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Port Phillip Ferries
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Port Phillip Ferries

See all things to do
See all things to do
Port Phillip Ferries
5
#3 of 812 things to do in Melbourne
Ferries
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
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About
Sailing 365 days a year, Port Phillip Ferries and their legendary crew offer two separate daily services between Docklands and Portarlington (direct 70 minutes); and Docklands and Geelong (direct 95 minutes) additionally we have select weekday sailings between Geelong and Portarlington (direct 40 minutes) and event cruises (between 1-2 hours). Both purpose-built vessels cater to all the creature comforts. Think on-board licensed café, barista-made coffee, free Wi-Fi, bike racks, charging stations and endless scenic views. Each service is accessible for all via boarding ramps, and comfortably facilitate wheelchairs, motorised mobility scooters and prams. Whether cruising for leisure, commuting to work or setting sail on an adventure across the bay – there’s no better way to travel, guaranteed.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Neighbourhood: Docklands
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See what travellers are saying
  • Simon B
    City of Greater Geelong, Australia2,673 contributions
    Portarlington Discovery Cruise
    Looking for something different to break up school holidays. Took my teen boys to Portarlington for a 1-hour ferry cruise. Beautiful boat, seats, a/c, windows and generally comfortable. Slow cruise toward Clifton Springs then back again. Couple of mentions: cafe only accepts tap cards (teens could not use cash) & guess if a “discovery” cruise perhaps some narrating of bay/sea/coast facts? Otherwise a good hour spent in summer break.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 January 2023
  • CJ
    10 contributions
    Takes long but a nice trip
    Good way to travel however it takes too long. Staff nice and friendly. Pick a nice day cause somedays t=it can get cold. Boat looks amazing and well kept.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 31 March 2023
  • Deb M
    1 contribution
    No services
    With school holidays upon us I was soo excited to use this service again after previous trips from Geelong.. BUT devastated! It was so disappointing to see that the timetable has changed and no longer offers options for Geelong residents to go to Melbourne for the day, only options for Melbourne people to come to Geelong? The kids were disappointed so we discussed an alternative option with them to go to Melbourne for the evening with the 4 pm. Service from Geelong our only available choice. This would get us into Melbourne around 630 but guess what…,there is no option to return back, coming home later in the evening from Melbourne to Geelong. So it seems this is a great service now only for residents of melbourne city that can come to Geelong! With only one service a day from Geelong to Melbourne in the late evening and no option to return. This really isn’t a service any more for Geelong residents. This is great for bringing city people into Geelong, but really not an option for building the tourism and visitors back up after covid and getting Melbourne back up and running again!! There is no option of taking the kids to Melbourne any more with no services available. Such a shame that they offer kids can travel free during school holidays but it is actually not really an option when there are no ferries running. It truly has been such a good family experience in previous years and such a shame that we can no longer use the service.
    Visited October 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
217 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
32
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Deb M
1 contribution
No services
Oct. 2022 • Family
With school holidays upon us I was soo excited to use this service again after previous trips from Geelong.. BUT devastated! It was so disappointing to see that the timetable has changed and no longer offers options for Geelong residents to go to Melbourne for the day, only options for Melbourne people to come to Geelong? The kids were disappointed so we discussed an alternative option with them to go to Melbourne for the evening with the 4 pm. Service from Geelong our only available choice. This would get us into Melbourne around 630 but guess what…,there is no option to return back, coming home later in the evening from Melbourne to Geelong. So it seems this is a great service now only for residents of melbourne city that can come to Geelong! With only one service a day from Geelong to Melbourne in the late evening and no option to return. This really isn’t a service any more for Geelong residents. This is great for bringing city people into Geelong, but really not an option for building the tourism and visitors back up after covid and getting Melbourne back up and running again!! There is no option of taking the kids to Melbourne any more with no services available. Such a shame that they offer kids can travel free during school holidays but it is actually not really an option when there are no ferries running. It truly has been such a good family experience in previous years and such a shame that we can no longer use the service.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Uncle_Brendy
Perth, Australia89 contributions
The Fantastic Voyage
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Portarlington to Docklands footy trip was brilliant. Smooth trip, plenty of seating options inside and out. Went outside as approached the ‘big city’ . Westgate and Bolte bridge passing, tremendous views of ports and Docklands. Even has a bar ! Crew were friendly and polite, great price, an incredible value for money journey.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurel M
Perth8 contributions
Portarlington Golf Trip
Apr. 2023 • Friends
We recently booked a golf package for 7 people with Port Phillip Ferries. Daniel was an absolute dream to work with, he organised everything for us, the golf was fantastic, and the Portarlington Hotel was a delight to stay in. As interstate visitors, the trip across the bay on the ferry was a real experience. If you are planning a trip to play golf, give this company and Danel a go, you won't regret the decision.
Written 5 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CJ
10 contributions
Takes long but a nice trip
Mar. 2023
Good way to travel however it takes too long. Staff nice and friendly. Pick a nice day cause somedays t=it can get cold. Boat looks amazing and well kept.
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulinewerahiko
Queenstown, New Zealand3 contributions
Great Trip
Mar. 2023 • Friends
The view on the water and the comfort of the catermarren. The port was ok but wish we had gone thru to Geelong - very limited attractions in Day Out port. Would definitely take a trip again.
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris v
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
A grand day out
Mar. 2023
Form the moment we arrived at the Ferry terminal, the staff were professional and courteous. There is lots of room to move around and the outside scenery was wonderful to experience. the meal package a Grand day out and value for money. The food was outstanding at the Grand, organised and efficient. Highly recommend a visit. Wander around Portalington, then afternoon tea at Daniel’s, another drink at the Grand. A wonderful day was had by us and our friends.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon B
City of Greater Geelong, Australia2,673 contributions
Portarlington Discovery Cruise
Jan. 2023 • Family
Looking for something different to break up school holidays.
Took my teen boys to Portarlington for a 1-hour ferry cruise.
Beautiful boat, seats, a/c, windows and generally comfortable.
Slow cruise toward Clifton Springs then back again.
Couple of mentions: cafe only accepts tap cards (teens could not use cash)
& guess if a “discovery” cruise perhaps some narrating of bay/sea/coast facts?
Otherwise a good hour spent in summer break.
Written 26 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaz C
Melbourne, Australia55 contributions
Best way to travel.
Nov. 2022
Excellent service with prompt (to the minute) departure time, professional staff both on board and on shore, in a meticulously clean, spacious and comfortable ferry. Very smooth sail and value for money. Most easy way to visit the Bellarine area or the Melbourne CBD.

Will definitely travel this way again.
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,838 contributions
Convenient way to travel
Oct. 2022
Port Phillip Ferries sail between Melbourne and Portarlington and Geelong. It's a convenient way to travel to the Bellarine Peninsula. The ferries are useful for a daytrip to Portarlington. Some passengers use the ferry regularly as a means of communication. The ferries are clean and professionally managed. Port Phillip Bay is usually calm. Bookings are advisable.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamara J
Brisbane, Australia4 contributions
Fun day out
Oct. 2022 • Couples
Great experience. Would definitely do this again. The trip was organised, crew polite, boat clean and tidy and cafe facilities perfect
Written 19 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Port Phillip Ferries: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Port Phillip Ferries
Port Phillip Ferries is open:
  • Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Sat - Sun 8:30 am - 1:00 pm