There have been numerous books and brochures written about Portarlington, and most of them mention the fishing and the farming in the area.

The Australia Handbook, written in 1871 has little information, while the 1882 edition states,

"There are two hotels-the Family and the Bayview … The population numbers 300, but in summer many persons from Geelong and Melbourne reside here. New public baths have been erected increasing the attraction to Portarlington."

The 1888 edition mentions "a public library has been erected, and also a Forrester's and Temperance Hall. The population numbers 700 and in the district over 1000 it being an excellent seaside watering hole."

While these 2 buildings are no longer standing you can still the last remaining pile at the end of Gellibrand Street where the baths were built.

The beautiful building that was once the library has been replaced by a building that is home to the Senior Citizen's Association.

I have added a few less known items that are still available through various sources.

Lincoln's place: the story of an Australian Pioneer Farm
Colin Thiele, 1978
Beautifully illustrated by Robert Ingpen
The author describes the way of life at Lincoln's place, a farm that was established around 1850. Some of the story is told through the memories of Mrs Lincoln who was still active around the farm in the 1970s. Other parts of the story come to life through the old buildings, the old tools and vehicles once in everyday use.
The building with a beautiful view of the bay still stands in Port Richards Road.

Grand Hotel Portarlington
Tim Angus [et al] 1990
Thesis
The thesis details a conversation project undertaken by students of fourth year design students in the Architecture School of Deakin University.
The hotel built by William George Wolf is typical of the 1880s Boom style with elements of Renaissance in classical styles. The architect was engaged in over 50 jobs between 1888 and 1892, many of these hotels in a similar style in Melbourne. Many of these hotels such as the Central Club Hotel in Richmond, East Brunswick Club Hotel, and the Auburn Hotel, Auburn are still visible today.

Geological Survey of Victoria Portarlington [cartographic material]
Geological Survey of Victoria
Scale 1:63,360
Melbourne, Vic. The Survey 1997

The romance of the "Edina": the worlds oldest screw steamship
C.Dickson Gregory
Melbourne, Robertson & Mullens, 1935
Chapter eight describes when the Edina ran aground near Portarlington and how the local fishermen rescued the passengers.

Early History of Portarlington and East Bellarine, Indented Head and St Leonard's
Eunice McLeod
(Geelong Historical Society 1962)
This is another small book written by a young Mrs McLeod who gives life to a piece of local history that little is known about. While the text is descriptive, the actual dates of some events will need to be supported with official documentation.

Portarlington Indented Head, St Leonards: History & Reminiscences
Eunice McLeod
(Geelong (Marine History Publications) 1976
This small publication provides a detailed picture of the earlier years of not only Portarlington but also St Leonards and Indented Head.

Balla-Wein: A history of the Shire of Bellarine
Ian Wynd
This is most probably the most popular book printed about Bellarine that has an excellent chapter on Portarlington history.
Even today there is a demand for a reprint. This cannot be achieved in its current format, as the original photographic plates have been plates destroyed.
It contains a comprehensive bibliography which points the reader in other directions should they wish to search further.

The way it was at St Patrick's Portarlington
Kath Nash
There are snippets from "The Advocate" from 1878 1890 1892 1911 and extracts from the files of the Lands Department 1854 and 1855.
The history of various individuals connected with the church, the fire of 1926, which destroyed the hall, the money raising efforts of the Ladies Guild are all discussed along with the ministers, organists the Dutch people and the visitors over the years.
It covers much information concerning St Thomas Parish Drysdale 1890-1988 and other topics.

The Lady Squatters
John Richardson
Published by the Shire of Bellarine
This book provides an insight into the lives of Miss Anne Drysdale and Miss Elizabeth Newcomb, two female pioneers who farmed land on the Bellarine Peninsula. The homestead, Coriyule built 1849 overlooking Corio Bay still stands today. Ownership and transfers of lands, crop and animal selection are also discussed in the book. However, it is the determination and strength of the two women as well as the kindness of Caroline's husband the really intrigues the reader.