Portland

Lifestyle

As the gateway to the picturesque Central Tablelands, only two and a half hours west of Sydney, Portland dishes up a blend of calm country tranquility and an emerging creative energy.
Portland’s post-colonial foundations were set when Thomas Murray chose 61ha of land to construct his first lime kiln on what is now the corner of Lime and Villiers Sts. Those kilns are still in pride of place today.
As Australia’s first cement-making village, Portland earned the moniker of ‘the town that built Sydney’ but has now developed beyond its industrial roots. Today’s Portland is undergoing a quiet revival as a mix of home buyers from across the Greater Blue Mountains and Greater Sydney are drawn to the area.
Tree-changers, “countryphiles” and admirers of heritage homes have fallen in love with Portland’s wide streets, historic architecture, mountain views and cooler climate. The nostalgic town also plays host to popular community events including regular cultural exhibitions at The Foundations; the former 150-year-old cement works.

People

Since European settlement in the 1860s, Portland has largely been home to salt of the earth working families with agricultural ties to the land and the local cement industry. More recently, Portland’s population has become more diverse as affordable housing attracts a new wave of Sydneysiders seeking out more bang for their buck, a slower pace of life and a stronger sense of community.
With just over 2000 people calling Portland home, the welcoming small-town atmosphere is well and truly apparent. The close knit community offers the best of both worlds; the opportunity to easily commute into Sydney while also being surrounded by nature.

Homes

Compared with many lifestyle locations in NSW, Portland real estate remains affordable for many first-home buyers, renovators and investors. The town is peppered with original cottages, modern builds and sprawling acreages that appeal to hobby farmers and animal lovers alike.

Transport

Northwest of Lithgow, and just off the Great Western Highway, Portland is easily accessible by car.
Although an historical rail line ran through Portland from the 1880s, the station ceased operating in 1985. There is now a regular bus line operating return services from Lithgow and Bathurst.
Positioned between Lithgow - with its fast trains to Sydney, and Bathurst with its well-served regional airport - Portland is a relaxed locale without being remote. Orange and Mudgee are also only one and a half hours away.

Schools

Portland Central School caters from kindergarten through to Year 12 while St Joseph’s School welcomes students from kindergarten to year 6. The wider Lithgow region also offers a selection of public and private schools covering both primary and high school education.

Shopping/Restaurants

A village on the verge of growth, Portland has a number of small businesses and boutique offerings including bustling cafes, the local RSL and the Coronation Hotel. Its quarterly twilight markets at The Foundation are also popular events for food and artisan connoisseurs.

Recreational Facilities

Bushwalking, mountain biking and fishing are all popular pursuits for Portland locals and visitors. The nearby Gardens of Stone and Wollemi National Parks offer impressive escarpments and remote wilderness trails for hikers.
In town, The Foundations has become a drawcard for arts, culture and festivals, pulling in crowds for mural walks, live music and artisan markets. It’s painted silos were crafted in April and May 2018 by artist Guido Van Helten and depict six former employees who have shared their memories of working at the Portland Cement Works before its closure in 1991.
Portland has now cemented itself as a regular on the NSW cultural calendar with a regular list of creative events for local and visitors.
For more sporty activities, there is a local pool, tennis courts, and a 263ha town common with the Williwa Creek running through its centre.
Sitting at 925m above sea level, and coming in as Australia’s 21st highest town, Portland is a winter wonderland with winters often boasting snowfall.