Port Phillip Ferries
Port Phillip Ferries
5
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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
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
5,418 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,602 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, 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
222 reviews
Excellent
185
Very good
32
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Jean F
Melbourne, Australia44 contributions
Apr 2022
Great trip from Melbourne to Geelong, ferry was comfortable, clean and staff very polite and helpful and coffee was nice and reasonably priced.
However, it would be helpful if there was a sign at the Docklands gangway indicating the destination of the ferry as quite a few people attempted to board to wrong one due to the ferries leaving within 20 minutes of each other.
Also at the Geelong terminal it would be helpful if there was a sign indicating what time passengers were able to board.
However, it would be helpful if there was a sign at the Docklands gangway indicating the destination of the ferry as quite a few people attempted to board to wrong one due to the ferries leaving within 20 minutes of each other.
Also at the Geelong terminal it would be helpful if there was a sign indicating what time passengers were able to board.
Written 17 April 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.
Junkette
Melbourne, Australia305 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
I travelled from Docklands to Portarlington in the evening and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
The welcome from the crew was a great start as was the easy check-in. There was the option to sanitise and free masks at the entry.
I could pick where I sat and with such a large vessel social distancing wasn’t an issue. I enjoyed being outside as we sailed out of Melbourne and enjoyed the beautiful evening city scape.
The trip was smooth, silent and relaxing. There’s free internet and you’re able to move around freely. There’s also a kiosk which has a good selection for the short trip.
Access for people with mobility issues isn’t an issue and the crew is in hand to help.
I would highly recommend the Port Phillip Ferry service as the staff are friendly and professional.
The welcome from the crew was a great start as was the easy check-in. There was the option to sanitise and free masks at the entry.
I could pick where I sat and with such a large vessel social distancing wasn’t an issue. I enjoyed being outside as we sailed out of Melbourne and enjoyed the beautiful evening city scape.
The trip was smooth, silent and relaxing. There’s free internet and you’re able to move around freely. There’s also a kiosk which has a good selection for the short trip.
Access for people with mobility issues isn’t an issue and the crew is in hand to help.
I would highly recommend the Port Phillip Ferry service as the staff are friendly and professional.
Written 19 June 2021
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.
carmeldeluca
Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
Jan 2022
We took the ferry over to Portarlington for the day.
Unfortuanately weather was a bit unpredictable, cloudy and very choppy on the water.
What was supposed to be a leisurely day out on the bay, turned out to be like a scene from the movie "The Perfect Storm".
Ferry ride was extremely rough, but at all times felt confident in the crew and Captain's ability to get us home safely.
We were kept informed and staff were incrediably attentive, as l felt sick and naseous on they trip back.
They promptly came to my aid and professionally handled the situation, making me feel comfortable throughout.
Thankyou to the staff who looked after us, hope to travel again soon on smoother seas.
Unfortuanately weather was a bit unpredictable, cloudy and very choppy on the water.
What was supposed to be a leisurely day out on the bay, turned out to be like a scene from the movie "The Perfect Storm".
Ferry ride was extremely rough, but at all times felt confident in the crew and Captain's ability to get us home safely.
We were kept informed and staff were incrediably attentive, as l felt sick and naseous on they trip back.
They promptly came to my aid and professionally handled the situation, making me feel comfortable throughout.
Thankyou to the staff who looked after us, hope to travel again soon on smoother seas.
Written 5 January 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.
Wayne F
Melbourne, Australia5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We travelled on the ferry from Docklands to Portarlington. The vessel was modern with comfortable seating and we had a nice and smooth sailing. We returned the next day and the ferry was full but it was still a pleasant sailing and only 70 minutes each way. Would thoroughly recommend.
Written 13 January 2020
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.
Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your trip, Trek822610. We are truly excited to be sharing the experience of ferry travel with our passengers. It’s such a great way to access regional Victoria, and we are still pinching ourselves about the 70 minute journey time between Docklands and Portarlington. We hope to see you onboard again sometime soon!
Written 16 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Simon B
City of Greater Geelong, Australia4,142 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.
clarebeargtown
Geelong, Australia4 contributions
June 2021 • Solo
It’s just the BEST way to travel to work. I start my working day on the ferry and by the time I get into the office I feel like I’ve tackled the majority of my ‘to do list’ and on top of all my emails. The staff are so welcoming and make a great coffee too! There’s something really special about being on the water as the sun rises. I feel really lucky to have the opportunity to be able to travel to work this way. It’s a really great experience and so much better than the train/car and with a multi pass works out to be the same price! Thank you Port Phillip Ferries!! Keep up the awesome work!!see you again soon, Clare :)
Written 13 July 2021
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.
Oliver
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
Mar 2021
We had friends who were locals take us on a ferry from Melbourne, specifically docklands down to geelong. It took about 90 mins. Good service but we had to long a stopover in geelong. As the service isn’t that regular, you might need to plan whether or not it’s worth your while making the trip.
Written 20 March 2021
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.
Beth G
1 contribution
Mar 2022
Great way to travel. I do see one major problem though. There does not seem to be anywhere to leave a bag for a return trip. Like if you stay somewhere in the city overnight and have to be out by 10 am - but want to leave by the late afternoon ferry - there is NO WHERE to leave an overnight bag. A luggage storage area in the new ticket kiosk would be very useful.
Written 23 March 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.
Anastasia B
Portarlington, Australia36 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
My Dad is 89 and although his mind is sharp, his body is frail. He and my Mum did a solo voyage over to Portarlington from Melbourne, for the first time. Dad wasn’t able to traverse up the ramp with his walker and Mum sought help from the crew. You guys were brilliant! Your friendly, cheerful manner greeted Dad and you supported him up the ramp without him feeling foolish or feeble. Thank you. It’s so important to them (and me) to maintain some independence. They loved their voyage.
Written 18 April 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.
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.
Does the ferry pick up in central geelong
Written 2 April 2018
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!
Written 14 August 2018
What tram should we take to travel between Melb terminal and Melb CBD
Written 13 March 2018
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
Written 20 November 2018
No, it goes to Port Arlington in the other side of Port Philip Bay. Phillip Island us in Western Port Bay
Written 17 May 2017
Showing results 1-4 of 4
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 listing