Ferry, Walk and Dine Experience on the Bellarine

Grand Walk of Portarlington

Wednesday 15 March 2023 at 9.30 am

Portarlington, is a historic coastal township located on the Bellarine Peninsula, 30km from the city of Geelong, in the state of Victoria.

As quiet and small as Portarlington is, it has a long history dating back to 1802, apart from the likely wanderings of the escaped English convict,  William Buckley, who lived among the Wathaurong people around the Bellarine Peninsula for 32 years after escaping into the bush in 1803.  The name “WATHAURONG” (wathawurrung or wadda wurrung) is a recognised tribe, consisting of 25 groups (clans). The boundaries of Wathaurong are from Geelong (Victoria), North to Werribee River, North West to Bacchus Marsh, South West to Cressy, South East to Colac, East to Lorne & North back to Geelong encompassing the Bellarine Peninsula.

There was little European contact with the area until the arrival of the pioneer settler,  John Batman, and his  Port Phillip Association  expedition in 1835. Batman established a base camp at Indented Head, and proceeded to  survey  the interior of the peninsula. Until recently Portarlington was known as a holiday destination mainly for people living on the Geelong side of Melbourne and it became the quiet spot for retirees. However, today with the inclusion of the ferry direct from Melbourne and the growing interest in this region, including the prominent Grand Hotel situated proudly on the main drag, there has been an influx of tourism to see what all the fuss is about.

Join our Wandering the World leaders to explore the coastal path, following the trail from Portarlington towards Indented Head, enjoying views of Melbourne across the bay, and the You Yangs.

Lunch at The Atrium 1.30 pm – Portarlington Grand Hotel

Lunch will include your selection of one of the following:

• A bowl of fabulously fresh Portarlington Mussels
• A traditional Parmigiana served with chips & salad
• Salt and Pepper Calamari with Chips and Salad
• Fish and chips with chips and salad
• Pumpkin gnocchi with Sweet Tomatoes, Baby Spinach, Pecorino and Sage
• Included in the package is either a glass of local Bellarine wine, a pot of tap beer or a refreshing soft drink.

For any questions about the walk please email > [email protected]
Contact Wandering the World on 0402 910 552 for more details

Inclusions:

• Return travel with Port Phillip Ferries – to and from Portarlington
• Optional travel: Make your own way to Portarlington Pier to join the group at the end of the pier
• Coastal Guided circular walk of either 5km or 10km (your choice)
• Lunch at the Portarlington Grand Hotel (see above)
• A glass of wine with your meal
• Portarlington mussels available to purchase directly from the Portarlington pier

Highlights:

• Ferry to and from Portarlington
• Coastal guided circular walk 5km or 10km (your choice)
• Lunch at the newly renovated Portarlington Grand Hotel
• A glass of wine with your meal
• Wine tasting and option to purchase local Bellarine wines
• Portarlington mussels available to purchase directly from the Portarlington pier

Ferry Timetable Wednesday 15 March 2023

Departs Melbourne Docklands at 9.30 am to arrive at Portarlington at 10.40 am – 70 minutes.
Return ferry departs Portarlington at 4.00 pm to arrive at Docklands at 5.10 pm – 70 minutes
Boarding commences 20 minutes prior

Option without ferry for local residents

There is also an option to join the walk without the return ferry inclusion. For this information please email: [email protected] or call Wandering the World on 0402 910 552.

What to bring:

• Casual walking gear
• Hat and sunscreen
• Day bag and an extra jacket for any unexpected cooler weather

Oh and by the way… Portarlington is also the home of the mussel industry.  Since 1982, Portarlington has been producing some of Australia’s tastiest mussels. These tasty blue mussels are sweet in flavour, high in protein, and low in fat. Purchase directly from the pier as you reboard your ferry back to Melbourne.