PORTLAND Portland is the last major town/city before crossing the border to South Australia. Portland is a semi industrial centre that does have light (in the broad sense) shipping activity that is the mainstay industry for the city. Portland is a very nice place. The city of Portland is the oldest European settlement in what is now the state of Victoria, Australia. It is the main urban centre of the Shire of Glenelg. It is located on Portland Bay. The bay was named in 1800 by the British navigator James Grant, who sailed in the Lady Nelson along the Victorian coast. The bay, the only deep sea port between Adelaide and Melbourne, offers a sheltered anchorage against the often wild weather of Bass Strait. Portland Bay is sheltered from the prevailing south westerly’s, and is an attractive bay. By the early 19th century, whalers and sealers were working the treacherous waters of Bass Strait and Portland Bay provided good shelter and fresh water which enabled them to establish the first white settlement in the area. The Anglican and Catholic Churches is both cathedral in stature and profile. All other denominations are represented. Portland’s War Memorials are a mixture of cenotaphs and other high profile innovations. The Macs Hotel is a great Victorian hotel proposition. Be sure to visit and check out the ‘seaside’ boxed artifacts. The other hotels are the traditional but ‘old’ pubs. The Powerhouse Museum is a classic a vintage car display that has a great reputation and is open every day. From the outset the traveler should leave a day or two to enjoy this town. You will not be disappointed.