If you are looking for accommodation in Portland please click here Annesley House.

Horse Riding in the Cobboboonee State Forest

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To help you hook up in style Annesley House has already hooked up with Davis Shore to Shelf Charter to bring you some great accommodation/fishing packages.

Worried the Mrs won’t let you go, bring her too!  Annesley House is ranked by the “Lonely Planet” as one of best places to stay on the Great Ocean Rd.  Fishing has never been so classy! Rates start at $330 per person includes one nights’ accommodation and charter (based on 4 people). Why wait contact us now one of the big ones might just have your name on it!

*Annesley House Fishing packages are exclusive to Annesley House, Portland, Australia. Valid from 13 march 2013 until 15 July 2013. All packages are subject to availability & weather.  Excludes peak and special event periods. 

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Bridgewater Bay

Located just 4kms from Bridgewater Bay is the magnificent Petrified Forest. Whether you think the forest was formed from the natural erosion of stone or is the remains of  Monnah trees  it’s truly a spectacular natural creation!  Once you’ve finished exploring the forest continue down the road to The Blowholes which offers an impressive display of spouts of water during high seas.  While you observe the true ferocity of the ocean it’s easy to imagine the peril sailors would have had to faced, there are a few plaques to honour those who lost their lives. The viewing platform is also perfect for spotting whales  as they forelock in the water.

Cape Bridgewater Petrified Forest

Bridgewater bay is also home to Shelly Beach which, true to its name is a beach almost completely covered in shells.  If you’re an avid shell collector or just want to enjoy the beauty of the beach this is a unique place you shouldn’t miss.  It is also a good place for fishing off its rocky outcrops.

Another popular spot is the picturesque Bridgewater Lakes. These fresh water lakes are sheltered and secluded and are perfect for picnics, swimming, waterskiing, fishing, canoeing and boating.  A boat ramp is located near the Aquatic club in order to make access easier. Opposite from the Bridgewater Lakes stretches the limestone caves across the band of cliff and offer a truly amazing view of Discovery Bay. To access the lakes simply take a short scenic 10 minute drive on Bridgewater Lakes Road from Shelly Beach.

Bridgewater Lakes

Bridgewater Lakes

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Seals Playing

For those who are more energetic a majestic two hour return walk along the cliffs from the kiosk takes you to the viewing platform just 60 metres above the seals where you can watch the bundles of fur to your heart’s content.  Be warned, they might fool you with their cute looks & playful disposition but they do have a bit of a “personal hygiene problem”!

To get closer to these furry critters and see them in their true habitat as they glide swiftly through the water, tours are available by boat. Seals by the Sea tours is a family run business that offers a unique experience of getting up close and personal and is suited for the young to the elderly. Winner of the best tourism attraction and featured on the best of Getaway, Today, Postcards, Totally wild and The Leylands don’t miss one of the best tourism experiences right on Portland’s doorstep!

To enquire about Seal by Seas tours contact them on +61 03 5526 7247 or  www.sealsbyseatours.com.au bookings are essential.

Seals By The Sea

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Perhaps one of the most underrated surfing destinations along the Great Ocean Road, Portland has an array of breaks which suit beginners through to crusty veterans.
However, be warned, in winter these waters are not your 25 degree clear blue oceans of the Gold Coast, but if you’re not afraid of a little tingling in the nether regions then chuck on your 4/3 wetsuit and enjoy the amazing surfing Portland has to offer.

This could be you!

For beginners through to intermediate level surfers, Bridgewater Bay is recommended.
Situated 15 minutes west of Portland, ‘Bridgy’ as it is known, is a stunning beach break which features a café, surf life saving club and an amenities block.
It is hard to beat Bridgy on a perfect day as 2 to 3 foot curling crests break on the sandy bottom below.

Cape Bridgewater Beach

For more experienced surfers heading back into Portland are further opportunities to ride good waves.

Those chasing a fun right point break can take a look at Crumpets, situated on the south-east side of Portland.
The wave can be accessed by taking the dirt road to Pivot Beach.

Further along towards town is the notorious Blacknose Point, a right point break which produces long deep rides and is believed to be one of the longest waves in Victoria.
This spot is only recommended for experienced surfers with a strong paddle and can be accessed via a dirt road which turns off the Madeira Packet road.

On the west side of town along the Cape Nelson Lighthouse road is Yellow Rock, a powerful wave which produces hollow lefts and breaks on a sand and rock bottom.
It is a picturesque spot which features a long wooden staircase winding down a limestone cliff and a large yellow rock formation.
With strong currents and heavy sets rolling through, this spot is recommended for experienced surfers only.

Cape Nelson Light House

On the northern side of Portland a good break for intermediate to experienced surfers is the Watertower.
For those not fazed by an arduous climb up and down the cliff face, with the right amount of swell this can be an exhilarating wave.

Undoubtedly one of the main attractions to surfing in Portland is the lack of crowds you will find elsewhere.
That being said, as with any other surfing destination around the world, the locals here command respect.
If respect and friendliness is shown, your surf experience across our untouched coastline should be an enjoyable one.

Looking for a unique place to lay your head after a long day out in the water? Annesley House is the best accommodation in Portland, Victoria.
Meticulously restored it to its former grandeur Annesley House boasts six serviced apartments and the Grande meeting room.
It is the perfect place to kick back and recount the day’s fun out in the surf.
For those wishing to stand up on a board for the first time, the Go Surf School based in Port Fairy conducts learn to surf lessons at Bridgewater Bay.
Led by owner and instructor Keith Curtain, you will not find a more dedicated and passionate team to guide you in the art of surfing.
To contact Keith call on 0408 310 001.

For Portland’s swell forecasts visit www.surf-forecast.com.

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Portland, Victoria, Australia

Any questions please feel free to contact me

Yours,
Mark Robinson

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Have a look at this great fortage on youtube of two Southern Right Whales -

Why not visit our special friends this winter!

Once again Annesley House the best accommodation in Portland, Australia is offering some great winter specials.  Mention this blog when booking your stay & we will include a bottle of our favorite tipple, Portland’s own strawberry liqueur, valued at $35.

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The blue whale is not only the biggest mammal on earth but also the biggest mammal ever to have lived.

To really have a whale of a time you will need to book your trip with www.heliexplore.com.au.

Why not make this special trip truly memorable by staying at Annesley House, superior Portland accommodation.

 Our apartments may not be the size of a blue whale, but they certainly have the same “crowd pleasing” appeal!

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