Explore Portland with a hired car for an epic Australian adventure
Car hire Portland will have you making tracks in Victoria’s oldest and most diverse town. Unassumingly settled behind the rocky cliffs that emerge from the coast of the Portland Harbour, there is a seemingly endless range of outdoor activities - including whale watching, beach bumming, hiking, and fishing - for the entire family.
The historic city, located midway between Adelaide and Melbourne, also affords down under explorers an opportunity for an epic rental car road trip through gorgeous South Australia. Discover hidden gem beaches, stunning coastal towns like Victor Harbor and Warrnambool (mere minutes from Great Ocean Road), and pristine National Parks by the handful.
There is no better way to explore the state of Victoria than with car hire Portland. At Airport Rentals, you can discover the cheapest rental deals in the industry in just a few simple keystrokes. Compare rates on a variety of makes and models including sedans, SUVs, and vans, from well-known suppliers like AVIS and Thrifty. When you have made your pick, reserve your rental free of any hidden fees, and proceed to the simple and secure booking process.
Available via phone or email, our dedicated customer care team is ready to assist 24/7.
Rated No.1 by TrustPilot, Airport Rentals is your one-stop-shop for all your car hire needs.
A quick guide to Portland
Portland, a small city in the Glenelg Region of Victoria, was the sight of the first European settlement in the state in 1834. The fishing, pastoral, and agricultural industries contributed to the town’s early development, and today is an important fishing port and the largest exporter of aluminium in the area. Many local attractions are found along its foreshore - which overlooks the Great Australian Bight - and in the heart of the city between Percy Street and Bentinck Street.
The ocean moderates temperatures in Portland, bringing mildly warm summers, and cool winters with cold oceanic winds.
Portland Airport (PTJ), located 8 miles west of the township of Portland, offers flights to Melbourne Airport (MEL) which is located approximately 4 hours east via car hire Portland.
Getting to Portland Airport and Melbourne Airport from Portland
● Portland Airport: The 8-mile drive takes about 13 minutes via Heath Road.
● Melbourne Airport: Located 226 miles east, the drive takes approximately 4 hours via Hamilton Highway/B140, depending on traffic.
Car hire Portland driving tips
Here are some Australian road rules to consider before you start exploring in your Portland rental car.
● If your driver’s licence is not in English, you must obtain a valid translation document (available in all countries) to avoid a traffic infringement.
● Trams can only be passed on the left, and when one has stopped, you must stop your vehicle behind the tram to allow passengers to safely board and deboard.
● Vehicles are driven on the left side in all regions of Australia.
● Many cities in Australia are spread out, so be sure to have water, snacks, and a full tank of gas.
● There are toll roads in some parts of Australia so if you plan to travel these highways, be sure to ask your rental agent about obtaining a pass.
Parking your rental in Portland
Park your Portland car hire for free nearly anywhere in the city and along the foreshore.
City Guide
Where to stay in Portland
After soaking up the sun, rest your head at one of these, of many, fine establishments in Portland.
● Portland Holiday Village - Excellent for families, the cabin style lodging offers affordable prices, and is close to many retail outlets and attractions.
● Comfort Inn Richmond Henty - A great location on Bentinck Street, this comfortable hotel has an on-site restaurant and free WiFi.
● Seascape Accommodation - This modern bed and breakfast overlooks the sea and is perfect for couples.
Annual events in Portland
The Glenelg Shire is host to many unique events and festivals happening in and around Portland, such as these:
● Hooked on Portland (January) - Enjoy a market, live entertainment, cooking demos, and more, at this free community festival.
● Hooked on Tuna Fishing Competition (April) - Held every weekend in April, entrants vie to land the biggest fish.
● Casterton Kelpie Festival (June) - Enjoy a short drive north in your hired car to Casterton for a parade, dog competition, auction, and more.
Top attractions in Portland
Get behind the wheel of your Portland car hire to check out some of the area’s most popular attractions:
● Portland Cable Trams - Learn about the history of Portland aboard lovingly restored saloon and grip cars that travel along the city’s spectacular foreshore.
● Portland Maritime Discovery Centre- Visit the Portland Information Visitor Centre and museum where the area’s rich maritime history is meticulously documented.
● Cape Nelson - Enjoy 210 hectares of diverse landscapes surrounded by craggy coastal cliffs located less than 3 miles west of Portland.
