Ferry, Walk and Dine Experience on the Bellarine

Portarlington

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.

For all bookings please email > [email protected]

Inclusions:
Travel with Port Phillip Ferries
Optional travel: Or make your own way to Portarlington Pier to join the group at the end of the pier.
Walk – Guided walk of either 5km or 10km.
Lunch and Wine tasting

Highlights:

• Ferry to and from Portarlington
• Coastal guided circular walk 5km or 10km (your choice)
• European style lunch
• 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 Timetables:

Weekdays – Wednesdays to Friday
Departs Melbourne Docklands 9.30 am to arrive Portarlington 10.40 am – 70 minutes.
Return ferry departs Portarlington 3.45 pm to arrive Docklands 4.55 pm – 70 minutes

Saturday & Sunday
Departs Melbourne Docklands 10.40 am to arrive Portarlington 11.50am – 70 minutes.
Return ferry departs Portarlington 4.30 pm to arrive Docklands 5.40 pm – 70 minutes

Boarding commences 20 minutes prior.

What to bring:

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

Dates for 2021:

• May 10, 16, 30
• June 5, 13, 20, 30
• July 3 & 31
• August 7, 11, 25
• September 1, 8, 12, 22
• October 2, 6, 23
• November 6, 14, 30
• December 5 & 15

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, low in fat.  Purchase directly from the pier as you reboard your ferry back to Melbourne.