VICPort & river
Portland
A coastal base for sheep runs and shipping.
1834Henty settlement established
WHAT STARTED IT
The Henty family chose Portland Bay as a base for farming and access to the rich grazing country inland. The bay already attracted seasonal whaling activity, making it a useful link between land, boats and markets.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Edward Henty arrived with workers and livestock in November 1834 and began farming. Pastoral expansion, whaling and shipping supported the town. The modern port enlarged a maritime role that had existed from Portland’s earliest settler years.
TURNING POINTS
1834Edward Henty establishes a permanent farming settlement.
1850s onwardShipping and the pastoral hinterland sustain the town’s growth.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A working port city serving the surrounding region, with freight industries, fishing and heritage tourism. The harbour is still central to why the town exists.