Top Things to do in Portland
Countries
What to do and see in Portland, Australia: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Portland, Australia including Portland Cable Trams, Cape Nelson lighthouse, Seals by Sea Tours, Portland Visitor Information Centre, Great South West Walk, Portland Strawberries, World War II Memorial Lookout, Cape Nelson State Park, Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse, Portland Botanical Gardens.
Restaurants in Portland
1. Portland Cable Trams
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Portland's Cable Tram provides a 7.4km scenic ride along the picturesque Portland Bay foreshore, while also visiting many historic destinations and some of Portland's best tourist attractions along the way.
2. Cape Nelson lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Located only ten minutes from Portland upon the rugged cliffs of Cape Nelson, the Cape Nelson Lighthouse precinct comprises the 35 meter tall lighthouse, the cosy Isabella's cafe, and two exquisitely renovated assistant lighthouse keeper's cottages available as accommodation.These historic buildings have been elegantly restored and now comprise two separate two-bedroom cottages.The cottages are ideal for a secluded couple's get away, families, or groups! The precinct is located within Cape Nelson State Park and is surrounded by spectacular views, excellent walking tracks, and tours of the historic lighthouse run daily.Isabella's cafe, located in the old stables, offers morning and afternoon tea and gourmet lunches daily.Each cottage includes two bedrooms with queen sized beds, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge room with TV, DVD and an open fire place. All properties include free Wi-Fi, reverse cycle air conditioning and breakfast of cereal, milk, eggs, bacon, toast and condiments, as well as tea and coffee. About the area:Cape Nelson is a well known whale spotting area - observe from the cliffs or climb to the top of the lighthouse to spot southern wright whales in the middle of the year and blue whales in summer months! Dolphins and seals are sometimes spotted in the water as well! As we are located on the Great South West Walk, we are surrounded by kilometers of walking tracks through bush, Beaches and cliffs. The area is rich in native wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies, echidnas, koalas, and is close to Australia's only Mainland Gannet breeding colony. The Beaches around Portland are also well known for having great surf for all levels at any time of year, so make sure to bring boards and wetsuits!
Reviewed By Teresa N - Yarra Glen, Australia
If you enjoy Lighthouses as I do, then this is one to put on your list. Located only a short drive from Portland, passing a wind turbine farm before you reach the lighthouse. Our visit was over Christmas, so there were no tours of the lighthouse, which was a bit disappointing. The coast along this stretch is really rugged and windy. There is a short walking track which is fenced off from the cliff edges for safety reasons. After viewing the area, stop in the beautiful blue stone cottage for a coffee or a meal. If you want to stay overnight, there are two cottage on site.
3. Seals by Sea Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By cmrowlands7 - Bendigo, Australia
$40 for a 45 minute trip to see literally hundreds of seals, many close enough to touch (and smell). The operators are super friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Was such a fantastic experience I'm already planning to do it again. Allow 20-25 minutes to walk along a beachside track to a small jetty where the tour leaves from. The short walk is steep in parts but provides incredible views. After the tour you can continue walking up to the top of Victoria's highest cliff at 132m high for incredible views over the whole coastline. Hands down, the highlight of my holiday.
4. Portland Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
5. Great South West Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Diddicoy - Melbourne, Australia
Walked both ways from Cape Nelson and also at Cape Bridgewater Lakes. Great views and good for birdwatching. Saw wallabies and a fox. Portland stretch has good walking surface after lighthouse towards Bridgewater you really need boots due to rough rocky surface.
6. Portland Strawberries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Karen M - Daylesford, Australia
We dropped in looking for gifts to take home after our holiday & found most of them on the amply stocked shelves of the little shop attached to Portland Strawberry Farm. We tasted giant flavoursome strawberries. There were jams, sauces, preserves, ice-cream, fresh fruit etc available to buy. There is plenty of parking outside the door.
7. World War II Memorial Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Graeme T - Fremantle, Australia
Turning the old water tower into a World War II Memorial Lookout was a piece of inspired thinking. The collection covers the Second World War mostly but other conflicts are also covered. Climbing to the top of the tower provides you with 360 degree view of Portland and the surrounding area
8. Cape Nelson State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
9. Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By khniblett
This is a cute little lighthouse that is close to the centre of Portland. The car park is tiny (roadside parking on a dead end residential street that does not have a turning bay) so I would not recommend driving a RV in, instead walk the 100 mt from the nearby park if you don't like turning around in a tight space.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By William P - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Maybe we were just lucky because of the time of year, but we saw the most incredible display of dahlias I have ever seen. I know that the Aussies are getting ready for the huge flower display for ANZAC day later this month, but this Botanical Garden blew my mind! So very many beautiful flowers in every color imaginable, all within a 5 or so acre (2 hectares) patch of land. The rose garden part of the park was a bit weak due to the time of year (a bit too late) but the dahlia exhibit made up for any shortcomings in the rose exhibit! WOW!
TAGS
