowers.

In and around the Glenelg Shire

Click here to find out more of our Glenelg Shire attractions and activities.

For further information......

.............. please contact one of our trained staff or wonderful volunteers that can provide you with extensive local and regional knowledge that can assist you when planning your visit to the Glenelg Shire.

Portland Visitor Information Centre - 1800 035 567
www.glenelg.vic.gov.au

Casterton Information Centre - 03 5581 2070
www.casterton.org.au

Nelson Visitor Information Centre - 08 8738 4051
www.nelsonvictoria.com.au