Port Phillip Ferries
Port Phillip Ferries
5
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
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Docklands
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4,523 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,387 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Simon BCity of Greater Geelong, Australia2,673 contributionsPortarlington Discovery CruiseLooking 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 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 January 2023
- CJ10 contributionsTakes long but a nice tripGood 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 2023Written 31 March 2023
- Deb M1 contributionNo servicesWith 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 2022Travelled with familyWritten 13 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
217 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
32
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Deb M
1 contribution
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
Does this Ferries goes from Dockland to Portarlington? How much per person?
halnoe
Bendigo, Australia64 contributions
Hi yes the ferry sails from Docklands and is around $29 return trip or $26 if you are a senior or have concession.
shian161
Geelong, Australia1 contribution
Does the ferry pick up in central geelong
PortPhillipFerries
Portarlington, Australia1 contribution
Ahoy there. We are very (ferry?) excited to confirm that we will be offering a regular service from Geelong to Docklands in early 2019 – just as soon as our new boat is ready to set sail. In the meantime we are working with the city on entry and departure options in Geelong and to ensure our ferry passengers have reliable parking options and transport connections to the wider Geelong region. Watch this space!
Johnson636
Point Lonsdale, Australia1 contribution
What tram should we take to travel between Melb terminal and Melb CBD
Neil S
Melbourne, Australia28 contributions
35, 70, 75 and city circle tourist tram from out the front of flinders st station, you need to catch the tram, the ferries leave from Docklands not Southbank
Does this Port philip ferry go to Philip Island?
Faye M
Carrum Downs, Australia119 contributions
No, it goes to Port Arlington in the other side of Port Philip Bay. Phillip Island us in Western Port Bay
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingPort 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
- Hotels near Port Phillip Ferries:
- (0.30 km) Quest Docklands
- (0.32 km) Docklands Private Collection of Apartments - NewQuay
- (0.41 km) Docklands Executive Apartments
- (0.30 km) Peppers Docklands Melbourne
- (0.48 km) Accent Accommodation at Docklands
- Restaurants near Port Phillip Ferries:
- (0.04 km) Hortus x Seven Seeds
- (0.07 km) Harbour Town Hotel
- (0.20 km) Broadcast Cafe
- (0.24 km) Squires Loft Docklands
- (0.35 km) Cargo Restaurant