Coasts and Marine

Local ports are also prime tourist destinations. Each year, thousands of people walk along or throw a fishing line from the many jetties, piers and breakwaters in the local port areas. These also provide a good opportunity to watch fishing industry operations and see the variety of recreation boats moored in sheltered areas. Local ports form a significant attraction for young and old alike.

A number of related developments are also found in some of the local ports - like the slipways at Paynesville, Queenscliff and Apollo Bay and the fish processing operations at Lakes Entrance and Port Fairy. By servicing a wide range of users, local ports play a vital part in local communities and support industries of importance to Victoria's economy.

The purpose and uses of Victoria's local ports have changed over time. In many locations (eg Warrnambool) facilities were originally built, before good roads, to service commercial and trading vessels which operated along the Victorian coastline. Over time, shipping activity has been concentrated in the commercial port areas of Portland, Geelong, Melbourne and Hastings, leaving the local ports to service the commercial fishing industry, and recreational and boating interests.