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When you hear “Portland”, you might think of bearded baristas, pedal-powered breweries, and more indie spirit than a Melbourne laneway. But eight lucky Australian travel agents now know there’s much more to Oregon’s eclectic capital than its famous quirks—thanks to a whirlwind six-day fam trip hosted by Travel Portland.

Led by the ever-enthusiastic Rebecca George, ANZ Trade Manager for Travel Portland, the trip gave agents a front-row seat to the city’s cultural heart, culinary muscle, and natural beauty—all with a dash of Portland’s signature quirk.

Joining George were travel professionals from some of Australia’s top agencies: Tracey Flower (MTA) and Cola Maurirere (Travel Associates) from Brisbane; Sam Stratten (Flight Centre), Luke Watts and Vicki Hope (both from Travel Managers) representing Sydney; and from Melbourne, Allyce Balderston (Adventure World), Maddi Wood (Flight Centre) and Deb McNamara (Helloworld).

And the welcome committee? None other than the gleaming new PDX Airport terminal—an architectural marvel still mid-transformation, with its second phase slated for a grand 2026 reveal.

Blazers Stadium

Sights, Bites and Indie Delights

From the moment the group touched down, it was go-go-go, Portland style. Think food carts that would make any Sydneysider’s street eats look bashful; vibrant neighbourhoods each with a distinct pulse; and a generous helping of tax-free retail therapy, all served with a side of scenery.

Among the stops? Portland’s fabled Japanese Garden, a serene escape tucked in the city’s green belt; hip local boutiques where designers rub shoulders with vintage finds; and cultural havens where creativity crackles in the air.

Of course, no Portland trip would be complete without paying homage to Powell’s City of Books—a literary labyrinth sprawling an entire city block and housing an incredible one million volumes. As one agent quipped, “You could lose a week in here and still not find your way out.”

And then there was the footy—Portland style. At a Timbers match, the group experienced American soccer with a twist: raucous chanting, raving fans, and a chainsaw-wielding mascot named Timber Joey. Yes, really. When the Timbers score, Timber Joey slices a slab from a log to thunderous applause. It’s a local tradition as odd and endearing as Portland itself.

Timbers – Major League Soccer

From Snowfields to Cellar Doors

This being Oregon, nature is never far away. Day trips included the postcard-perfect Columbia River Gorge, the snow-kissed slopes of Mt Hood, and the Tualatin Valley wine region, where pinot is king, and the cellar doors are as friendly as they are flavourful.

The trip blended the wild with the well-pampered. In Portland, agents were treated to two standout stays: the newly opened Cascada Hotel in Alberta—a sleek urban retreat complete with thermal spa, steam room, ice fountain and a treatment menu longer than a Qantas wine list; and the grand old Sentinel Hotel downtown. With its stately 1909 façade and roofline statues keeping watch, the Sentinel is more than just a pretty place to lay your head—it’s a registered national landmark.

The Verdict? A Resounding Yes

Rebecca George said the trip was designed to offer a rich, immersive experience of everything that makes Portland tick—from street-level makers and world-class chefs to the wide-open spaces just beyond city limits.

“The feedback has been incredibly positive,” she said. “Portland isn’t just a stopover. It’s a destination in its own right—and one that fits beautifully into a wider Pacific Northwest itinerary.”

The agents, naturally, were buzzing.

“I had no idea how much this city packs in,” said Sydney’s Vicki Hope. “It’s like a mix of Melbourne, Hobart and Seattle—but with its own weird and wonderful twist.”

With the Australian market showing renewed interest in North American travel, Portland’s timing couldn’t be better. For agents, it’s an easy sell: quirky yet polished, outdoorsy yet urban, and always—always—unexpected.

As Timber Joey might say: when in Portland, bring your appetite, your camera, and maybe some earplugs for the chainsaw.