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Portland Whale Viewing Platform — Image credit: Glenelg Shire Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Portland Whale Viewing Platform

Experience the majesty of the annual whale migration at the Whale Viewing Platform on Wade Street in Portland. This easily accessible spot offers a fantastic vantage point for observing the giants of the sea. The prime whale season for the Southern Right and Humpback migration runs from May through to October. Portland is an exceptional location to spot several species, though sightings vary by time of year. Humpback Whales also pass through, typically heading north from May to July and returning south with their calves from September to November. Look out for their famous acrobatic displays like breaching and fin-slapping. Pygmy Blue Whales are the most commonly sighted of the Blue Whale subspecies in this area. These giants are sometimes seen feeding further offshore during the summer and autumn months (November to May), drawn by the krill-rich Bonney Upwelling. Orcas (Killer Whales), while rare, are also occasionally spotted in the area. To ensure you don't miss any action, you can use the complimentary binoculars provided at the purpose-built platform to get a better view of these fascinating creatures.

Portland VIC

0.5 km away

Whale Sundial - Narrawong

Landmarks and Buildings

Narrawong Human Sundial

The Narrawong Human Sundial designed to celebrate whales which are viewed through their migration from areas around Portland. To use the analemmatic (human) sundial, stand on the body of the Koontabul Ngeerrang (whale mother) at the correct month. Turn to face your shadow. The line of your shadow points to the time on the arc of shells. Add one hour during Daylight Savings Time in Summer.

Portland VIC

1.6 km away

Sperm Whale Skeleton — Image credit: Glenelg Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Portland Maritime Discovery Centre

At the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre, you'll experience a diverse range of activities that bring our coastline's history to life. Explore the newly opened Nyamat Mirring Gallery, a dedicated space that celebrates the deep cultural heritage and stories of the Gunditjmara people, the traditional owners of this land. Step inside the rib cage of a 14-metre Sperm Whale skeleton and unfold the history of Victoria's birthplace through Portland's images of the past. Explore treasures from the shipwreck trail and discover your own links with the sea, all while accessing a wealth of local knowledge at the regional visitor information centre. Key Highlights of the Centre include permanent displays documenting the region's rich history, including whaling, navigation, and the local fishing industry. See the 1858 Portland Lifeboat, the museum's centrepiece, famous for the 'Admella' rescue of 1859. It is one of the oldest remaining unrestored, intact vessels in the world. View material from the Port of Portland Collection, including historic photographs, technical instruments, diving equipment, and maritime tools. Nyamat Mirring Gallery: Immerse yourself in the local Aboriginal culture and art that defines this region's identity.

Portland VIC

1.6 km away

History House — Image credit: Glenelg Shire Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

History House

The core display of History House looks chronologically at the history of the region from the Indigenous community to the arrival of Europeans and subsequent establishment of a settlement in Portland Bay. Other themed displays include the centenary celebrations of 1934, the various volunteer militia groups of the mid to late 19th century, and the public baths that once graced Portland's foreshore. Content in the display is drawn from Glenelg Shire Council's Cultural Collection, and supplemented with significant objects and images on loan from the Portland Family History Group and Portland Historical Society. Core displays in the museum are permanent, with other exhibits changing periodically. History House is also home to the Portland Family History Group who is custodians of the most extensive collection of genealogical research material in the western region of Victoria.

Portland VIC

2.0 km away

The Portland Arts Centre — Image credit: Glenelg Shire Council

Entertainment Venues

Portland Arts Centre

The Portland Arts Centre presents live theatre, music, exhibitions, and other events as the presenter of the ArtsGlenelg program. As well as professional touring shows, the Portland Arts Centre is also delighted to host community performances and events. Exhibitions in the foyer gallery are free to view, and available whenever the building is open - Monday to Friday, as well as one hour before any scheduled performance or event.

Portland VIC

2.1 km away

Portland Botanic Gardens — Image credit: Glenelg Shire Council

Parks and Gardens

Portland Botanic Gardens

The Portland Botanic Gardens are a hidden tranquil beauty, established in the 1850s by William Allitt, it is one of the earliest botanic gardens in Australia. The gardens hold treasure to 300 varieties of roses and 130 varieties of dahlias. Stroll through the gardens all year round and capture the beauty hidden within. Showcasing some rare and important species, the Portland Botanic Gardens is home to outstanding species such as the Cordyline Australis, Wigandia Caracasana and Rhus Viminalis. Enjoy a barbecue or picnic amongst the rose gardens or the native garden beds that include many species that are indigenous to the Glenelg Shire. The paths are wheelchair friendly and dogs on a leash are welcome. Continue your stroll through to the Lagoon or jump on the Portland Cable Tram stop located at the front entrance. The Portland Botanic Gardens are open to the public Monday to Sunday from sunrise to sunset.

