Portland is a small town and the central area — the heritage precinct, harbour, and waterfront — is walkable. The main attractions are spread across a manageable area, though Cape Nelson State Park (12km to the west) and some of the outer beaches require a car.
There is no local bus network in Portland. If you arrive by V/Line coach without a car, taxis and rideshare apps can fill the gap for getting to outlying attractions, though availability is limited. Hiring a car in Warrnambool or Hamilton before heading to Portland is a practical option if you want to explore the surroundings properly.
Cycling is feasible for flat sections of town and the foreshore, and the relaxed traffic conditions make it reasonably comfortable.