Portland always attracts a new wave of visitors: the big nature lovers.

They’ll be coming for the big swells, the deep sea wonders and the rugged coastline.

They don’t care what the weather presents; they thrive on the brash coastal elements, especially in autumn and winter.

With cosy cafes, restaurants and accommodation in the local area; there’s plenty of time to cocoon at night.

So, do you want to come face to face with Victoria’s wild coast? Here’s some inspiration to help with your planning:

Walking

Petrified Forest and Blowholes

From Portland, drive to Cape Bridgewater (25 minutes) where you can easily access the forest from the car park at the end of Blowholes Road.

The formation is a collection of hollow tubes of limestone called ‘solution pipes’, eroded by millions of years of rainfall. Some rise as high as 20 metres.

Great South West Walk

This is a big attraction for walking enthusiasts who want to be about as close as nature as they can manage. The 250km trek weaves through Portland, Cape Bridgewater and Nelson; across the capes of Discovery Bay and trailing the Glenelg River. But you don’t have to do the whole walk; you can choose smaller sections for an equally rewarding experience.

Enchanted Forest

This 45-minute round trip walk takes you through the Moonah Tree canopy to lookouts over the ocean and spectacular cliff formations. With knotted trees, hanging creepers, and branches forming tunnels over the path, you can see why it’s called the Enchanted Forrest. Listen and look for sea birds, magpies and black cockatoos.

Wildlife

Whales

Whales love to spend time in Portland during winter! Come and keep a lookout for Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales and the occasional Blue Whale or even Orca.

Seals

It’s a real treat for animal lovers to see the playful Australian and New Zealand fur seals up close. It’s even better to go with a knowledgeable tour guide so you can learn as much as possible about them at the same time.

Seals by the Sea Tours will take you out on a boat to see these seals up close, it’s well worth it!

In or On the Water

Surfing

Surfers travel from far and wide to take on these deep swells, so it’s definitely worth the trip! But you don’t have to be an expert. There are different breaks and waves from Bridgewater Bay around to Narrawong Beach to suit all styles and abilities.

Diving

Shore dives around Portland offer different opportunities for the beginner right through to the experienced cave dive certified divers. And, because of its significant shipwreck history, there are wrecks to explore, too!

• Lee Breakwater Shore Dive
• Crumpets and Pivot Beach Shore Dive
• North Shore Shore Boat Dive
• Minerva Reef Shore or Boat Dive
• Lighthouse Reef Shore or Boat Dive
• Cape Nelson Shore or Boat Dive
• Portland Bay Reef Boat Dive
• Lawrence Rock Boat Dive
• The Nursery Boat Dive
• Emily S Boat Dive
• Saxon Reef Boat Dive
• Cape Bridgewater Boat Dive

Canoeing

Surry River: launch from the Narrawong boat ramp, which has ample parking and good access for vehicles to the river.

Bridgwater Lakes: this fresh water lake has quite a bit of shelter and can be best accessed by the boat ramp at the Aquatic Club.

Glenelg River: A variety of sites along this 75km length of river have vehicle access.