Happy Hour Cruises

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.

Two amazing Cycling Vine Tours to choose from – Bikes included > For a fun adventure close to Melbourne look no further than our Portarlington Self-Guided Cycle Tour. A relaxed cycle experience pedalling along the stunning 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 > Join us for a party on Saturday 11th November celebrating the opening of the Bellarine Peninsula wine season. Take the ferry over from Docklands to Portarlington in the morning and from there let the party begin. Our great partners at Hop It have a an awesome Hop-on Hop-off service that will whisk you around to Scotchmans Hill, Bellarine Estate & Bennetts on Bellarine. Select your starting venue and choose your own adventure! The party starts from 12pm with approximately an hour at each venue where you can shat with the winemaking teams, enjoy 3-4 wines and matched food and enjoy some live music… all for only $75 p/p.

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.

Portarlington > Kids Under 13 Go Free* > Looking for something different to entertain the family these Summer Holidays? Explore Portarlington from a different perspective with an hour cruise on a 35m start-of-art catamaran. These short cruises will be operating on 3 Saturdays during the school holidays and they are a great way to experience the Bellarine coastline from a different angle. There’s even time for a few sneaky beverages from our licensed cafe 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.

Sunday 1 October to Sunday 8 October 2023. In celebration of Victorian Seniors Week Port Phillip Ferries is excited to offer a 30% discount for seniors for the first 8 days 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!

Steamrail and Sail, Sunday 5th November 2023 > Combine the romance & excitement of a sea voyage with the nostalgia & style of a heritage steam 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.

The Footy Ferry is back in 2023, and it’s better than ever! This year there will be more 2-way services available from Geelong Waterfront. That’s right, the late-night ferry is now available to get you and your crew home after the game. Forget trains and traffic, and enjoy a spacious, comfortable trip over the bay on a fast ferry – you can even enjoy a cold beer or wine from the licensed cafe onboard.

The National Celtic Festival is back and the easiest way to get there is via Port Phillip Ferries direct to the venue. Held over 4 days of the June long weekend this winter festival is regarded as Australia’s premier Celtic Folk Festival and attracts over 18,000 people to the region. There’ll be food trucks, markets, free live music, free entertainment, outdoor bars, open fires and more… and it’s all so easily accessible from Melbourne via a fast ferry direct to the venue.