Portland VIC

2.3 km away

Fawthrop Lagoon — Image credit: Glenelg Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Fawthrop Lagoon

Fawthrop Lagoon offers a peaceful escape with a variety of things to see and do. The walk is accessible at any time for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The lagoon is the venue for the Portland parkrun events every Saturday morning. Visitors will experience a diverse ecosystem supporting approximately 150 species of birds throughout the year, including black swans and pelicans. Keep your eyes open for koalas nestled in the native vegetation. The unique nature of Fawthrop Lagoon as an urban wetland offering close encounters with wildlife makes it a must-do walk for nature lovers in Portland. Visitors can also utilise the outdoor exercise equipment and undercover barbecue areas. Follow the paths around this lovely natural attraction. The Fawthorp Lagoon circuit walk is approximately five kilometres of fully sealed track.

Portland VIC

2.3 km away

Yellow Rock

Natural Attractions

Yellow Rock Lookout and Coastal Viewpoint

Yellow Rock in Portland is a stunning, easily accessible coastal feature, offering panoramic views, whale spotting, and a popular subject for artists and photographers. Yellow Rock is a well-known local surfing location, especially popular with experienced surfers. The dramatic coastline and geological features make it a favourite painting subject for local artists and photographers. The lookout provides a fantastic vantage point for observing the annual whale migration. You can spot the magnificent creatures during the peak season from May to October. The area is designed to be highly inclusive. Access to the viewing platforms is made easy by boardwalks and accessible platforms, making the main viewing area suitable for prams and wheelchairs. A dedicated staircase leads from the lookout area down to the beach below. Yellow Rock is located along the stunning coastal routes of Portland, often mentioned on the Norman Wade Scenic Drive. This spot combines natural beauty with accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery and, if the timing is right, the amazing sight of migrating whales.

Portland VIC

6.5 km away

Cape Nelson State Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Cape Nelson State Park

The picnic areas at Cape Nelson State Park set in quiet bush surroundings are an ideal location for a pleasant meal with family and friends. A range of linked tracks offer the opportunity to walk as little or as much as desired, allowing you to explore the spectacular coastal cliffs, diverse bird life and picturesque surrounds of the park. Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au

Portland VIC

8.0 km away

Mount Richmond Nationa Park - Benwerrin Walk — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Mount Richmond National Park

Mount Richmond is an extinct volcano surrounded by low, flat land. The volcano is covered with a layer of sand blown inland long ago from Discovery Bay. With spectacular spring wildflowers and abundant wildlife in unspoilt bushland, Mount Richmond is the perfect place to have a picnic, take a walk or simply drive to the summit and enjoy the magnificent views. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Gorae VIC

8.8 km away

Mount Clay Mountain Bike Trail

Natural Attractions

Mount Clay Mountain Bike Trails

Looking for a family-friendly adventure? Mount Clay, four hours drive west of Melbourne, offers a 13 kilometre network of easy looped mountain bike trails set within a beautiful stringybark forest. Perfect for riders of all ages and abilities, the purpose-built singletrack trails feature small jumps. Or pick up the speed for a more challenging ride. The trails start and end at the Sawpit Picnic Area where you'll find toilets, picnic tables, wood-fired BBQs, and bush camping. While you're in the area visit the spectacular Whalers Lookout Walk nearby.

Narrawong VIC

13 km away

Cape Bridgewater — Image credit: Glenelg Shire Council

Natural Attractions

Cape Bridgewater

Cape Bridgewater is one of Australia’s best kept secrets with its world class beaches, abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. Discover the incredible coastline and seal colonies with an ocean seal tour (keep an eye out for whales and dolphins). Explore the Great South West Walk to appreciate the wildlife and natural beauty of the area or enjoy a nature walk to the boatshed and seal colonies to take in breathtaking views of Bridgewater Beach and the Cape. Explore the Petrified Forest (formed when sand dunes covered Moonah Trees thousands of years ago!) and the Bridgewater Blowholes or take a surf, swim or stroll at Bridgewater Beach. Enjoy great coffee and cuisine at Bridgewater Café by the Beach. Explore the caves or take a quiet picnic or a day of adventure skiing at the Bridgewater Lakes.

