Portland - World War II Memorial Lookout
Started in the mid 90's what was an unwanted, obsolete North Portland Water Tower has been transformed into one of the landmark attractions of Portland of both visitors with interest in history or those who climb to the top for the 360 degree views of Portland.
Water Tower's Rich Past - The buildings past began in the 1930's when growing demand for a good source of drinking water to supply a growing town. Before the construction of the tower water was supplied from rainwater, springs and Fawthrop Lagoon. In the 1920's the water authority was faced with huge pressure to develop a plentiful supply of safe water. Options such as piping water from the Surry and Fitzroy were looked at. The final decision was to drill and pump water from bores to be at the Wyatt Street Site.
As the first drilling at Wyatt Street commenced the construction of storage (Water Towers/Standpipes) was commenced. The first to be constructed was in North Portland overlooking the sea in Wade Street. This water tower was used until both itself and the second tower in South Portland were shut down in the 1970's to 1980's.
In 1994 the North Portland Tower was set to be demolished as had the South Tower. Thanks to the imagination of community and the support of local government, commonwealth, the Australia Remembers Program and community funds the tower was saved and brought back to life.
The Lookout - The Lookout was officially opened in April 1996. The tower is 25m high and access to the tower lookout is through the foyer which features murals hiding maps of Australia.
The gently rising staircase provides multiple landings to stop and rest on with museum exhibits. At the top on a clear day local wonders such as Lawrence rocks, Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson can be seen. Inland views of Mt Richmond, Mt Napier, Mt Eccles and Tower Hill can also be seen.
If you do not wish to go to the top there is much to be seen on the first floor with a large array of local military history. All displays focus on the local involvement in the conflict. Feel free to ask our friendly volunteers about the stories attached to some of these items.
The Portland World War II Memorial Lookout is a striking visual and historical experience. It is operated by a community based committee of management and staffed by volunteers.
Tip: Take the cable tram from Henty Park for a delightful trip along the Portland foreshore to the lookout.
Opening Hours:
Every day except Christmas and Good Friday 9 am - 4 pm.
Cost:
Approximately adults:$4, concession card holders: $3, children (accompanied by adults): no charge
From Water Tower to Lookout Museum
Portland's World War II Memorial Lookout
Portland's World War II Memorial Lookout is of considerable historical and general interest to visitors and locals alike. In the mid 1990s what had become an unwanted and obsolete North Portland Water Tower was transformed into a landmark attraction.
A structure that had played an important part in the life of Victoria's birthplace was transformed by the Australia Remembers Program, commemorating the conclusion of the Second World War. The outcome of this venture is a spectacular and functional landmark which houses a vast array of military and social history.
At the same time the structure serves as an observation point for viewing Portland, its southern seas and inland landmarks.
Water Tower's Rich Past
The building has a rich past, being part of Portland's industrial architectural heritage with a history extending back to the 1930s. Its construction came about as a consequence of a growing demand in Portland some seventy years ago for a reliable and adequate supply of sound drinking water. Such an essential service was not available in this settlement prior to the 1930s.
Before then Portland obtained its water supplies from a range of sources. In the earliest days of European settlement drinking water was obtained from rainwater and springs, or it was hand-drawn from the body of water we now know as Fawthrop Lagoon.
In time, pumps were established over the springs on the western side of the settlement - at the end of Tyers Street. Known as the Town Wells, these pumps were to be the primary source of Portland's drinking water until the early 1930s.
By the 1920s pressure had grown for town authorities to develop a more reliable and plentiful supply of water for both drinking and general domestic use. There was even talk of piping water from the Bridgewater Lakes or from the Surry or Fitzroy Rivers! Ultimately the decision was made to pump water from deep bores to be sited at Wyatt Street.
A waterworks trust was established in 1928 and one of its first tasks was to commence the 150 metre bores at Wyatt Street. At the same time storage tanks were needed for the water after it was pumped to the surface. The first of these water towers or "standpipes" was to be located in North Portland, at the eastern end of Wade Street, overlooking the sea. In October 1929 tenders were called for the supply of wood stave pipes and for the erection of a water tower. Construction commenced in 1930 and the tower and pump house were completed in 1931.
