Portland

Upon docking at the S L Patterson Berth at the Port of Portland, you will find yourself in a working industrial port located approximately 500 metres from the town centre. While the berth is positioned away from the main commercial areas, it is a secure facility where a mandatory shuttle bus is typically provided for the short 3-minute transit to the Visitor Information Centre on the foreshore. If you choose to walk, the exit from the port area leads you quickly onto the scenic Portland Foreshore within 5 to 10 minutes.

Directly accessible within this short radius is the Portland Foreshore promenade, featuring the Maritime Discovery Centre, the historic Portland Lifeboat, and a real whale skeleton on display. You will also find the starting point of the Portland Cable Tram, the Portland Botanical Gardens, and various waterfront cafes and restaurants serving fresh local seafood. The area is highly walkable and offers immediate views of the local fishing fleet and the bustling harbour activity.

• Walkability: Portland is an exceptionally walkable port, with the town centre located just a flat 500-metre stroll from the cruise berth. Most of the main attractions, including the maritime discovery centre and local shops, are easily reached on foot without encountering significant hills.
• Public Transport: Local bus services are available for those wishing to travel further afield. You will need a physical myki card to use public transport in Victoria, as you cannot tap on with a credit card or pay with cash on board. Cards can be purchased and topped up at the Visitor Information Centre near the waterfront.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis are the most reliable way to get around if you are not walking. There is a taxi rank in the town centre, or they can be booked by phone. Rideshare options like Uber are currently very limited or unavailable in Portland, so do not rely on them for your transport needs.

• Use a myki card for regional V/Line trains and local buses; note that Portland is at the end of the line, and while the city is very walkable, you can buy and top up cards at authorized retailers or online.
• Strict biosecurity laws prohibit bringing fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, or plants ashore; declare all risk items on your Incoming Passenger Card to avoid heavy fines and protect the local environment.
• Tipping is not required or expected in Australia as service is included in the advertised price, though small tips for exceptional service are appreciated.
• All displayed prices are final and inclusive of 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST), so the price you see on the tag is exactly what you pay at the register.

• The Must-Dos
  • Ride the Portland Cable Tram, a restored vintage tram that loops 7.4km along the scenic foreshore, stopping at the Botanic Gardens, the Maritime Discovery Centre, and the Powerhouse Motor and Car Museum.
  • Visit the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre to see the 14-metre sperm whale skeleton and learn about the region’s intense whaling and sealing history as Victoria’s first permanent European settlement.
  • Take a short 10-minute drive or taxi to the Cape Nelson Lighthouse to stand on the rugged limestone cliffs and look for migrating Southern Right whales (June–October) or rare Blue whales (November–May).
• Best Free/Low-Cost Activity
  • Walk the 500 metres from the pier into the town centre to follow the Self-Guided Historic Buildings Walk, showcasing over 40 heritage sites including 19th-century bluestone cottages and hotels.
  • Explore the Portland Botanical Gardens, one of the first established in Victoria, featuring 1,300 dahlias planted annually and a peaceful bluestone Curator’s Cottage.
  • Stroll around Fawthrop Lagoon, a permanent wetland on the city fringe with an excellent walking track perfect for spotting local birdlife and enjoying the natural bushland.
• Local Hidden Gem
  • Visit the Point Danger Gannet Colony, just 6km west of the port; it is Australia’s only mainland nesting site for Australasian gannets, where you can observe thousands of birds without the crowds of larger tour bus destinations.
  • Climb the WWII Memorial Lookout Tower, housed in an obsolete water tower, which contains a museum of wartime memorabilia and provides the best 360-degree panoramic view of the harbour and city.

While there is no dedicated free Wi-Fi network within the industrial Port of Portland terminal itself, cruise passengers can access free and reliable internet nearby. The Glenelg Shire Council provides a public “GlenelgFreeWifi” network that covers various outdoor areas and community spaces. The Portland Library, located a short walk from the town centre (approx. 10-15 minutes from the port), offers free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Additionally, the Portland Visitor Information Centre on Bentinck Street provides free Wi-Fi for guests, and several local cafes along the beachfront and Percy Street offer access to customers.

For ships docked at the Port of Portland, the main shopping district on Percy Street is a convenient 10-15 minute walk (approximately 1 km) from the pier. The closest major supermarkets are Woolworths and ALDI, both located on Percy Street. You will also find several options for pharmacies along the same stretch, including Portland Community Pharmacy at 73 Percy Street and Portland Amcal Pharmacy at 87 Percy Street.

If you are docked at the S.L. Patterson Berth, these essentials remain within a manageable 15-minute walk, or a very quick 2-3 minute taxi ride for those carrying heavy bags.