Lower Portland, New South Wales

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Lower Portland
Sydney, NSW

Population:

253 (2006 Census)

Postcode:

2756

Location:

80 km (50 mi) from Sydney CBD

LGA:

Baulkham Hills Shire

City of Hawkesbury

Federal Division:

Division of Berowra and Division of Greenway

Suburbs around Lower Portland:
Cumberland Reach	Webbs Creek	Leets Vale
Cumberland Reach	Lower Portland	Maroota
Sackville North	South Maroota	South Maroota

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Lower Portland is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It is located approximately 80 kilometres northwest of the Sydney CBD in both the Baulkham Hills Shire (east of the Hawkesbury River) and the City of Hawkesbury (west of the Hawkesbury River). It has a population of 585 (Census 2001).

The original inhabitants of the Lower Portland area were the Darug people. The Darug were the custodians of the majority of what is now the Greater Sydney region. They were divided into a number of different ‘clans’, whose quick demise upon European settlement has sadly resulted in very little information remaining on how the local area was utilised.

Lower Portland was named after William Henry Cavendish Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland, and Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1783, and 1807- 1809. The name was first used in 1805, and almost certainly seems associated with the story that a rock on the plateau above the headland resembled the Duke of Portland (He was no doubt popular with the ladies!). Lower Portland was the area settled downstream from Portland Head.

Lower Portland is a peaceful hamlet located at the junction of the Colo and Hawkesbury rivers. The area has historical significance, is scenic and is popular for water skiing. The Lower Portland Ferry is one of only four vehicular ferries operating in the Hawkesbury. The River Road is a popular scenic drive.

Lower Portland Ferry operates 24hrs 7days a week. Closed 1st Wednesday of each month 9:00am-11:00am.

Towns surrounding Lower Portland include: Cliftonville and Sackville North.