Portland Vic 3305
(Pop 10 600)
Pic: by Biatch
Portland is a pretty holiday destination on Victoria's s-w coast 362 km s-w of Melbourne. As the only deepsea port between Melbourne and Adelaide, it is a major exporting centre for grain, wool & locally manufactured items. Original inhabitants were the Kerrup-Tjmara Aborigines who named the area 'Pulumbete' meaning 'little lake' referring to nearby Fawthrop Lagoon. Portland is said to be Victoria's first permanent settlement established by the Henty family in 1834, however a whaling fishery had been set up here the previous year by William Dutton. The town has continued to prosper with its fishing industry, aluminium smelter and fertilizer industry. An innovative town, it won an award (1984) for successfully harnessing geothermal energy from the artesian basin providing power to many of local government buildings. Foreshores Carnival (Jan), Yachting Regatta (Feb), Dahlia Festival (Mar), Jazz Festival & Pioneer Week (Nov).
Accommodation:
Portland has 8 motels, 3 hotels, 7 B&Bs, many holiday apartments/cottages and half a dozen caravan parks.
Visitor Information Centre: Lee Breakwater Rd. Tel (03) 5523 2671 or 1800 035 567.

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