Happy Hour Cruises

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.

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.

All-Year Entertainment Cruises > Held on select Tuesday’s during the year. Get ready for a year of fun, laughter, and great music on board our themed cruises! Departing from Docklands and Portarlington, these lively short cruises celebrate everything from Rock’n Roll afternoons to festive holiday cruises—each one different, and all just as fun as the last. Whether it’s Christmas in July, toe-tapping retro tunes, or Seniors Month celebrations, you’ll be treated to an uplifting cruise experience that blends stunning scenery with unforgettable live entertainment.

Geelong Day Trips from Portarlington – Adults return from $20 & kids under 13 Go Free* > Available from Monday 18 December to Sunday 28 January. If you and the crew are based in Portarlington for the holidays and are looking for something different to entertain the family, how about a day trip to Geelong? There’s so much happening in Geelong to entertain the whole family. From the Giant Sky Wheel and Historic Carousel to a swim or a picnic at the pristine Eastern Beach swimming area. It’s all a short walk from where the ferry docks and there are endless activities to keep the crew entertained all Summer.

The Portarlington Grand Explorer (Departures from Portarlington) > Start your day with a delicious two-course lunch at the newly refurbished Portarlington Grand Hotel, where tradition and modern elegance combine to create a dining experience like no other in the region. Then after lunch embark on a thrilling maritime adventure with our 1-hour Explorer Cruise, setting sail from the picturesque harbour of Portarlington and returning to the same tranquil shores. Join Port Phillip Ferries for a relaxing trip on a short cruise where you’ll experience the beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula coastline and learn about some of the fascinating history of the region.

The Portarlington Explorer Cruise (Departures from Portarlington) > Embark on a thrilling maritime adventure with our 1-hour Explorer Cruise, setting sail from the picturesque harbour of Portarlington and returning to the same tranquil shores. Join Port Phillip Ferries for a relaxing trip on a short cruise where you’ll experience the beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula coastline and learn about some of the fascinating history of the region.

Geelong Day Trips from Portarlington – Adults return from $20 & kids under 13 Go Free* > Available from Monday 18 December to Sunday 28 January. If you and the crew are based in Portarlington for the holidays and are looking for something different to entertain the family, how about a day trip to Geelong? There’s so much happening in Geelong to entertain the whole family. From the Giant Sky Wheel and Historic Carousel to a swim or a picnic at the pristine Eastern Beach swimming area. It’s all a short walk from where the ferry docks and there are endless activities to keep the crew entertained all Summer.

Cycling Vine Tours – Bikes included > For a fun adventure close to Melbourne look no further than our Portarlington Self-Guided Cycle Tour. Start the day with spectacular bay views cruising on the Docklands to Portarlington Ferry. Arrive at Portarlington Pier where you will be briefed and have your bike fitted ready for a fun cycle experience pedalling along the beautiful Bellarine Coastal Trail from Portarlington Pier to St Leonards. Enjoy refreshments along the way or collect local treats for a picnic lunch. Parks, picnic facilities and amenities are dispersed at various internals along the trail. Spend the afternoon exploring the gorgeous historic seaside village of Portarlington.

Bellarine Vintage Release Party: Saturday 25 October from 11am to 5pm >Save the date, wine lovers – the Bellarine 2025 Vintage Release Party is back on Saturday 25 October! Four of the region’s top wineries will unveil their new vintages with tastings, live music and easy hop-on, hop-off bus transfers between venues. Tickets are $50 and include tastings, a souvenir glass and transport between wineries. Last year’s event sold out early, so plan ahead and secure your spot for a day of wine, music and celebration on the Bellarine.

Portarlington and Geelong > Kids Go Free > Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 April 2023 > Looking for something different to entertain the family these school holidays? Explore Portarlington and Geelong from a different perspective with an hour cruise on a 35m start-of-art catamaran. These short cruises will be operating on select weekends throughout the school holidays and they are a great way to experience the Bellarine and Geelong from a different angle. There’s even time for a few sneaky beverages from our licensed cafe along the way.

Sunday 19 February to Tuesday 21 February. The award-winning Portarlington Legends Pro-Am is back – and this time it has a couple of friends! After the outstanding success of the inaugural 2022 event, Portarlington Golf Club has teamed with Curlewis and Lonsdale Links to provide three days of great golfing fun with the heroes of yesteryear playing the Bellarine.

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 on Saturdays at 2.00 pm, perfect for an afternoon on the bay. 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.

North Bellarine Arts Trail: Ferry, Art & Lunch experience > 11 & 12 November 2023 > Take the ferry down to Portarlington and go on a journey through various Open Studios and Venues. Want to travel the trail but don’t want to worry about where to go, the best route, or where to park? The ferry and NBAT tour bus is the solution! In partnership with Port Phillip Ferries, this year’s North Bellarine Arts Trail is delighted to be able to offer a tour direct from Melbourne Docklands (return). Not only will you be picked up from the ferry, but you will be driven around in comfort to each of the venues, enjoying a delicious hamper provided by Staples of Portarlington, and then returned to the ferry at the end of your visit for a scenic return trip to Melbourne. 

There are not many escapes this stress-free and unique just out of Melbourne. Only 70 minutes away by ferry, you will find yourself at the gateway of the Bellarine Peninsula where you can relax, unwind, and indulge. Soak in the views of the bay from your private balcony, and indulge yourself with a delicious cocktail and a true Bellarine welcome.

From Wednesday 1 October to Sunday 19 October 2025. In celebration of Victorian Seniors Festival Port Phillip Ferries is excited to offer a 30% discount for seniors for the first few weeks in October. With Spring in the air, it’s time to head out and embrace the season’s magic with a limited-time 30% discount on all ferry trips across the bay to Portarlington and Geelong!

Rail, Sail or Sail, Rail, Sunday 26 April 2026 > Combine the romance & excitement of a sea voyage with the nostalgia & style of a heritage train onboard Steamrail Victoria’s Rail and Sail. Choose your way to travel on a day’s return journey between Melbourne and Geelong. A great day out for the whole family; with Steamrail Victoria’s Rail and Sail tour providing three exciting options for you to choose from.

We’re stepping up our game in 2025, making it easier than ever to get to the footy with all Footy Ferry Specials now just $20 for adults, $15 for kids (4-16yrs), and Infants Free (0-3yrs)—from both Geelong and Portarlington! This year, we’re focusing on night games at Marvel Stadium and the MCG. Hop on an afternoon ferry, enjoy a few pre-game drinks from our licensed bar, and cruise into Melbourne stress-free with plenty of time to soak up the pre-game atmosphere—or make a night of it with our ‘Play & Stay’ offers!

Free entertainment for day trippers all weekend. The National Celtic Folk Festival returns to Portarlington across the June Long Weekend from 5–8 June 2026, bringing the town to life with music, storytelling, dance, food and Celtic culture from morning through to night. Perfect for a relaxed winter day trip, the festival offers plenty to see and do during the daytime, including free live music sessions, bustling market stalls, pipes and drums, Irish dance displays, storytelling, workshops, visual arts, family-friendly activities, hurling demonstrations and even traditional swordplay. There’s a real warmth to the atmosphere, with cosy venues, fire pits, hearty food and plenty of places to settle in and soak up the energy of the festival. It’s an affordable and memorable winter escape for couples, families and groups of friends looking to enjoy a little taste of Ireland and Celtic culture right on the Bellarine.