🔍

Portland West

VIC 3305 • Victoria

619
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
74.17 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralCoastalAffordableCar-Dependent
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About Portland West

Portland West is a rural locality in the Shire of Glenelg in south-west Victoria, situated on the western outskirts of Portland — the region's main coastal city and Victoria's oldest European settlement. Covering approximately 74 square kilometres of agricultural and coastal hinterland, the locality has a population of around 619 residents and a median household income of about $44,200. The area is characterised by rural residential blocks, grazing properties, and open farmland typical of the Glenelg Shire's diverse coastal hinterland.

Portland itself, the adjacent city, is home to a deep-water port, a major aluminium smelter, and scenic foreshore walking trails along Portland Bay — all accessible within a short drive from Portland West. The wider Glenelg region offers spectacular coastal scenery, proximity to the Discovery Bay Coastal Park, and access to attractions such as Cape Bridgewater and its famous seal colony. Portland provides the full range of urban services including supermarkets, hospitals, schools, and government offices, while Melbourne is approximately 362 kilometres to the east along the Princes Highway.

Portland West falls under postcode 3305 and is governed by the Glenelg Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Wannon, while state elections fall under the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3305
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Glenelg
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
South-West Coast (Western Victoria)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.24°, 141.44°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
74.17 km²
Population Density
8 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 3305

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 3305, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$44,169
Median 2023–24
$52,479
▲ 18.8% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$62,554

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 3305; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Portland 10–20 min

Commute to Melbourne CBD

Distance
362 km
By Train
No direct rail; nearest V/Line station at Warrnambool (97 km east), journey to Melbourne approx. 3 hours
By Car (Peak)
3 hours 45 min – 4 hours 15 min via Princes Highway
By Car (Off-Peak)
3 hours 30 min – 4 hours

🛣️ The Princes Highway connects Portland to Melbourne; Hamilton (about 75 km north) provides an alternative regional hub

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential; Portland's CBD and services are a short drive away, but the locality itself has no walkable amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
619
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Glenelg Local Government Area, which contains Portland West. Rates are per 100,000 residents for the year ending September 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
499.5 / 100k
2yr Up 170.3% 10yr Stable
Motor vehicle theft
294.7 / 100k
2yr Up 195.0% 10yr Up 123.9%
Non-FV assault
334.6 / 100k
2yr Up 28.8% 10yr Stable
Robbery (unarmed)
0 / 100k
2yr Down 100.0% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
679.3 / 100k
2yr Up 338.7% 10yr Stable
View all offence subgroups for Glenelg →

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portland West known for? +

Portland West is a rural locality on the western outskirts of Portland, Victoria's oldest European settlement. The surrounding area is known for Portland's deep-water harbour, the Portland Aluminium smelter, and access to the spectacular Discovery Bay and Cape Bridgewater coastal reserves.

How far is Portland West from Melbourne? +

Portland West is approximately 362 kilometres west of Melbourne, a drive of around 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours via the Princes Highway.

Does Portland West have public transport? +

Portland West has no rail service; the nearest V/Line train access is at Warrnambool, approximately 97 kilometres to the east. Limited local bus services connect the area to Portland, but a car is the most practical transport option for residents.

What is the population of Portland West? +

According to 2021 Census data, Portland West has a population of approximately 619 residents. It is a small rural locality forming part of the Portland urban and peri-urban area in the Shire of Glenelg.

Is Portland West a good place to live? +

Portland West suits those who value an affordable, semi-rural coastal lifestyle in south-west Victoria. Residents enjoy proximity to Portland's urban amenities and some of the most dramatic coastline in the state, including Cape Bridgewater and Discovery Bay Coastal Park.

What is the postcode for Portland West? +

The postcode for Portland West, VIC is 3305.

Is Portland West a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Portland West is part of the Glenelg LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.