Cape Bridgewater VIC

17 km away

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

National Parks and Reserves

Discovery Bay Coastal Park

This remote coastal park protects 55 kilometre of ocean beach. Inland, the park encompasses high coastal cliffs, huge rolling sand dunes and freshwater lakes and swamps. Coastal vegetation and wildlife thrive. Enjoy remote camping, walks and canoeing. Before you go: Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Mount Richmond VIC

29 km away

Kooyang (eel) Tasting Plate - Small — Image credit: Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café

On the shores of Tae Rak (Lake Condah) in south western Victoria you will find one of the oldest and most extensive aquaculture sites in the world. The Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café houses a kooyang (eel) holding tank as well as a retail space and a bush tucker café. The signature dish is the Kooyang Tasting Plate which can be bought on site. The centre is a tourism hub where Gunditjmara people share knowledge and stories in a sustainable way, allowing them to continue caring for their Country and culture. It was built to strengthen and maintain the Gunditjmara community’s connections to the traditional practice of kooyang (eel) farming and smoking for future generations. Here, visitors can join Gunditjmara guided cultural tours of the World Heritage listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, and learn how Gunditjmara people worked with the natural resources and environment of the Victorian southwest region to establish a permanent place of human society over the past 30,000 years and beyond. Commercial activities such as guided cultural tours of the landscape and the sale of smoked kooyang on tasting boards to visitors will help keep Gunditjmara people working on country sustainably, and consistent with the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape values.

Breakaway Creek VIC

36 km away

Crawford River Rufous Fantail — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Crawford River Regional Park

Crawford River Regional Park offers fine views of riverside and valley vegetation. Enjoy a pleasant bushwalk, try your luck fishing for Redfin and Rainbow Trout, camp at Hiscocks Crossing or picnic along the Boulevard. Things to see and do - Camping at Hiscocks Crossing and picnicking along 'The Boulevard' is popular - Fishing is challenging, with species such as Redfin and Rainbow Trout to be caught. Freshwater crayfish are also found in the river - Bushwalking through the Park is relaxing and enjoyable. There are numerous bird species to view and vegetation types to discover. A return 2.5 km nature trail from the Hiscocks Crossing camping area takes you along the river's edge through lush vegetation and then higher up into wet and dry sclerophyll forests Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Hotspur VIC

43 km away

Budj Bim National Park — Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Budj Bim National Park

Budj Bim is a long dormant volcano. Budj Bim is the source of the Tyrendarra lava flow which extends over 50 kilometres to the southwest. It is central to the history of the Gunditjmara people. Budj Bim National Park is Victoria's first co-managed national park. The park is managed by Gunditjmara Traditional Owners and Parks Victoria. The park's tranquil crater lake and pleasant bushland surrounds make it a pleasant place for picnicking, camping and bushwalking. Nature trails follow the old crater rim. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape has formally been recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is the only Australian World Heritage property listed exclusively for its Aboriginal cultural values. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape features the earliest living example of aquaculture in the world, with a history of eel farming dating back over 6,000 years. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.

MacArthur VIC

45 km away

Lower Glenelg National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Lower Glenelg National Park

Discover the unique beauty along the Glenelg River found in heart of Lower Glenelg National Park – from jagged limestone cliffs to riverside gum trees harbouring koalas. Camp riverside and go fishing, paddle the Glenelg River Canoe Trail, follow the Great South West Walk or visit the spectacular Princess Margaret Rose Cave. The Glenelg Canoe Trail is perfect for flat water canoeing over the 75km from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. While the full trail takes around four days, there is a popular three-day option. Canoe hire outlets are available in Dartmoor, Winnap and Nelson. Stay at some of the seven campsites reserved exclusively for the use of canoeists/kayakers and try fishing for your dinner on this memorable journey. All canoe campsites in the park must be booked and fees apply. Sites can only be booked for one night. See the area on foot by tackling the Great South West Walk. Set out on a day, overnight or multi-day journey. If you don't have time to canoe or walk the river, a drive along its course is also pretty spectacular. There are picnic areas to stop and take it all in. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit the website.

