🔍

Portland

VIC 3305 • Rest of VIC

10,016
Population (2021)
$32,084
Median Income
32.50 km²
Area
$250/wk
Median Rent
HistoricAffordableRural

About Portland

Portland is a small historic town in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, situated approximately 180 kilometres west of Sydney and 30 kilometres north-east of Lithgow in the City of Lithgow local government area. The town sits at an elevation of around 950 metres and had a population of 2,447 in the 2021 Census. Portland is widely regarded as Australia's first industrial city, built on the back of its iconic cement industry, and the remnants of the Portland Cement Works are listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Life in Portland revolves around its tight-knit working-class community, with affordable housing, heritage streetscapes, and a relaxed country pace. The town has a strong Indigenous presence, with Australian Aboriginal residents making up a notable portion of the population. Residents access everyday needs through local shops, Portland Central School, and a range of services, while the nearby city of Lithgow provides hospital, retail, and employment facilities. The scenic surroundings of the Central Tablelands — including Lake Lyell — make Portland attractive to those seeking affordable country living within a few hours of Sydney.

Portland falls under postcode 3305 and is governed by Glenelg Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the South-West Coast (Western Victoria) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Victoria
Postcode
3305
Urban Area
Portland
LGA / Council
Glenelg
Federal Electorate
Wannon
State Electorate
South-West Coast (Western Victoria)
Type
Urban
Timezone
Melbourne (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-38.36°, 141.61°
Statistical Area
Rest of VIC
Area
32.50 km²
Elevation
24m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Lithgow Station
30 km
N/A – car required

Bus Services

  • 686 — Lithgow 35 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
180 km
By Train
Drive to Lithgow Station (~30 min), then train to Central (~2h)
By Car (Peak)
2h 30min – 3h
By Car (Off-Peak)
2h – 2h 30min

🛣️ Passenger rail to Portland ceased in 1985; Lithgow is the nearest active station on the Blue Mountains/Western line

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Town centre services are walkable for residents near the main street; car required for most trips beyond the town centre and for travel to Lithgow

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Woolworths
    95-97B Percy Street Portland 3305 VIC

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$250
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,083
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
47 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
9,712
Census 2021
10,016
▲ 3.1% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$27,040
Income 2021
$32,084
▲ 18.7% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 8,366
Born Overseas 948

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 242
  • 2. New Zealand 129
  • 3. Philippines 67
  • 4. Netherlands 51
  • 5. Scotland 36
  • 6. India 34
  • 7. South Africa 34
  • 8. Nepal 26
  • 9. Germany 18
  • 10. Thailand 18

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 4,344
Australian 4,181
Scottish 1,235
Irish 1,036
German 573
Australian Aboriginal 288
Dutch 215
Italian 142
Filipino 85
Welsh 68

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

7,286
Both parents born in Australia
1,178
Both parents born overseas
864
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
48.5%
Christianity
41.3%
Buddhism
0.6%
Hinduism
0.5%
Islam
0.1%
Sikhism
0.1%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
456 (4.6%)
5-14 years
1,116 (11.1%)
15-19 years
560 (5.6%)
20-24 years
489 (4.9%)
25-34 years
965 (9.6%)
35-44 years
1,068 (10.7%)
45-54 years
1,300 (13.0%)
55-64 years
1,549 (15.5%)
65-74 years
1,424 (14.2%)
75-84 years
755 (7.5%)
85+ years
329 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portland NSW known for? +

Portland NSW is known as Australia's first industrial city, built around its cement manufacturing industry. The Portland Cement Works Precinct is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

How far is Portland NSW from Sydney? +

Portland is approximately 180 kilometres west of Sydney, roughly a 2–2.5 hour drive via the Great Western Highway and Lithgow.

Is there a train to Portland NSW? +

Passenger rail services to Portland ceased in 1985. The nearest active train station is Lithgow, approximately 30 kilometres away, which is served by the Blue Mountains/Western line to Central Station.

What schools are in Portland NSW? +

Portland has Portland Central School (a government K–12 school) and St Joseph's School (a Catholic primary school) serving the local community.

What is the median house price in Portland NSW? +

Portland is one of the more affordable towns in regional NSW. The 2021 Census recorded a median monthly mortgage repayment of $1,272 and a median weekly rent of $250, well below the state average.