Port Welshpool

The small town of Port Welshpool in south Gippsland, Victoria is home to a disproportionately large commerical fishing fleet. In fact, I would go so far as to say there are more boats than houses.

I’m not sure where all the people that work on the boats come from. On the cold, blustery day I visited they were all in that secret place, not on the boats. All except for three hearty and hale blokes in their bright orange coats and blue beanies. In between taking a warming drink from steaming thermos mugs, they were conscientiously (or was it begrudgingly) readying their gear for the next catch.

The wharf is the focal point of the town. Traditional white paintwork has been abandoned in favour of a more colourful red and blue nautical look. It certainly adds a punch to the dreary winter scene.

Port Welshpool is a favourite of families in the warmer months. Its combination of safe beaches, good fishing and not much else to do ensures relaxation is never far away.

The appropriately named Long Jetty (it’s over 1km long) divides the beach. It was built during World War II but unfortunately has been closed since a fire in 2004. Nonetheless, it provides something interesting to look at while lazing on the beach before your gaze drifts to the hills further south.

If fishing and taking it easy become too much to bear, Victoria’s famous Wilson’s Promontory National Park is but a charter across Corner Inlet (or just over an hour by car). To mix the scenery up a bit, the cool temperate rainforests of Turra Bulga National Park are a similar distance to the north.

Winter though, and place was deserted. There wasn’t even a car outside the pub. As the chilly southerly whipped up again I could understand why.

• Favorite
• Report Concern
• Share This
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Add your comment

You need to login or signup to add your comment to this work.

Tags:

australia, boats, fishing, gippsland, holiday, port welshpool, turra bulga, victoria and wilsons promontory