There’s something quietly special about Portarlington.
It doesn’t try too hard. It isn’t flashy, and you won’t find yourself surrounded by crowds chasing the latest Instagram hotspot. Instead, Portarlington has something increasingly rare – a genuine sense of place.
With its beautiful waterfront, historic character, thriving local food and wine scene and spectacular views across Port Phillip Bay, it’s easy to see why people choose to visit – and why many return year after year or end up staying permanently.
It’s no surprise that Portarlington has taken out gold in this year’s Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) Best Small Town Award, recognising what locals and visitors have long known – this is one of Victoria’s standout regional destinations.
Here are five of our favourite things to do in Portarlington:
1. Visit Portarlington Pier
Take a stroll along Portarlington Pier, one of the best spots in town to experience the beauty of Port Phillip Bay. Wander out over the water, watch the boats and ferries come and go, and take in sweeping views towards Melbourne and the You Yangs. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, or bring a fishing rod and try your luck from the pier. Sunsets and night lights are particularly spectacular.
2. Explore the Bellarine by bike
Portarlington is surrounded by wonderful cycling routes, including the scenic Bellarine Coastal Trail, which runs from Point Richards through Portarlington towards St Leonards. For those keen to tackle the Bellarine Rail Trail, Drysdale provides the closest convenient access point.
3. Visit the local wineries
Taste some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s excellent cool-climate wines while enjoying spectacular vineyard views. The iconic Jack Rabbit and historic Scotchman’s Hill are among the region’s must-visit wineries – but with more than a dozen across the region, why not take some time to explore them all?
4. Taste the famous local mussels
Portarlington is proudly known as Australia’s mussel capital, so no visit is complete without sampling some of the region’s famous fresh seafood. Enjoy locally grown mussels at one of the town’s restaurants or waterfront eateries, and taste the produce that has been at the heart of Portarlington’s working harbour and local identity for generations.
It’s a simple but memorable way to experience what makes Portarlington special – fresh local produce, right where it comes from.
5. Relax on the waterfront
Pack a picnic, enjoy the beach and soak up the peaceful atmosphere along Portarlington’s beautiful waterfront. While summer is prime beach time, the cooler seasons are perfect for beach play, leisurely walks or simply relaxing without the crowds.
Oh, and one more thing …
This small town with big ideas has its own ferry service, making the journey part of the adventure. Take the ferry from Docklands to Portarlington and enjoy beautiful views across Port Phillip Bay as you arrive in just over an hour. Stay for the day or weekend.
Break up a longer stay with a day trip to Melbourne, enjoying shopping, the footy or theatre before returning to the relaxed charm of your Portarlington accommodation. During the busier months, ferry services also run between Portarlington and Geelong, providing even more ways to explore the region.
While you might arrive looking for a weekend away, there’s a good chance you’ll leave wondering what it would be like to stay a little longer.
