Port Albert

Retreat to the coastal town of Port Albert, Victoria's first established port and a renowned historic fishing village. Port Albert boasts Georgian and Victorian architecture and offers a variety of new accommodation options. The quaint village is off the beaten track and more than 40 historic buildings still exist. Recent development in Port Albert has seen the opening of quality bed and breakfast and holiday accommodation. Don't miss a meal of the famous local fish and chips, perhaps with a drink at the oldest continually licensed hotel in Victoria. Port Albert still operates as a commercial fishing port and has a reputation for recreational fishing, which sees its population swell considerably during summer. Port Albert is the original gateway to Gippsland. It was the supply port for Gippsland's pioneers until the completion of the Melbourne-Sale railway in the late 1800s. It has berthed ships from Europe and America and welcomed thousands of Chinese on their way to the goldfields. Visit the Port Albert Maritime Museum to see artefacts like the cannon from the wreck of the Clonmell, navigational aids, charts and equipment, an extensive shell collection and a heritage exhibit portraying Port Albert's role in the Gippsland goldfields. Find out more about Port Albert by following the Old Port Walking Trail, or soak up the fresh air with scenic boat tours, fishing trips and bird watching. Port Albert is just over three hours from Melbourne along the South Gippsland Highway, via Korumburra, Leongatha, Foster and Welshpool.