Portarlington mapped

A TWO-YEAR journey has come to a close for local map producer Melinda Clarke and her team at The Melbourne Map, releasing their latest illustrative creation to the public.

The Portarlington Map is ready for purchase following thousands of hours of work going into Ms Clarke’s latest map, assisted by illustrator Deborah Young and colourist Sean Rodwell.

Ms Clarke said it has been a wonderful experience to watch Portarlington come to life, considering it was just a small part of the team’s previous project, The Bellarine Map.

“It has been a really enjoyable project to work on, we’ve all had so much fun bringing to life a town and area that we all have a personal connection to.

“Compared to previous maps we have completed, this has been quite a soft launch, but we’ve had lots and lots of people finding out about it locally and the town is really getting behind it.

“The response has been absolutely awesome. We already have several businesses enquiring about the new map is intricately designed with a plethora of community locations, including Portarlington’s surrounding towns such as Indented Head, St Leonards, Queenscliff, Drysdale and Point Lonsdale.

From Port Phillip Ferries to Portarlington CFA, to the Portarlington Grand Hotel, Ms Clarke says the map captures the true essence of one the Bellarine’s most popular towns.

Mr Rodwell has been a Portarlington resident for 11 years and says his work colouring in the map has only strengthened his connection to the town.

“Colour-wise, you’ll notice this map has more of a pastoral theme with paler colours, but it has certainly helped with my own knowledge of this town.

“There’s several locations we touch on that I have never even heard of. I certainly feel closer to Portarlington than before, and I think it’s the same for all three of us.”

Map prints can be purchased in four different sizes, A1 ($110), A2 ($95), A3 ($45), and A4 ($32).

Jigsaw puzzles can again be purchased for $65 (1,000 pieces) and $34 (35 pieces); while limited edition tea towels are $29.

To purchase a print of The Portarlington Map, head to themelbournemap.com.au/products/the-portarlington-map.