Port Albert

Port Albert, Victoria’s first established port, is the original gateway to Gippsland. From the mid-1800s, Port Albert was the supply port for Gippsland’s pioneers until the completion of the Melbourne-Sale railway in 1878. It has berthed ships from Europe and America and welcomed thousands of Chinese on their way to the goldfields.

Still a commercial fishing port, Port Albert’s reputation for recreational fishing, with its waters protected by 30 small islands, sees its population swell considerably during summer. The quaint fishing village is off the beaten track and, more than 40 buildings in a Georgian and Victorian architectural style still exist. Recent development in Port Albert has seen the opening of quality bed and breakfast and holiday accommodation.

Quick facts

• Population approximately 300
• 209 kilometres south-east of Melbourne
• Original maritime gateway to Gippsland
• Historic coastal fishing village
• Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum
• Award-winning fish and chips

Activities and attractions

• Visit the Port Albert Maritime Museum
• Follow the Old Port Walking Trail
• Enjoy scenic boat tours, fishing trips and bird watching
• Watch the Port Albert Regatta held in March each year
• Relax with a drink at the oldest continually licensed hotel in Victoria and a meal of famous local fish and chips.

How to get there

Port Albert is just over 3 hours from Melbourne along the South Gippsland Highway, via Korumburra, Leongatha, Foster and Welshpool.