Rachel McGlashan 29/11/23 Rachel McGlashan 29/11/23

About Port Albert

A little history about the town and this cottage.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of that land on which Windspray Cottage sits, the Gunaikurnai People, and pay their respects to Elders Past Present and Emerging. Port Albert was first established as a port by European settlers in 1842, following Angus McMillan’s discovery of the area the year prior, and is known as the first established port in the colony of Victoria. It was previously home to the GunaiKurnai Aboriginal people over thousands of years prior to the European settlement. The site was chosen to settle due to proximity to the fertile land ideal for farming and livestock, as well as it’s natural deep water harbour, which resulted in the port becoming a vital gateway for the transportation of goods from Sydney Cove to the newly established colony in Victoria, and later a transport hub between Melbourne and Tasmania.

Initially, the site was referred to as Old Cove or Seabank, however the name was changed to New Leith once the town properly started developing, before finally being changed to Port Albert, in honour of Queen Victoria’s husband. During the boom of the Victorian Gold Rush in the mid-19th century, however, Port Albert became a bustling centre for shipping and trade, due to its close proximity to the goldfields in Gippsland, fostering the rapid growth of the town, with various hotels, stores and warehouses being constructed the accommodate the needs from the influx of the incoming prospectors. You may notice in the town, that several of these historical sites, such as the Maritime Museum (originally the Bank of Victoria), the Derwent hotel, Bond Store and the General Store were constructed during this period, with later additions being the Rocket Shed, the Ship Inn Hotel, and the bakery.

However, since the Gold Rush has subsided, Port Albert has gradually subsided into a more quiet costal town, although it still retains much of its heritage charm through its historic buildings and picturesque waterfront.

When the town was closing, houses within the Yallourn township became available for purchase and relocation. This is how 16 Westbrook Street started it's new life in Port Albert!

Rachel McGlashan 29/5/19 Rachel McGlashan 29/5/19

Fishing

Fishing is renowned around Port Albert. The area offers exceptional opportunities for keen boat, beach, bank and pier anglers within the estuaries, rivers and open ocean. Clean cold tidal waters attract some of the best eating fish available in Australia. Boat based anglers can access Corner inlet via the 4-lane sealed boat ramp in town. From there, they can fish in and around the sheltered waters of the inlet itself or up on of the Rivers that feed into the estuary. Target species include King George Whiting, Flathead, Squid and Garfish. With the rivers offering good numbers of perch. The more adventurous anglers will find outstanding Gummy Shark, Flathead and Snapper on the offshore reefs. Bluefin Tuna schools will also take up residence within a short distance of the entrance and during the warmer months the Cliffy Island group (sitting just south of Corner Inlet) will have prolific schools of Yellowtail Kingfish. McLoughlins Beach and Port Welshpool also offer boat launching facilities.

Beach fishing options include Reeves, McLoughlins and Woodside Beaches located around 30 mins east of Port Albert. These beaches are only a short drive from Port Albert and are located at the start of the iconic 90 mile beach section of Victoria's coastline. Pristine and often without a person on them, great beach fishing can be found in gutters along these beaches. Gummy Shark and Australian Salmon are common with larger pelagic sharks including Bronze Whalers being targeted. Bank fishers will find numerous access points where they can wet a line on one of the rivers or around the estuary. Perch, Flathead and Whiting are commonly added to fishers bags. Outgoing anglers can also target Flounder and Flathead in the sandy shallows at night with a light and spear. Pier fishing opportunities include Rutters Jetty and around the Port Albert Harbour and Fish and Chips Shop. A short 20min drive to the Long Jetty in Port Welshpool also offers great pier fishing access with shelters and rod holders installed to accommodate fishers. Garfish, Flathead Whiling and the occasional Gummy Shark are featured on the pier fisher’s menu.

Popular Fishing Ports:

Pier Fishing Boat Fishing

Port albert

McLochlins beach

Manns beach

Pier Fishing Boat Fishing

Port welshpool

Rachel McGlashan 29/5/19 Rachel McGlashan 29/5/19

Things to do

What will you do during your stay?

Walks

The Christopher Robinson Walking trail starts a few metres from Windspray Cottage.

Walk east (towards the township) and enjoy a leisurely 10-30 minute guided historical walk into town and along the foreshore. Learn about the area's natural features as well as its fascinating historical past. Head west away from town and experience the mangroves and tidal water edge of Corner Inlet. Up to an hour's walk which loops back along the main road into town (Tarraville Rd)

Maritime Museum

The Port Albert Maritime Museum is open daily 10am-4pm (Closed Tues & Wed).

This is a wonderful local experience detailing the interesting history of the town, focusing largely on the maritime and natural environments.

Highly recommend.

Bike Trail

The Port Albert - Yarram Bike Trail is a 20km long well finished bike trail suited for beginners to advanced riders. Flat and with plenty of wonderful farmland to look at along the way.

Stop for a coffee or lunch at the many amazing bakeries and coffee shops in Yarram or wander through the murals dotted around town.

The Foreshore

Port Alberts foreshore is a great place to stop for a picnic or a BBQ. Bring the kids to play in the newly refurbished play ground or watch the Yacht Races on Sundays 10am-3pm.

Day Trips

Agnes Falls

Head to Agnes Falls a 30 min drive away to the west of Port Albert on the South Gippsland Highway. Stunning waterfalls at the end of the 10 min easy walk. Great parking.

Tarra Bulga National Park

Drive through the Tarra Valley 30 min to the North of Port Albert and see the spectacular Cyathea Falls. Gorgeous rainforest area with places to stop for self catered picnics along the way.

Beaches

Port Albert is on the edge of the start of 90 mile beach, the coastal fringe of Victoria. Stunning beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and most times you'll have the place all to yourself !