So we went for a drive around the town yesterday, and we found a bit of history...
the old Portarlington mill
Portarlington used to be a much larger town, which used to supply the majority of flour to Melbourne City, with a steam driven ferry going across Port Phillip bay every day.
It used to be a popular weekend getaway because there were dozens of spring water pools, all of which could be swam in with day spas becoming a big business.
Almost a hundred years ago, a lot of Melbournes flour supply was then grown more locally, didn't have to be shipped over via ferry, and the town of Portarlington shrank quite significantly.
The town stayed alive because of the mussel population just off the port, and we have mussel festivals every year.
Since then it's stayed a pretty sleepy town. It's quiet but it's relaxing :)
We've loved raising the little one up the top of the town, looking over the bay across at Melbourne. We're far enough away that it's a country town feel, but not so far out that we can't visit the city. Plus the ferry ride across is pretty relaxing :)