If you love sojourning to a coastal town or two, there’s lots of stunning destinations to choose from around Victoria. From under-the-radar getaways, to seaside spots near Melbourne, there’s not enough days in the summer for us to explore them all. And if you’re looking for place that’s far from the hustle and bustle of the beachgoing crowds, why don’t you pay a visit to the lovely Port Albert? Located in Gippsland, this destination was recently named as one of the best hidden gem towns in Victoria. And although it’s quiet, it still has plenty of things for you to see and do! Feeling curious? Let’s get started.
Port Albert
Sandwiched between Wilsons Promontory National Park and 90 Mile Beach, Port Albert works great as both a pit stop, and as a base for your adventures around Gippsland.
History
Located on the lands of the Gunaikurnai people, this picturesque place was the first established port in Victoria. As the original gateway to Gippsland, Port Albert was the supply port from the mid-1800s, until the completion of the Melbourne-Sale railway in 1878. It welcomed ships from Europe and America, as well as Chinese migrants on their way to the goldfields.
Stretch your legs and take a stroll around town, where you’ll see over 40 Georgian and Victorian-style buildings. Follow the markers on the Port Albert Heritage Walk, and learn more about buildings like the General Store, the former Post Office and the Water Tower.
For an even deeper look into its history, visit the Port Albert Maritime Museum. Stop by the art gallery nearby for gorgeous paintings from Warren Curry. If you’d like to meet some of the town’s oldest residents, take a guided tour of Alberton Cemetery.
Things to do
As this is a seaside village, you can expect plenty of activities by the water. There’s lots of opportunities for fishing, with inshore waterways around local islands offering a safe option, while more experienced boaties can venture further out to the Bass Strait. There’s also three separate jetties for land-based anglers.
There’s a small sand beach near the water tower, where families can go swimming and kayaking. When you’re not in the water, treat yourself to some classic fish and chips, and watch the sail boats go by.
If coastal walks are more your style, check out the Old Port Trail. This path will take you from Port Albert to Seabank in Lansborough, the former site of the town. As you go, you’ll see mangroves, salt marshes and a hinterland of banksia and manna gum woodlands. It’s about 6km one way, and takes roughly 90 minutes to complete.
If you prefer cycling, there’s a mostly flat section between Port Albert and Yarram. This 14km stretch is a part of the Great Southern Rail Trail. This scenic trail is great for the whole family, and as you go, you’ll see rolling green hills and grazing farm animals.
Beyond Port Albert
Head west to Wilsons Prom for more outdoor adventures, like a visit to Squeaky Beach, a stroll on the Prom Wildlife Walk or a trip to Skull Rock. Keep going west to see other cool towns like Venus Bay and Inverloch.
For something inland, go north and discover the rainforests and waterfalls of Tarra-Bulga National Park. Or, see one of the stops on the Bataluk Cultural Trail, and learn about the massacres of Aboriginal people that took place at White Woman’s Waterhole in Wron Wron State Forest.
Otherwise, continue east for more seaside spots, including Ninety Mile Beach and Lakes Entrance.