Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
Port Fairy is 20 minutes west of Warrnambool on the A1.
BUS
V/Line
( 1800 800 007;
www.vline.com.au
)
buses run three times daily on weekdays (and twice
on Saturday and once on Sunday) to Portland ($7.80, 55 minutes) and Warrnambool
($4.20, 35 minutes). Christian's Bus Co (
Click here
)
connects Port Fairy with Halls Gap
($21.60, 2½ hours) and Ararat ($27.20, 3¼ hours) on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at
around 8am.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Portland
POP 9800
Portland's claim to fame is as Victoria's first permanent European settlement, founded as
a whaling and sealing base in the early 1800s. Despite its colonial history and architec-
ture, for a town its size, blue-collared Portland lacks a real drawcard, which sees it fall
short of its potential. There are some good beaches and surf breaks outside town.
GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK
This 250km signposted loop begins and ends at Portland Visitors Centre, and takes in some of the southwest's
most stunning natural scenery: from the remote, blustery coast, through the river system of the Lower Glenelg
National Park, and back through the hinterland to Portland. The whole loop takes at least 10 days, but it can be
done in sections, and parts can be done as day walks. Maps are available from visitors centres in Portland and
Nelson (
Click here
).
Visit
www.greatsouthwestwalk.com
for all information, FAQs and registration details.
Sights & Activities
Portland is the start and end of the Great South West Walk.
Whales often visit during winter; see
www.whalemail.com.au
for latest sightings.
Historic Waterfront
(Cliff St)
The grassy precinct overlooking the harbour has several heritage bluestone build-
ings. The
History House
(
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
10am-noon & 1-4pm)
, located in the
03-5522 2266; adult/child $3/2;