Winnap VIC

50 km away

Byaduk General Store

Shopping and Markets

Byaduk General Store

Located along the main stretch of Byaduk, pop in and see Robyn at the Byaduk General Store during your exploration of the town. Full to the brim with antiques, clothing, homewares, accessories and other delightful finds, the store is a hidden gem. Take your time browsing and be pleasantly surprised – with a mixture of both new and old, you will be sure to find something you love. Robyn is constantly updating what she has in her shop so every time you come you'll find something different. In the restored old General Store building, Robyn has done a great job retaining the building's historical elements. Once you've found a treasure inside, don't forget to have a look at the blue door of the adjoining bluestone building. It provides the perfect photo opportunity and a little keepsake of the gorgeous little store and town.

Byaduk VIC

53 km away

Fort O'Hare Picnic Area — Image credit: DEECA

Natural Attractions

Fort O'Hare Campground

Set on the banks of the Glenelg River, this picnic area and campground in Dartmoor is a 4.5 hour drive west of Melbourne, close to the South Australian border. Fort O’Hare was named by Major Thomas Mitchell who camped here with his crew on his exploration of the Glenelg region in 1836. This site has something for everyone. Enjoy a lunchtime picnic using the available facilities, then head out onto the river with your canoe from the canoe launch and jetty. The river is also a popular fishing spot so drop a line or take a dip and go for swim on a hot summer’s day. Add on a trip into the Dartmoor township and see the Avenue of Honour, a memorial streetscape of tree carvings by Victorian artist Kevin Gilders that honours locals who served in WWI.

Dartmoor VIC

54 km away

Harman’s Valley Lookout

Natural Attractions

Harman’s Valley Lookout

Located along the Hamilton-Port Fairy Road just under four kilometres north of the Byaduk Township, the Harman's Valley Lookout showcases one of the best examples of lava flow constricted by a valley in the world. A number of information boards at the lookout provide visitors with interesting facts about the area and other volcanic features arising from the Mt Napier eruption. The lookout is located just off the main highway and is easily accessible with ample spaces for parking.

Hamilton VIC

55 km away

Abstract paintings by Shari Nye — Image credit: Glyph Gallery and Creative Space

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Glyph Gallery and Creative Space

Glyph Gallery and Creative Space are a not-for-profit organisation that provides a space to showcase and support their regional creative practitioners through exhibitions, collaborations, gallery, artist studios and retail art space. Monthly changing exhibition in the gallery and an ever-evolving display of beautifully hand-crafted art in their shop. Putting the art back in your heart! Glyph Galley and Creative Space run an extensive creative making workshop program throughout the year.

Port Fairy VIC

55 km away

Motts Cottage

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Mills and Motts Cottage

Explore two exceptional Victorian Heritage Listed cottages. Mott's Cottage the original timber cottage was built in 1842 by William Bird, a blacksmith. The two-storied stone building was completed in 1851, when it is understood that the building was used as a boarding house. The cottage has had a number of subsequent owners and was occupied by Sarah Mott in 1918, giving the cottage its title. Mills' Cottage, built in 1841, the original cottage is Victoria's oldest surviving dwelling. The property was acquired by Charles Mills, a whaling captain, in 1843. Charles' elder brother, Captain John Mills moved into the property and in 1856 added the larger substantial structure at the front of the building. The cottages are open to the public on the first and third Saturday of the month and every Saturday throughout School Holidays. Closed winter: June, July and August. Extra opening days for summer: 21 Dec and 28 Dec and every Saturday in January and February,

Port Fairy VIC

56 km away

Port Fairy Courthouse 1859-60 — Image credit: Port Fairy Museum and Archives

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Port Fairy Museum and Archives

You are invited to immerse yourself in the rich history of Port Fairy's historic fishing port. Exhibitions change regularly throughout the year telling fascinating stories of the towns' past and present and the friendly volunteers will make your visit enjoyable. With an active archival and genealogical service which is available for tracing family, business or general historical information.

Port Fairy VIC

56 km away

learn to surf

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Go Surf School Port Fairy

Looking for an unforgettable experience on your holiday? Go Surf offers fun, safe surf lessons in both Port Fairy and Warrnambool, tailored for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to improve your technique, Go Surf ensures your time on the water is both exciting and memorable. Learn To Surf on some of South West Victoria's safest beaches, Stand Up Paddle on their scenic rivers and waterways with their friendly and experienced local instructors.

Port Fairy VIC

56 km away

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