Portland Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Portland
Portland
Photo by Solène Anglaret

The first permanent European settlement in Victoria is a picturesque coastal city, dotted with heritage architecture, maritime attractions and pleasant beaches.

Portland is a cosy little city by the sea and marks the site one of Victoria’s earliest settlements in 1834. Stroll through Portland’s heritage city centre and learn about the area’s Aboriginal and European history or explore beautiful local beaches and botanical gardens. The city’s waterfront is an exciting hub of maritime industry and history and its nearby shores are known around the state for fishing and surfing.

Take the Portland Historical Buildings Walk to get a closer look at Portland’s collection of over 200 National Trust buildings. See old hotels, shops and houses, many of which were constructed from bluestone. Check out the waterfront and watch big ships come into Portland’s natural harbour. A visit to the Maritime Discovery Centre will uncover a treasure trove of history and information about Portland’s fascinating seafaring industries.

Climb aboard the foreshore Cable Tram, a historic tramway that takes passengers along a scenic route past Henty Park, the Botanic Gardens, the Portland Powerhouse Car Museum, the Maritime Discovery Centre, Whalers Bluff Lighthouse, the World War II Memorial Lookout and the North Portland Water Tower. You’ll also be able to see the tidal wetlands of Fawthrop Lagoon Park and the city’s coastal cliff tops.

Grab a meal on Bentinck Street, the city’s foreshore boulevard, where pubs and restaurants overlook the marina and the open, sandy expanse of Nuns Beach. In the cooler months, head to Cape Bridgewater to spot seals or Cape Nelson for the chance to see migratory blue whales. Fans of fishing will love the King George whiting, flathead, snapper and tuna that can be caught from Portland’s beaches or offshore boats.

Take a stroll along some of Victoria’s highest cliffs at Bridgewater Bay, a coastline formed by an ancient volcano rim. Keen hikers might want to take on the Great South West Walk, a 250-kilometre (155.3-mile) loop that begins and ends at the Maritime Discovery Centre.

Portland is just over 4-hours’ drive from Melbourne. Victoria’s regional V/Line railway and bus services connect Portland to other cities in the region. Visit Portland in summer to make the most of the city’s beaches or in winter for your best chance at spotting whales.

Richmond Henty Hotel

Richmond Henty Hotel

3.5 out of 5
101 Bentinck St, Portland, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (229 reviews)
"Very good menu for breakfast and dinner"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Richmond Henty Hotel
Quest Portland

Quest Portland

4 out of 5
66 Julia Street, Portland, VIC
The price is ₹11,784 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
₹11,784
₹12,962 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Portland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge) and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (548 reviews)
"Great location. Rooms were a fabulous size and great."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Quest Portland
Portland Retro Motel

Portland Retro Motel

3 out of 5
206 Hurd Street, Portland, VIC
The price is ₹5,180 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹5,180
₹5,744 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (192 reviews)
"Simple but adequate for a quick stay over. A warm room, clean bathroom, good hot water and shower. Fridge & Microwave - all the necessities, all clean."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Portland Retro Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
NRMA Portland Bay Holiday Park

NRMA Portland Bay Holiday Park

3.5 out of 5
184 Bentinck Street, Portland, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star campsite in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (112 reviews)
"So close to the shore and cbd"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

NRMA Portland Bay Holiday Park
Portland Holiday Village

Portland Holiday Village

3 out of 5
37 Percy Street, Portland, VIC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Powerhouse Motor & Car Museum and Portland ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (176 reviews)
Good Location
"Convenient location right in town so walking distance to shops and restaurants Good size unit . Wifi was very poor - did not work at times and mostly little download speed. Staff tried to correct but still was not good."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Portland Holiday Village
Centreport Units

Centreport Units

3.5 out of 5
2 Tyers Street, Portland, VIC
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Portland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nuns Beach and Portland Arts Centre are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"Great location and views"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Centreport Units
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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