Port Phillip Ferries Events

Kids Go Free* > Holidaying in Portarlington or Geelong this summer and looking for something different to entertain the family? Step aboard our state-of-the-art 35-metre catamaran and take in the region’s stunning coastline from a new perspective. From Portarlington, enjoy a 90-minute scenic cruise with two departures most weekends at 2.00 pm and 5.30 pm, perfect for an afternoon on the bay or a golden-hour sail before dinner. Or, if you’re in Geelong, jump on a 60-minute scenic cruise from the Waterfront and enjoy the city’s sights from the water. Whichever you choose, there’s time to relax and enjoy a few sneaky beverages from our licensed café along the way.

Special New Year’s Eve Cruise at 8.30 pm from Portarlington > Ring in the New Year in style with our special 8.30 pm New Year’s Eve Cruise from Portarlington. This one-off sailing is perfectly timed for the early fireworks display, hosted by Bellarine Bayside, on the Portarlington waterfront. Step aboard, relax with a drink in hand, and enjoy front-row views as we float just off the coastline, the best seat in the house when the fireworks light up the bay around 9.30 pm. Please note: as this is a special event service, Kids Go Free tickets do not apply. However, we’ve created special family bundle discounts for a range of groups sizes.

Nature Lovers Bay Cruise – Kids Go Free > Departing and returning from Docklands every Tuesday (except 23 & 30 Dec 2025), these cruises are the way to experience Port Phillip Bay from a different angle. These 2.5-hour cruises aboard a modern 35-meter catamaran offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of the bay and its abundant marine life. As you set sail across to Portarlington and back, you’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds you, with the spacious catamaran providing a comfortable vantage point for taking in the sights.

Saturday 10 January 2026 > The Portarlington Mussel Festival returns for another big day of live music, market stalls, family fun, and of course loads of fresh local mussels. Set along the scenic foreshore, it’s the perfect Bellarine summer day out. To make travel easier, we’re running two morning ferries from Docklands at 10.00 am and 10.40 am, plus return services from Portarlington at 4.30 pm and 5.00 pm. Enjoy the festival at your own pace and be back in Melbourne by early evening. Leave the car behind and cruise to one of Victoria’s favourite summer festivals. Click to find out more.

Special Mussel Festival Cruise at 2.00 pm from Portarlington >If you’re heading to the Portarlington Mussel Festival on Saturday 10 January 2026, treat yourself to a refreshing one-hour escape on the sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay. Step aboard for a relaxed cruise, enjoy a drink from the onboard bar and take in a different view of the festival. It’s the perfect way to unwind, recharge and experience the day from a whole new angle. Please note: as this is a special Mussel Festival Cruise, Kids Go Free tickets do not apply. However, we’ve created special family bundle discounts for a range of groups sizes.

NOW AVAILABLE ON WEEKENDS >> Visit the Mussel Capital of Australia very day of the week except Tuesdays. Portarlington is renowned for its mussel farms, offering the perfect environment for these tasty shellfish. Pier Street Cafe, located right on the waterfront, serves incredibly fresh mussels, with a range of dishes from smoked mussel chowder to Sri Lankan mussel curry. With our regular ferry service nearby, it’s easy to return for more. Enjoy the Port to Plate Mussel Experience, which includes everything – even a drink with your lunch!

Jack Rabbit Winery Long Leisurely Lunch > Sail across the bay via Port Phillip Ferries and settle in for a long, leisurely lunch overlooking the bay. When you arrive you’ll be welcomed and transported by Franscene Bellarine to the iconic Jack Rabbit Vineyard, a must-do destination on the Bellarine. Choose your dining style: enjoy relaxed bistro favourites at the House of Jack Rabbit Cellar Door, or indulge in a contemporary culinary experience at the Jack Rabbit Restaurant. Both options offer one or two courses, each paired with breathtaking coastal views. Round out your visit with a wine tasting at the cellar door for the ultimate Bellarine indulgence.

Choose between the Atrium or the Dining Room > The Grand Day Out Package now has a revamped menu, offering even more flexibility than ever before. You can now choose between dining at the Atrium or the Dining Room at the Grand Hotel. The package begins with a leisurely cruise across Port Phillip Bay from Docklands aboard a modern fast ferry, arriving at the charming seaside town of Portarlington. The Grand Day Out Package not only includes your return ferry journey, but it also includes lunch and your choice of drink.

Enjoy a relaxing ferry ride across Port Phillip Bay to the charming seaside village of Portarlington. On arrival, you will be transferred to the departure point for The Q Train, where you’ll have time to enjoy a glass of bubbly and a photo on the red carpet. Onboard the heritage train, take your seat in one of the refurbished Q Class carriages and enjoy a delicious degustation lunch featuring local Bellarine produce. Then sit back and admire the gorgeous views as you ride the rails.

Bringing together award-winning wines, delectable food and spectacular views across Port Phillip Bay is the Bellarine Peninsula’s most beautiful boutique venue – Terindah Estate. The Shed @ Terindah, with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, ensures guests are inundated with panoramic views of the vineyard and spectacular vistas across the bay.

Experience the ultimate mid-week escape with our all-inclusive luxury day retreat, starting with a scenic ferry transfer from Melbourne to Portarlington aboard a fast modern ferry. From there, enjoy comfortable transfers to the award-winning Lon Retreat and Spa, where relaxation awaits. Begin your rejuvenation journey by bathing in Lon’s mineral pool and hot soak, followed by your choice of massage or facial, designed to relax both body and mind. Indulge your senses further with a delicious grazing experience, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Lon’s Food Forest, paired perfectly with local sparkling wine.

If you and your golf buddies are keen to explore more than one golf course on the Bellarine Peninsula then an overnight package is the go. Take the ferry over, play 3 stunning Bellarine golf courses, and stay in the stunning coastal town of Portarlington to make life easy. We’ll take care of the rest.