Thousands of people are expected to flock to Portland next year for the Australia Day long weekend to be part of the inaugural ‘Hooked on Portland’ festival.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford encouraged people to get along to the festival, which will celebrate the coastal centre as a fishing and tourism hotspot.
Portland is recognised across Australia as a game fishing destination, particularly for large southern bluefin tuna, which are a great sportfish and highly regarded table fish.
The three day festival is run by the Glenelg Shire Council, Regional Development Victoria and the Victorian Fisheries Authority and supports the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million.
The plan is investing a record $46 million to boost participation and get more people fishing, more often.
On Friday 26 January 2018 attractions will include a live broadcast of Triple J’s Hottest 100, kid’s amusements on the foreshore, a passport destination competition, a food and drink park and twilight cinema to end the day.
It will also feature:
- A fishing competition for beginners, experts and everyone in between
- Free fishing clinics and informative talks for less experienced anglers from radio show Reel Adventures co-host Aaron Habgood
- Tours of the port and foreshore water activities
- Market stalls and a ‘Foodie’ tent with seafood cooking demonstrations from Masterchef finalists Sam Goodwin and Eliza Wilson
- A youth zone with skating exhibitions and a basketball competition
For music lovers, the Big Stage will feature The Pierce Brothers, The Settlement, Sal Kimber and the Rollin’ Wheel, Louise Adams and the Lost Era, Mark Lang from Skipping Girl Vinegar and This Way North.
The event concludes on Sunday with a community big brekky and fishing competition presentations. To find out more, visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Australia Day is about celebrating the things we love most about this terrific country -- like fishing with family and friends in the great outdoors.”
“What better way to spend the long weekend than relaxing at the Hooked on Portland Festival. It’s all part of our plan to get more people fishing more often and experiencing the very best of our great outdoors.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to try their luck at throwing in a line, and to get out and experience the very best Portland has to offer.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020