Built in 1888, the ‘Grand Hotel’ dominates the landscape of the historical seaside village of Portarlington, Victoria. Proudly standing high on the hill, the three storey, rendered brick structure overlooks Port Phillip Bay – all the way across to Melbourne . . . Though details of the architect and builder and even the actual build date are elusive, it is confirmed that the ‘Grand Read more…
Built in the early 1850’s from sandstone carved from the nearby cliffs, the Mill was the second flour mill to open on the Bellarine Peninsula. Located within the beautiful seaside village of Portarlington, the Portarlington Mill Plan dated the 25th May 1858, clearly identifies the ‘Mill Company’ land, the ‘Mill’, the ‘Kiln’ (just to the left of the Mill), the ‘Mill Read more…
By the late 1880’s, the postal service at Portarlington, which had been running since the 1860’s, struggled to cope with the increased demand. The telegraph service, which had operated from 1882, was run from a branch of a bank. The newly extended Jetty serviced the people and goods that streamed in and out of the town via the network of steamers plying Port Phillip Read more…
Located in Portarlington, Victoria, the Seaview Hotel was built c 1855 by Mr Duncan McKenzie. Argus (Melbourne, Vic) – 8 Jan 1881 The historic hotel is perfectly positioned on an elevated hillside, directly in line with, and overlooking the Portarlington Pier. It enjoys the most outstanding and magnificent views of the pier, marina, Port Phillip Bay – all the way across to Melbourne in the distance. Portarlington’s Sea Read more…
Though little remains of the original pier of 1859, the location is exactly as it was back then. Interestingly, it was up until the year 1937 that steamers arrived daily to transport passengers and cargo across Port Phillip Bay. The pier was integral to the town and the entire Bellarine Peninsula – it was the centre of the economic and recreational activities of Read more…
“Hat Rock” was a significant landmark to the very first explorers of Port Phillip Bay. Matthew Flinders’ first named and identified “Hat Rock” on his Map of Port Phillip Bay in 1802. Extract – Matthew Flinders Map of 1802 It is a rocky outcrop that can best be described as the highest, most northerly point of the Bellarine Peninsula. It also forms Read more…
Located in the heart of town, a couple of reminders of Portarlington’s early history and importance as a major port and a centre for commerce for the region remain. The impressive Weighbridge was constructed in 1891 to facilitate the transport of produce from the region’s farming industries to Melbourne and beyond. It is sited high on the hill in line with, and Read more…
One of the earliest recorded settlers in the Portarlington area was Henry Bynton (or Baynton), a butcher, who had moved from Hobart, Tasmania to Geelong c 1839. He also set up a station or run in Portarlington from where he operated a cattle shipping service between Portarlington and Van Diemen’s Land (now known as Tasmania). Reference to Bynton is also found on the map below, c 1840: Enlarged Read more…
The first school in Portarlington opened on 20th October 1873 in the ‘Wesleyan Church‘ – with 73 pupils under Mr. Thomas Brown. Following a disparity with the church authorities in 1876, the school moved to the Temperance Hall. A new building was approved in 1878, with the site set north of Newcombe Street, being a portion of ‘Section 26, Township of Read more…
The ‘Argus’ – 25th Sep 1868 . Portarlington’s picturesque setting and fine sandy beaches attracted visitors and holiday makers from Geelong and Melbourne. The regular steamer service secured the town’s progress as a popular seaside resort. A public bathing house existed prior to 1868 and was located at the base of the cliffs directly in front of historic ‘Laura Villa‘. Read more…
This private home was built by Mr Browne in the mid 1890’s. ‘Tarina’ is a unique Queenslander style home. The property was once renowned for its Rose Gardens – for which it had won many awards during the early 1900’s . . . As this is a private residence, this historic icon can only be viewed from the roadside. Helpful Hints: Read more…
Located some 3 km from the centre of the township of Portarlington in Victoria, this assembly of weatherboard buildings comprises stables, outbuildings, house and cheese factory – sadly now in a ruinous condition . . . However, some evidence demonstrating the various stages of development of the property and the additions to the buildings over the years, still remain. The main house features Read more…
Once located just a few doors down from Portarlington’s historic ‘Calhoun’s Family Hotel’, is the site that once housed J Hartley’s ‘Bay View Hotel’. . . Details are elusive as to when the hotel was built (estimated in the late 1850’s), how long it traded and when it was demolished. Today the site presents as a vacant piece of land . . . Read more…
Portarlington’s Historic Cemetery sits on the slopes of a rise, south-west of the township of Portarlington in Victoria. Many of the oldest graves sit at the highest point, overlooking Port Phillip Bay. As one browses through this remarkable insight into the very first origins of this region, it becomes more and more apparent that many of the street names of the Read more…
Loading...
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
