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Welcome to the Glenelg Shire Council

Aerial Photo of Portland

Things to See and Do in Portland

Portland is full of a range of beautiful, historic, fun and unique activities. Here are some of our suggestions, or alternatively download the 'Things to see and do' pdf file at the bottom for even more information.

We offer an array of dining options - from specialty cultural Asian cuisine to 'take-away' restaurants, even drive-throughs.

Some suggested activities:

  • Visit the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre to inspect the Portland lifeboat, sit inside the ribcage of a giant sperm whale skeleton or come face to face with a Great White Shark replica (free admission for Companion Card holders). Click here for an electronic version of the flyer.
  • Take a scenic ride along the foreshore on the Portland Cable Tram.
  • Wander the beautiful and historic Botanical Gardens.
  • Watch an artist at work at the Julia Street Creative Space or visit the Portland Arts Centre for arts and cultural displays. Local art and food combine to make an enriching experience at the Tee Tree Gallery & Ms Mermaid's Tea Rooms.
  • Swim at the Portland Leisure and Aquatic Centre heated pools or take advantage of the spa, gym, aerobic classes and waterslide (seasonal).
  • Climb the WWII Memorial Lookout Tower for an unbeatable 360 degree view of Portland.
  • Visit the Whale VIewing Platform for a fantastic viewpoint of Portland and look through the binoculars to catch a glimpse of a whale.
  • Take a journey back in time at the Powerhouse Vintage Car Museum.
  • Take a self-guided walk to see 50 of Portland's historic buildings (map available at Portland VIC).
  • Visit the 32 metre high Cape Nelson Light Station built in 1882 of local bluestone. Take a tour and have lunch at Isabella's Cafe.
  • Spot a Southern Right Whale during winter or a Blue Whale off Cape Nelson during summer.
  • Visit Point Danger, Australia's only mainland gannet bird colony.
  • Try your luck fishing by boat, in the surf, the river or from the breakwater (boat charters available).
  • Walk sections of the Great South West Walk.
  • Check out the surf at Cape Bridgewater, Murrell's, Blacknose Point, Yellow Rock and Crumpets.
  • Head inland to the Mount Richmond National Park and admire the wildflowers and wildlife.
  • Indulge your senses with local produce from Portland Strawberries or smell the roses at Treloars.
  • Walk the footsteps of Mary MacKillop with a self guided tour (map available at Portland VIC).
  • Stroll along the formed track around the Fawthrop lagoon and keep your eyes out for the many bird species in this area.
  • Check out the latest free exhibition at the Maritime Discovery Centre.
  • Take a self guided walk around one of Victoria's earliest and most significant burial places at the Old Portland Cemetery, North Portland (map available at Portland VIC).
  • Sit on the Portland Foreshore, view the ships coming in and out and watch the B-Double trucks unload their woodchips. Click here to find out more information about the Port of Portland.
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