Ep 4. Victoria - Port Melbourne to Portland
- January 30, 2017
- 49 min
-
7.2 (10)
Coast Australia Season 3 Episode 4 takes us on a journey through the state of Victoria, starting at Port Melbourne and heading westwards towards Portland. This episode of the popular travel show is not just about the stunning scenery on this stretch of the Australian coastline but also delves into the history and stories behind the people and places visited.
The episode starts on the Port Melbourne pier, where we meet host Neil Oliver and marine biologist Tim O'Hara. They learn about the history of this area, once a bustling port that served as the gateway to Melbourne. They also discover how the area is now being redeveloped as a recreational space, where locals come to bike, jog or simply relax by the bay.
From here, the team heads down the Great Ocean Road, where stunning views of the Southern Ocean and rugged coastline are aplenty. They stop by the famous Bells Beach, renowned worldwide as a premier surfing spot, where they meet some local surfers and talk about the importance of the ocean in Australian culture and how it's threatened by pollution and climate change.
Next, the team goes inland to visit the town of Lorne, and the nearby Erskine Falls. Here, they find out about the history of the town, once a popular Victorian-era holiday destination, and about the efforts of locals to keep its heritage alive, including an educational program in the local school.
Further down the coast, the team visits a small fishing village named Port Fairy, where they learn about the fishing industry and the importance of its traditions and cultural heritage. They meet a young fisherman who's carrying on his family's trade, and an artist who creates sculptures from the remnants of fishing nets.
The team then heads to the Tower Hill Nature Reserve, which is an extinct volcano that's now a wildlife sanctuary. Here, they meet with an indigenous guide, who tells them about the significance of the area to the local indigenous people and the cultural importance of preserving the natural environment.
Lastly, the team heads to Portland, where they meet with locals who are passionate about the town's past, and its future. They visit an old railway station-turned-museum, where they learn about the importance of the railway to the town's development, and about the efforts to keep it as a legacy for future generations. We also see the town's contemporary side, with a visit to a thriving craft beer brewery.
Overall, this episode of Coast Australia Season 3 takes viewers on a fascinating journey through Victoria's stunning and diverse coastline, while also exploring the rich histories and cultures of the communities that call this area home. So, if you are a travel enthusiast and love exploring new places and their interesting stories, this episode is a must-see.