Vicki receives a warm country welcome, and discovers where industry meets artistry.  

There’s something magical about an early morning road trip – the kind where the air is crisp, the sky is a painter’s blue, and every corner seems to whisper stories from the past. Recently, I headed out to Portland, NSW, and I’m so glad I did.

Just a short drive from Lithgow, this small town packs a big punch when it comes to history, art, and atmosphere!

A Town with Backbone – and Cement!

Portland’s proud claim to fame is being “the town that built Sydney” – and it’s no exaggeration. Home to Australia’s first cement works, Portland’s industrial story began in the 1890s, when the Portland Cement Works were established by the Cullen Bullen Lime and Cement Company. The abundant limestone in the surrounding hills made this the perfect location. By the early 20th century, Portland Cement was a key player in the building of Sydney’s infrastructure – think bridges, dams, buildings, and roads.

Portland…. The Town That Built Sydney

The limestone quarries are now full of water – the  beautiful Millpond is now a great spot to go for a walk, or even try your hand at trout fishing !

The Millpond Walk – Reflections and Ripples

My visit began with the Millpond Walk – a serene and scenic loop that invites you to slow down. Ducks glided across the still water, and the crisp light made for perfect reflections. It’s an easy, peaceful stroll with plenty of benches, ideal for photography, daydreaming, or soaking in nature.

Portlands main street is a time capsule.

There’s elegance in the weathered facades, vintage signage, and old shop fronts. If you love heritage architecture, this is your place. I love wandering around here, imagining the hum of of the past – deliveries rattling in by horse and cart, workers heading to the cement works and the bottle kilns, kids skipping down footpaths.

Beautiful art deco touches throughout the town

The ‘Signs of Yesteryear’ murals began in October 2001. Organised by Ron Bidwell, traditional signwriters or ‘Letterheads’ were invited to congregate in the historic town of Portland, New South Wales, for a “Wallnuts Weekend,” to reproduce vintage advertisements throughout the town. The tradition has continued, with the many murals depicting signs and advertising from 1895 – 1945.

Portland’s ‘Signs of Yesteryear’ showcase the work of traditional signwriters….there are hundreds of fabulous murals throughout the town.

How many can you find ?

The cement works dominated life in Portland for over a century, providing steady work and shaping the town’s identity. Generations of families worked in the quarries, kilns, and bagging plants. Though the plant officially closed in 1991, its legacy lives on – not only in the stories passed down, but in the very fabric of the town: the homes, the halls, the quiet pride of a place that helped build a nation.

The cement works dominated life in Portland for over a century, providing steady work and shaping the town’s identity. Generations of families lived, loved and worked here.

Today, the former cement works site has been transformed into The Foundations – a creative precinct that’s breathing new life into the industrial heart of Portland.

The Foundations and Silo Art – Industrial Bones, Creative Spirit

One of the most striking sights in town is the silo art at The Foundations. These towering silos, once filled with powdered cement, now showcase massive portraits of real workers from Portland’s past. Created by artist Guido Van Helten, the murals are hauntingly beautiful – paying tribute to the town’s working-class heritage with realism and reverence.

The site itself is being carefully reimagined into a cultural hub, hosting markets, events, and art workshops. It’s a brilliant example of how history can be honoured while still evolving.

The Foundations Portland are excited to announce that Zig Zag Brewery will be setting up their new brewery in the boiler house building.

These Bottle Kilns Are The Only Two Of Their Type, Left In Australia!

For More Information Download The Portland Soundtrail 

This sound rich, geo-located audio tour immerses the listener into the life and energy of the generations of people who lived, loved and worked here !

On this downloadable Soundtrail, you will discover not only how Portland made cement, but also how Portland made the people.

There’s a timeless charm to Portland’s streets.

Many of the buildings were constructed using the town’s own cement, with solid lines and decorative details that speak of an era when craftsmanship mattered. I wandered past shopfronts, old hotels, and churches that seemed to stand like old friends –  still here, still telling their stories.

Portland is a hub of creativity – which is showcased throughout the town. The sculpture, pictured, is currently on display in the window of the Portland Library.

This incredible Dragon sculpture was created by Max, for his 2023 HSC Body of Work practical submission at Portland Central School. It documents his interest in the game, Dungeons and Dragons!  Max received a Band 5 in Visual Arts in the HSC, and I think we can all agree it’s an amazing work of art.

Williwa and Wolgan Street Wanders – Architecture and Echoes of the Past.