Fishing is the primary reason for going to Portland, Victoria, Australia. Believe it or not there are other things to do
Portland, Victoria, Australia
As the name suggests it is a town by the beach and has a port. It is the land where the port is.
It is the first European settlement in Victoria, which probably explains why it has such old school architecture. A 4 hour and 40 minute drive from Melbourne, heading towards Adelaide on the coast if you have seen the Great Ocean Road (which is awesome too) and want to get there in 4 hours and 40 minutes, take the Princes Hwy (A1) through Colac.
Fishing, is the main reason people head across to Portland, Victoria
So you're headed to Portland to have a whale of time, catch some fish, maybe a fish over 100kg! Nah your dreaming mate, pull the other one. Nope seriously this is the place for getting the biggest one ever! If you say so, how and where? Most likely to catch the biggest fish in cooler months.
Deep Sea Fishing
Offers the exciting and challenging catches where you are faced with the biggest fish, who want to take your fishing line, not join you in the boat.
Blue-Eye Trevalla, Blue fin Tuna, Albacore Tuna and Dolphin fish (not to be confused with the actual dolphins you might see.) Haddock (Travalla), Sliver Trevally, and Squid.
So to get out there, use your own boat, ensure you have a boat licence and fishing licence, know your bag limits. Take a buddy so you can catch the biggest fish, it has been said these fish are feisty and can put up a fight for 3 hours and still get away.
Shark Fishing (deep sea of course)
Thresher, Blue, Mako's, School and Gummy shark all for the catching.
Fishing Charters: the way to do it with a skilled, local, fisherman and make some new buddies!
Game on! Call 0419 100 324 (These guys also offer scenic tours and diving)
Sea Spray Tours, bookings on 0407 855 262
South West Charters bookings on 0418 306 416
Lee Break Wall (fishing from the beach or rocks or in the surf)
Is where the anglers who want to stay on the land, with out the motion of the sea rocking them gently fish from. It's a kilometer stretch of beach, the water is 10 meters deep (just shy of 33 ft).
Fish caught here, Snapper, Yellow Tail King, Sea Pike (snook). Tuna has also been caught from the land, Australian Salmon and Sweep.
Bridgewater Beach
Surf fishing, watch out for the surfies.
Fawthrop Lagoon lovingly dubbed by the local's The Swamp
Accessible through Percy Street, Portland.
It is an easy, popular walk with the ambiance of bird calls, the walk takes about an hour.
Wattle Hill Creek, (fresh water) which feeds in to the Lagoon, it used to supply the town with clean, fresh drinking water. If you get tired of the large catches and hard work in the salt water, try your luck at some fresh water fishing.
Things to see
Marine Wild Life
Seals, Leather Black Turtle, and Whales
Birds
250km walking track - The Great South Walk - it begins and ends in Portland, it's a circular track.
Other things to do in Portland, Victoria
Things to do
Wander the town and enjoy 200 heritage listed buildings in all of their old school grandeur.
Tram, it’s a small cute tourist tram, that takes you past most of the touristy places in Portland, at a nice leisurely pace to enjoy the wind in your hair and snap piccies of the heritage listed buildings. The train tour of Portland is a definite must do.
Lighthouse Museum - Whalers Bluff Lighthouse is the correct term. It houses Army Memorabilia and some maritime information.
The Maritime Museum - Is very large and light with heaps of information on the ocean, including a skeleton of a whale a must see.
The Migrant wall - embracing diversity of the people who came through the port of Portland and settled in Victoria form all over the world and all walks of life
The Powerhouse Car Museum - Loads of awesome things to see! Old petrol pumps, a train and cars old and new. Fit for any car enthusiast.
Skate park - is located about 10 kms out of Portland.
There is lots of national parks around the place and berry picking farms, for those who are willing to venture out of the bustling city hub of Portland.
Find a place to stay
Quest Portland is rated at 5 star, located on 66 Julia St, Portland bookings on 03 5500 9922
Cliftop Accommodation Portland, located at 13 Clifton Court, Portland, bookings on 4423 1126.
Annesly House (Built in 1878 stay in a piece of history) located at 60 Julia St, Portland bookings on 0429 852 235
Camping and Caravan options
Portland Bay Holiday Park located at 184 Bentinck St, Portland, bookings on 5523 1487
Portland Holiday Village located at 37 Percy St, Portland, bookings on 5521 7567
Portland Tourist Park located at 74-76 Garden Street, Portland, bookings on 5523 5673
Ease of access
There should be no issues with obtaining services, buying groceries or getting around.
(Please do let me know if you find an ease of access issue!)
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