Portland's water supply system was turned on at a hydrant outside the Drill Hall in late 1931 and the official opening of Portland's new water supply took place in February 1932.
The north Portland Water Tower performed solid and reliable service for many years. Another water tower was constructed in Edgar Street, South Portland, in 1940.
From Water Tower to Lookout Museum
By the 1960s Portland's water needs had grown considerably and improvements were required. Deep bores were sunk at Bald Hill, South Portland, and pumps and cooling towers were established. The Bald Hill water supply system was further developed in the 1970s and 1980s a and the two water towers became superfluous.
In 1994 it looked as if the North Portland water tower would meet the same fate as its counterpart in South Portland - demolition and destruction. This was not to be though, as a number of forces came into being, with the result that the North Portland water tower survived and was successfully recycled into a lookout with breathtaking views and an intriguing museum.
A fascinating combination of personalities, organisations and circumstances saw the water tower converted from a structure in danger of demolition into a memorial lookout and museum.
The amalgam that produced this striking feature included individual visions, an array of energetic community groups, supportive local government, the Australia Remembers Program and Commonwealth and community funds!
The Lookout in Action
One of Australia's most imaginative and substantial Australia Remembers projects, the lookout was officially opened on April 27, 1996.
The lookout is some twenty five metres high and is accessed through the recently constructed foyer which features an external camouflage mural with hidden maps of Australia and Victoria. An internal staircase. It rises gently, and includes several landings to stop at and take a rest if necessary. On each of the landings there are museum exhibits.
The ascent is indeed worth the effort a rewarding visitors with three hundred and sixty degree views of Portland and its region. On a clear day one can see natural features such as Lawrence Rocks, Cape Nelson, Cape Bridgewater, Mount Kincaid, Mount Richmond, Mount Napier, Mount Eccles and Tower Hill. One can also scan the surrounding seas for approaching or departing vessels, or see fishing boats at work. As well there are sweeping views of Portland and the surrounding countryside.
If you do not wish to go to the top there is still plenty to see in the way of an array of historical displays, and interpretive information and material. In the entrance area there is an extensive collection of material relating to Australia's involvement in World War II - particularly Portland's involvement in this conflict. Be surprised as you look up and see the huge Bofor gun from HMAS Tobruk, mounted on the first landing.
There is much of military and social significance to see, from the time war was declared through to peace and reconstruction. An appropriate atmosphere is created by a background of camouflage netting and the diversity of the displays.
The displays tend to focus on the involvement of locals in the conflict of life on the home front. Some of the items on display have a story attached to them and often the volunteer lookout staff are familiar with these tales!
There are uniforms, badges, service documents, souvenirs from many theatres of war, photos, maps and more. Many of the photos of the conflict have links with service-people from Portland and its region. A range of material deals with life on the home front in Portland. One item that takes the eye is the sign inviting service men and women to "Visit the Service Hut, 51 Percy Street for Men & Women of the Services".
The displays are a mix of mainstream and obscure items - from the expected through to delightfully obscure objects such as the anti-axis propaganda leaflets written in Greek!
As one ascends to the elevated observation point, a series of landings are encountered - points for a breather or to study the displays from Portland newspapers of the day dealing with the war from a local perspective from 1939 till 1945. For those unable to make it to the top, a video of the upstairs exhibits and top floor scenery can be viewed in the entrance area on request.
Portland's World War II Memorial Lookout is a striking visual and historical experience. It is operated by a community-based committee of management and staffed by volunteers, many of whom are nearby residents. The management group have many plans for the future, including the development of an array of additional displays and features. Of special note are the hand painted murals by Keith McMillan.
Location
2 Wade Street, Portland 3305 Map
✆ (03) 5523 3938
Web Links
→ World War II Memorial Lookout
