Portland (pop. 11,160) is the only deep-water port between Melbourne and Adelaide and the oldest permanent white settlement in Victoria. Before the Henty family established a farm here in 1834 whalers and sealers had frequently sought refuge in the bay. Portland has preserved over 100 historic buildings (Steam Packet Hotel, Mac's Hotel, customs
house, courthouse in Cliff Street). Now an important port and commercial center, it also has attractions for visitors - good beaches for swimming and surfing and beautiful coastal and forest scenery.
Features of interest in the town, in addition to its historic buildings, are the Botanical Gardens (1857), the historical museum in the old Town Hall and a number of historic homesteads round the town (Maretimo, Burswood). Battery Hill offers good views and picnic facilities.
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