Secrets Only a Local Would Know
The laid-back coastal town of Portarlington on the Bellarine is the ideal destination for a fun-filled and cost-effective day away. Thanks to Port Phillip Ferries twice-daily ferry service, you can cruise over and back in a day, enjoying some seaside fun along the way. Take your pick from this list of activities, most of which are free.
A Day Trippers Guide to Portarlington
Day trip to Portarlington The laid-back coastal town of Portarlington on the Bellarine is the ideal destination for a fun-filled and cost-effective day away. Thanks to Port Phillip Ferries twice-daily ferry service, you can cruise over and back in a day, enjoying some seaside fun along the way. Take your pick from this list of…
July 24, 2024
An insiders guide to Portarlington’s mussels
Bet you didn’t know that mussel jerky was a thing? One of the mussel farmers has even been brave enough to trial chocolate coated mussels. Say what? When your town’s most famous export is mussels, I guess it’s only natural to want to experiment with the product and see what might be the next big…
August 16, 2018
An Epicurean Bellarine Adventure
For many, the idea of a perfect day out includes sensational local wines and indulging in local fare. Wine Wheels is located on the Bellarine Peninsula and offers epicurean adventures to satisfy every fabulous foodie. Your Wine Wheels adventure begins from the Port Phillip Ferries dock at Portarlington, where the Wine Wheels bus is waiting to…
February 21, 2018
Portarlington Attractions
Wondering what to do in Portarlington? We have compiled a list of the best activities to do in Portarlington in no particular order. Read through and pick some activities based on your interests and timeframe. We hope you have lots of fun!
Cycling & Walking Experiences
Geelong, and the Bellarine Peninsula have some of the most amazing bike and walking trails that we think are worth showcasing. With the capacity to carry up to 20 bikes onboard each vessel, Port Phillip Ferries offers cyclists and enjoyable option to arrive on the doorstep of some of the best cycling and walking trails in the country. The bike racks are free with your ferry ticket but you’ll need to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
We have put together a whole page of information so if this is something you’d like to learn more about click the button below for maps and information on the best trails in the area.
Portarlington Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel has multiple dining areas serving a range of delicious pub style food with an open air beer garden if you just want a relaxing drink.
Only a short walk from the ferry terminal in Portarlington you can choose from the relaxed Atrium area which is an open-air beer garden-style space, or the Bisto and Frount Bar areas which are equally as impressive. There’s something for everyone when you visit this recently renovated hotel, however, one thing remains consistent, and that’s the fresh local produce and the welcoming relaxed atmosphere.
Portarlington Mussel Festival
Held in early January every year, the Portarlington Mussel Festival started as a street festival back in 2007 as a way to celebrate and promote the local mussel industry. Today it’s grown into one of the most popular community festivals in Victoria with over 30,000 visitors, live music all day long, hundreds of market stalls and a whole lotta delicious mussels. It is a great day out for the entire family!
Port Phillip Ferries runs multiple ferries in and out of Portarlington all day during the festival, so you can choose to head over for a few hours or stay for the whole day. Click below for more information.
Portarlington Playground
The Portarlington Mill
Step Back In Time At The Portarlington MillLocated just 300m from Portarlington beach front is the historic Portarlington Mill. The beautiful building is four stories constructed from sandstone. This mill is one of the few remaining Victorian flour mills. The Portarlington Mill closed in 1874 and later became a brick and mortar manufacturing facility and a flat for vacationers. It contains numerous interesting artefacts including memorabilia of the steamship Edina which brought holidaymakers to the Portarlington beach.
Explore Portarlington Pier
Portarlington Pier has been part of the town’s waterfront since 1859 and remains one of the Bellarine’s most loved bayside landmarks. Home to local fishing vessels and Port Phillip Ferries services to Melbourne Docklands, the recently rebuilt and expanded pier blends modern facilities with the charm of a traditional coastal harbour.
Stretching out across the bay with its attractive timber-style boardwalk and sweeping views toward Melbourne, the pier is a favourite spot for a stroll, fishing or simply soaking up the relaxed seaside atmosphere. With calm beaches, boating facilities, picnic areas, BBQs, walking paths and a family playground all nearby, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a classic Bellarine day by the bay.
Portarlington Beach
Portarlington Beach is a hidden Bellarine gem, offering calm, shallow waters, uninterrupted views across Port Phillip Bay to Melbourne and the You Yangs, and a relaxed foreshore perfect for families. With quiet swimming conditions, picnic areas, barbecue facilities, walking paths and plenty of space to unwind, it’s an easy and scenic spot to enjoy a classic seaside day out.
Portarlington Mussel Tours
Sip, Taste and explore, while cruising in style on Port Philip Bay. All on your stunningly refurbished privately chartered vessel.
A local feast of seafood, wines and produce, a delicious way to celebrate with your group. With a maximum of 12 people, it’s a unique and exclusive way to spend time together, while appreciating the finer things in life.
Touch the mussel ropes as they’re pulled from the water and get a front row seat to the farming process, cooking demonstration and a delicious seafood lunch. Watch Lance shuck his locally grown Angasi oysters, before tasting them 3 ways.
Located just next door, as you jump off the ferry from Melbourne.
Portarlington Wineries
Visit some of Victoria’s best-kept secrets in terms of wine travel. The Bellarine Peninsula is a relatively small, but highly acclaimed area, with many established vineyards in the vicinity. With names like Scotchman’s Hill Winery, Bellarine Estate and Jack Rabbit, the list of critically acclaimed places goes on and on!
Here the specialists produce cold climate quality wines. Several vineyards offer their own unique growing environment and the wine is carefully harvested and grapes are carefully selected in order to obtain the best possible results. Enjoy a glass of wine, with an exquisite food offering accompanied by panoramic sea views of Port Phillip Bay. At Port Phillip Ferries, we have a list of winery tours and packages, with specials available if you are taking the ferry from Melbourne.
Local Tours and Transport
Looking for more to do or need some tips on transportation in Portarlington and Bellarine? Check out some of the best local tours and transit options we’ve put together.