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Port Albert is a small yet predominant fishing village located on Victoria’s south east coast in the Gippsland region. Popular for water activities including boating and fishing, the town is a great spot for a weekend away or during the holiday season. The coastal waters of Corner Inlet provide a calm backdrop and a place families and all visitors can enjoy. These 10 most popular things to do in Port Albert are geared toward anyone seeking a relaxed or adventurous time away.
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Featured article: 42 Ultimate Things to do in South Gippsland
Things to do in Port Albert
1. Fish the local waters from the jetty
Back in its heyday, Port Albert was a major port for incoming vessels, and is known as Victoria’s oldest port. The fishing here is popular for recreational fisherman with or without a boat, and is definitely one the best Port Albert things to do. So pull up your foldable camp chair and throw a line out from the local jetty.
Flathead, whiting and bream are just some of the days catch you might expect to land, so sit back and watch the world go by, and hopefully land your evening dinner.
Why visit: the best laid back activity in town for keen fisherman
Location: wharf St, Port Albert
2. Old Port trail – Christopher Robinson Walking trail
A must while in Port Albert is the scenic Old Port Trail which is now know as as the Christopher Robinson Walking Trail. Named after the locally born and raised, Christopher was a keen fisherman who later became a member of the International Greenpeace movement, His heroic endeavors to stop whaling, nuclear testing and seal slaughter are lived on through this commemorative trail.
Starting from the end of the main street, the 11 km return trail leads away from the town along the waters edge. It’s a great place to enjoy bird watching and is relatively quiet once you get going further out. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash.
Why visit: A scenic and peaceful flat trail
Location: Starting Point at Port Albert Wharf
3. port Albert Maritime Museum
Another great Port Albert attraction is the Maritime Museum. You will be pleasantly surprised to see so much memorabilia in one place and is a fascinating place for all things nautical.
For a small fee visitors can lose themselves in a world of local maritime history. You’ll see over 1000 artifacts including a interactive Navigation and Communications display. It is truly a feast of interesting local history you simply must see and includes additional photos, audio displays and shells.
There is also an outdoor display with restored boats and the original Port Albert wharf crane.
Why visit: a rich display of local maritime history in one place.
Location: 78 Tarraville Road, Port Albert
Opening days and times: Friday to Monday 10 am to 4 pm / Adult $8 / Kids under 16 $2 / Families $16
4. Fish & Chips on the Wharf
People come all over the area to tuck into a generous serving of locally caught fish and chips. Housed alongside Government Wharf, which dates back to the 1840’s the Port Albert Fish and Chip Co is a local institution and something you must do while here in town.
Sample the catch of the day or have the traditional gummy flake with a decent portion of crunchy thick chips. There is indoor and out seating with impressive views of the water, or sit outside on one of the picnic tables or seating along the waterfront.
Why visit: delicious fish and chips in a great setting.
Opening days and times: Sun, Tues, Wed 11 am to 3 pm / Thurs, Fri, Sat 11 am to 8.30 pm. Times may increase over summer months and holidays
Location: 60 Wharf St, Port Albert
5. tarra Bulga national Park
The nearby attraction of Tarra Bulga National Park is simply breathtaking and is only a 45 minute scenic drive away. it is one of South Gippslands premier National Parks alongside the equally impressive Wilsons Promontory National Park.
You’ll be transported back to nature with a maze of trails leading deep into the temperate rainforest. With towering ferns, lush fern gulleys and huge mountain ash trees all around, the area is spellbinding.
You’ll drive toward the township of Yarram and out the other side where the road becomes narrow as it leads deep into the forest. As the park is so popular during all seasons, be sure to slow down and enjoy the tranquil surrounds.
Go to : Tarra Bulga National Park – How to plan your visit
Why visit: prominent South Gippsland attraction with world class scenery
Opening days and times: open 24 hours / Free Entry
Location: 1885 Grand Ridge Rd, Balook
6. Charter a boat
Don’t have boat? No need to worry as the local fishing charters has it all sorted for you.
Hook, Line and Sinker are a locally owned and professional charter service with well over 30 years experience in the area. They have been taking enthusiastic fisherman and newbies out for years into the waters of Corner inlet, so you’ll be well looked after.
Go to the best fishing spots with all fishing gear provided on an epic adventure. Expect to catch whiting, snapper, squid or king fish on your day out. Prices start from $130 per person for a full day out. You can find out more here portalbertfishincharters.com.au
Alternately, hire a boat for a couple of hours or even all day long. You will find boat hire along the foreshore at Castim at the Jetty.
Why visit: adventurous day out at the fishing capital
Location: see website
Office hours: 8.30 am to 8 pm
7. Visit the historic cemetery
One of the states oldest cemetery’s and located just out of town is the Alberton historic cemetery.
The oldest burial site is that of Robert McClure, laid to rest in 1842. There are also some older sites situated along the banks of the Albert River. which you can walk to and is signposted in the grounds.
The cemetery is quite extensive with many grave sites being those of the early settlers to the area. Many came from subsequent harsh times and even ship wrecks that occurred along the coast.
You can join a cemetery walking tour, usually held the last Saturday of each month between September and April. You can find more details via the facebook page.
Why visit: an interesting historic site
Location: 214 Yarram – Port Albert Rd, Alberton
8. old Settlement Beach
This area is the end (or start of) the Old Port trail, so you can walk here from town if you are up for it. It is also the location of the the original township. not that I spotted any remnants of its former self.
The beach is a quiet spot to look out for and listen to bird life. We spotted ducks effortlessly gliding through the reeds against a deep blue waterway. It was as peaceful as it gets with not a soul in sight. This particular location would also be simply amazing for a sunset visit.
Why visit: peaceful location for sunset and bid life viewing
Location: off Old Port Road, Port Albert
9. Water Activities
While the boats come an go out into deeper water, it’s the sail boats and kayaks that fill the waters of the reserve in Port Albert. The local yacht club regularly hold events in the sheltered waters off shore.
Such prime conditions bring in additional holiday makers to the town and spectators can sit along shore and watch the boats out on a glorious day.
Swimming in this area is also a great activity when conditions are right. Kids especially love jumping from the many little jetty’s in town.
Location: along Wharf Street, Port Albert
10. Rutter Park Playground
Where else would you put the local playground than right on the waters edge.
Rutter Park playground is a pretty location for the kids with plenty of playground equipment including slides, swing, rope climbing frame, boats and basketball net. Ammenities include BBQ facilities, undercover picnic area, un-sheltered tables, toilets and grassed areas for picnics and relaxation.
Why visit: a place for the kid to play and families too
Location: 12 Bay St, Port Albert
Amazing places to stay around Port Albert
Why not stay the night and explore the township of Port Albert
