Lifeboat ‘Portland’, was built in 1858 at Williamstown. It has been conserved, making it the oldest, most intact, self-righting shore-based lifeboat in the world. The boat and her crew were responsible for saving a total of 43 lives.
Explore the Portland Lifeboat in 3D here!
You can see the Portland Lifeboat in person at the Maritime Museum in Portland. Other exhibits in the museum include a functioning lighthouse lens; a Paper Mache replica of a 5.7 metre Great White Shark caught of Portland in 1982; model ships; and other displays documenting wreck and rescue, underwater exploration, Portland’s early fishing industry and the development of the modern port.
Guided tours of the museum can be booked through the Visitor Information Centre.
You can find more information about Portland and surrounding areas on our Tourism pages.
Visitors Centre
Aerial shot of Visitors Centre
Brochures on the shelf
Hats for sale
The lifeboat
Lee Breakwater Road, Portland, Victoria.
See our location on Google Maps.
We are open daily 9am-5pm (Except Christmas Day)
Phone: 1800 035 567
Email: portlandvic@glenelg.vic.gov.au