Portland is the last major town before you leave South West Victoria and enter South Australia. It is about 1 hour from Warrnambool, 1 hour from Mt Gambier, and about 6 hours from Adelaide. Conveniently, it is also about 2 hours from the famous Connawarra wine region.

Portland was the site of Victoria's first settlement in 1834, and is steeped in history, with many historic buildings remaining. It is a fascinating town, as it has such a diverse variety of attractions, from the industrial, to the natural. It is a large town, and has a large industrial workforce to cater to the aluminium smelter, wind towers, logging, fishing, and various support industries. It also has a large art community.

The town itself sits in a sheltered deep water harbour, but it surrounded by an amazing coastline. Cape Bridgewater is a must see. Nelson and the Glenelg river are a short drive towards the SA border.