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
The price is AU$138 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
AU$138
per night
5 Nov - 6 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (244 reviews)
"Loved this location, great service and views. The only thing that was not ideal was the mattress, it wasn't supportive at all and we just rolled into each other! Other than that, perfect and could not fault."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Richmond Henty Hotel
Quest Portland

Quest Portland

4 out of 5
66 Julia Street, Portland, VIC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$184 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$184
per night
31 Oct - 1 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Portland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (559 reviews)
"The staff were friendly and the room was beautiful. Very family friendly. Parking was very tight but manageable."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Quest Portland
Portland Retro Motel

Portland Retro Motel

3 out of 5
206 Hurd Street, Portland, VIC
The price is AU$102 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$102
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 3-star motel in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (202 reviews)
"Very safe easy access managers friendly"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Powerhouse Motor & Car Museum and Portland ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (178 reviews)
"A pleasant stay with cheerful park manager who answered all queries"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Portland Holiday Village
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 campground in Portland. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (117 reviews)
"Excellent location, fair value and pretty much what we expected from a budget unit."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

NRMA Portland Bay Holiday Park
Oceans Edge Retreat by Tiny Away

Oceans Edge Retreat by Tiny Away

Portland, Victoria
Stay at this vacation home in Portland. Enjoy a garden and air conditioning. Popular attractions Portland H47 Bushland Reserve and Portland H46 Bushland Reserve ...
Oceans Edge Retreat by Tiny Away
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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