Labor has opened the door to more visitors to the Bellarine Peninsula with upgrades at the Portarlington Holiday Park.
Member for the Bellarine, Alison Marchant, today welcomed new cabin completion that was supported by the most recent round of Labor’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund.
The accommodation is ready to welcome guests from this Saturday, just in time to celebrate Portarlington being crowned Victoria’s best small tourism town for 2026 at the Victorian Top Tourism Town Award.
Three older cabins have been replaced with two modern three-bedroom cabins and one fully accessible two-bedroom cabin.
They all feature sustainable elements such as LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances and new surrounding landscaping.
This injection by Labor is expected to generate 1,501 visitor nights annually and contribute $327,000 each year to the visitor economy.
In 20 years of operation, the cabins are forecast to generate $5 million in revenue which will be reinvested directly into caring for the coastal environment and improving public spaces for visitors.
Built offsite by local family-owned company Yarrawonga Manufactured Housing Pty Ltd, which has more than 35 years’ experience, the project showcases the state’s advanced manufacturing in action.
Labor is supporting opportunities for modern methods of construction like prefabricated and modular building, delivering efficient and cost-effective homes, tourism accommodation and visitor infrastructure across the economy.
The new beachfront accommodation offers year-round access to the beach for swimming, fishing and boating, and proximity to the Bellarine Coastal Trail for hiking.
The extra foot-traffic generated by Labor’s investment will support year-round tourism growth across the Bellarine Peninsula.
This funding is part of the Carroll Labor Government’s $170 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund, which is designed to create more jobs, support our tourism businesses, and attract more visitors to support local communities.
The Fund helps strengthen and expand five priority areas including First Peoples-led experiences, wellness, arts and culture, food and drink, and nature.
Tourism is a big business for the Victorian economy, and through these projects Labor is backing investment in regional tourism infrastructure.
In the year ending March 2026, 119.8 million visitors spent $48.6 billion and stayed 170.1 million nights.
Since 2021, investment in tourism infrastructure has supported more than 200 projects across regional and rural Victoria.
Labor is creating thousands of jobs and ensuring Victoria is a must-visit location.
To see a complete list of projects funded through the 2024 round of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund, visit djsir.vic.gov.au/tourism-industry-support/about/current-programs
Quote attributable to the Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant MP
“The Bellarine is a beautiful place to live and visit. This investment in the Portarlington Holiday Park is delivering accessibility facilities that give more people the chance to enjoy all that the Bellarine has to offer, while supporting local jobs and year-round tourism.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Natalie Suleyman MP
“Through the Carroll Labor Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, we're backing the projects that make people want to visit, stay longer and support small and family businesses in regional Victoria.’’
Quotes attributable to Richards Davies, Bellarine Bayside Committee Chair
“These cabin upgrades represent an important investment in the future of our holiday park that will strengthen Portarlington's appeal as a year-round destination attracting more visitors and encouraging longer stays supporting sustainable tourism growth."
Quotes attributable to Scott Crabtree, Bellarine Bayside CEO
“Camper feedback has played a vital role in this project guiding a cabin design that enhances the quality sustainability and accessibility of roofed accommodation in the holiday park. The new cabins will help us continue to provide memorable holiday experiences for visitors to the northern Bellarine Peninsula.”
