There are many unique experiences awaiting your passengers in Portland, with the region's natural attractions encompassing all interests, ages and budgets. The Great Ocean Road is the perfect destination for a full-day excursion.

There are two exciting options to consider.

Berth in Melbourne and allow passengers to make their own way along the Great Ocean Road by coach or self drive, and possibly meet the cruise ship in Portland. Or, simply dock in Portland and allow your passengers to experience the breathtaking Great Ocean Road with a specially designed day-trip return package. Leaving from Portland, the excursion would call though the historic towns along the Shipwreck Coast before delving into the rugged Port Campbell National Park, where you can see the famous Twelve Apostles and other spectacular coastal scenes like the Bay of Martyrs, Bay of Islands and Loch Ard Gorge.

Passengers can sample local produce, including some authentic Australian bush tucker, as they take in the extraordinary views.

Those with a nose for fine wines will love the opportunity to 'taste' their way through Coonawarra - one of Australia's finest wine regions, with rich red terra rossa soil producing world class wines. The day-trip would venture across the border to South Australia, and take in a selection of the major wineries including Wynns, Redmans, Hollick, and Rymill, as well as several smaller boutique wineries.

Stunning natural beauty goes hand-in-hand with indigenous cultural experiences at the Grampians National Park. Cascading waterfalls and amazing views from the top of the majestic Grampians are topped off with lunch at Halls Gap, the heart of the Grampians. Passengers can then view aboriginal rock art, and tour the Brambuk Cultural Centre to learn more about Australia's indigenous history. This trip could also be complemented with a delightful detour through the Grampians wine region, or a stop to admire historical ruins at the Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape.Portland itself offers endless half-day excursion options.

As the retail heart of the Discovery Coast, Portland has a variety of boutique shops, great cafes and restaurants, health and beauty services, and an array of retail stores. The Portland Vintage Cable Tram is a unique experience for those who like to travel in style, linking Portland’s major tourist attractions along a scenic coastal and harbour route. The 8km return journey in a restored 1886 saloon includes full commentary. Passengers keen to stretch their legs will take pleasure in a two-hour walk to admire the many historical buildings within the city.

Portland is awash with historical buildings, and the CBD alone features over 200 buildings from the 1800s, including the oldest recorded building in Victoria still on its original site.

Passengers can also immerse themselves in the fabulous scenery and natural marvels within the area by taking a short drive or coach to nearby towns. As well as beautiful beaches, the charming hamlet of Cape Bridgewater offers boat charters to Australia's largest mainland seal colony, where up to 1000 Australian and New Zealand fur seals relax on rock platforms and inside a watery cave. Spectacular cliff-top walks and guided tours of a working lighthouse await guests at Cape Nelson, while a sunset river cruise along the meandering Nelson River provides the perfect finish to the day.

Scenic helicopter flights including Blue Whale watching tours in Summer are also available.

There are many quality hosts who would work closely with your staff to package up all of the region's unique experiences.

The following Ground Handlers are ACA members and supply superior ground handling services throughout Australia.

Tourism operators in Victoria: