Ferry + Archibald Exhibition Package

Sail to the Archibald Prize 2025 

Geelong Gallery from 30 August to 9 November

Port Phillip Ferries is thrilled to partner with Geelong Gallery for the highly anticipated Archibald Prize 2025 exhibition – and we’re making your day out even better with a great value package that includes ferry travel and exhibition entry at a discounted bundle price.

Exclusive to Geelong Gallery, this blockbuster exhibition will run from 30 August to 9 November, showcasing the finalists of Australia’s most prestigious portrait prize. From celebrities to everyday heroes, the Archibald has captured the faces and stories of our times since 1921.

Getting there couldn’t be easier – or more scenic. Cruise across the bay in comfort and arrive just a short 15-minute stroll from the gallery doors. We’ve timed the ferry service to match all major session times, and there’s even a one-way option if you’d like to linger longer in Geelong and return by train.

It’s art, travel, and an unforgettable day out – all in one seamless package. Book now and save.

Booking Details

To help manage visitor flow through the gallery, entry is allocated across specific session times—so we strongly recommend booking early to secure your preferred time slot. For your convenience, we offer both return ferry packages and one-way ferry options if you’d like to spend more time exploring Geelong after the exhibition. If choosing the one-way option, please be aware that you’ll need to arrange your own transport home from Geelong.

Ferry times to consider when booking

• WEEKENDS – Departs Docklands 10.40 am / Arrives in Geelong at 12.50 pm / Departs Geelong at 4.00 pm / Arrives in Docklands at 6.10 pm
• WEEKDAYS (School Holidays) – Departs Docklands 9.30 am / Arrives in Geelong at 11.40 pm / Departs Geelong at 3.00 pm / Arrives in Docklands at 5.10 pm

Return Ferry Package – Gallery Session Times

One-way Ferry Package – Gallery Session Times

Please note: We can cater for larger group bookings, however this will need to be done by our customer service team over the phone. Please call us on (03) 9514 8959 to arrange.

About the exhibition

The annual Archibald Prize is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike. Judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW, the Prize is awarded to the best portrait painting. Since 1921, the Archibald Prize has highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting the stories of our times.

Jason Smith, Director & CEO, Geelong Gallery said: ‘Geelong Gallery is delighted to present the Archibald Prize 2025 to Victorian audiences, continuing our relationship with this prestigious exhibition. Geelong Gallery has a proud history of hosting the Archibald Prize in 2017 and 2018, and the centenary exhibition Archie 100: A Century of the Archibald Prize in 2021. In our 2018 presentation of the Prize, we attracted over 75,000 visitors over 58 days, and with an extended presentation of 71 days in 2025, we anticipate welcoming even greater audience numbers to Geelong to experience this iconic celebration of portraiture.’

The 2025 exhibition promises to build on Geelong Gallery’s legacy of presenting engaging and significant exhibitions that connect with audiences from across the region and beyond, showcasing the breadth of contemporary artistic practice in Australia, and delivering significant cultural and economic benefit to our community.’

Geelong Gallery is the first tour venue following the Art Gallery of NSW’s presentation of Archibald Prize 2025 from 10 May to 17 August 2025. There is a strong local connection between Geelong and the Archibald Prize. JF Archibald was born in Geelong West on 14 January 1856 and lived in the region, beginning his journalism career in Warrnambool when he was 15 years old.

The Archibald Prize has always created controversy and conversation. For over a century, artists from Australia and New Zealand have captured the spirit of their times through portraiture, reflecting the personalities and issues that define their communities.