Victoria Lodge Motor Inn Portland Victoria

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Exploring Historic Portland Victoria

Portland was the first permanent settlement in Victoria and more than 200 historical buildings remain from the 1800s. Take a self-guided tour of the many beautifully maintained heritage buildings and private homes.

Portland's long seafaring history began with the sealers and whalers who came to shelter in its natural deep water harbour during southern storms. The Maritime Discovery Centre holds fascinating displays of this era as well as a Sperm Whale Skeleton, Southern Right Whale, Shark Showcase, a Portland Lifeboat from the 1850s, and shipwreck showcases among many other exhibits.

Today, Portland's waterfront is still a hub of activity with ships from around the world loading up with local produce, the local fishing fleet bringing in their catch in the early mornings and locals and visitors alike strolling along the wide foreshore reserve. Whales sometimes visit in the winter months.

Take a ride on the Portland Cable Tram along Portland's historic foreshore to visit the Maritime Museum, Portland Powerhouse Car Museum, the Botanic Gardens and Portland's World War II Memorial Lookout. For a view from the water try a harbour cruise.

Portland Powerhouse Car Museum offers a unique collection of lovingly restored veteran, vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, tractors, trams, and stationary engines.

Cape Bridgewater, just 21 kilometres to the southwest, is a delightful day trip with highlights including the Petrified Forest, the Blow Holes, Limestone Caves and Australia's largest breeding colony of fur seals. 

The Great South West Walk begins in Portland and covers 250 kilometres of extremely diverse scenery from the native forest and wetlands of Mount Richmond National Park, to limestone formations in the Princess Margaret Rose Cave, spectacular towering cliffs, the scenic Glenelg River, and take in the wildlife along the majestic coastline. You can either walk a portion of the trail or enjoy the whole adventure. View the natural beauty our region has to offer with its numerous wild flowers and abundance of wildlife.

Surfing is also popular in our region  Why not try our beach, Yellow Rock or Bridgewater Bay. The fishing in Portland is one of the highlights which offers the opportunity to try your luck in the surf for Mulloway, Salmon or Snapper. There are full facilities to launch your boat at Portland. Bait is available and we may be able to offer you some local knowledge if you require it.