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Sorrento
Things to do in Sorrento
Searoad Ferries
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Searoad Ferries

See all things to do
See all things to do
Searoad Ferries
4.5
#2 of 19 things to do in Sorrento
Ferries
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
The spectacular 40-minute trip on the Queenscliff Sorrento Ferry Service links Melbourne’s most magnificent coastal regions: the Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula.Both destinations have a vast number of attractions to explore. Then, from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, it’s a leisurely 2-hour scenic drive to Phillip Island and the famous Penguin Parade. From Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula, you’re very close to the glorious Great Ocean Road.Stroll on board as a passenger or bring your car – it’s the fast and environmentally friendly alternative to the drive of more than 200 km through the city from one peninsula to the other.All weather, hourly crossings, 7 Days…Two specially designed all-weather 60-metre ferries depart from both destinations on the hour, every hour, 7am to 6pm daily. Enjoy easy drive on/drive off facilities, spacious comfortable lounges with full-length windows, a tempting cafe and plenty of deck space.There are ever-changing sights – watch out for dolphins, whales in winter and enormous ships as you breathe incredibly fresh air.Arriving at Sorrento, you’ll have a perfect view of multi-million dollar mansions sitting atop cliffs, tiny coves filled with boats, the beautiful foreshore and old limestone buildings.Queenscliff is dominated by the fascinating 1860s Fort Queenscliff, but has many gracious old buildings including grand historic hotels and guesthouses.The specially designed all weather ferries have easy drive on/drive off facilities, no turning required.Easy and convenient.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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See what travellers are saying
  • ulricjoh
    Australia12 contributions
    Good but expensive
    Being on the open water was enjoyable but it was something that is not done often. The searoad ferry cost (for 1 x adult, 2 x children & 1 x car), just under $100 for one way. Then the food, beverages and souvenirs onboard were horrendously overpriced. Take your own or wait until you dock. I've taken the ferry from the Great Ocean Road to Sorrento and from Sorrento to Queenscliff (years apart). The journey is enjoyable but seemingly too short (esp. for the cost).
    Leanne J
    Thank you urlcjoh for your review and feedback. It has been passed on to our team. The ferry crossing time is 40 minutes (11km) compared to the 3 hour (200km) drive around the bay through city traffic, toll roads and freeways. The ferries depart hourly from 7am to 6pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We hope you may consider travelling with us again. Warm regards,
    Written 20 December 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2022
    Written 8 December 2022
  • Hans
    Landshut, Germany7 contributions
    Booking misleading
    Smooth crossing, very friendly personnel. I voted average as I find the booking system misleading. When I book something for a certain time I have to be at least to 90% sure that I get on the ferry. Yes the website says there is no guarantee. The personnel even admitted access is at first come first served. I had no problem, my daughter however with 3 small children had booked a crossing two hours later and did not get on. So don’t call it booking call it online sale and make it clearer that it is first come first served
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 December 2022
  • Shane F
    4 contributions
    Late but worth the wait
    Don't waste your time prepurchasing tickets for a set time expecting to be let on as that won't be the case if it's busy. We arrived 50 minutes early and still weren't let on. Otherwise the ferry ride was magnificent and we were lucky enough to see dolphins swimming in front of the boat.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 December 2022
  • Bill W
    Tasmania, Australia133 contributions
    Lovely trip but way too expensive
    Beautiful day to cross from Queenscliffe to Sorrento. Staff friendly and efficient and the boat is very clean and comfortable. It's still way too expensive for 2 people in a car to cross at $89 one way. We'd do it way more often but it's cheaper to fly to Tassie for the weekend 🙄
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 January 2023
  • Lea B
    Safety Beach, Australia240 contributions
    Busy and construction work going ahead …. Debacle.!
    Unfortunately there is no apologies here for there system , basically get there the earliest and perhaps you’ll get on !!! Nothing like the good old days. Suggestion …Perhaps hire a customer service officer over this difficult time to work the traffic to keep it calm! Or signs explaining the system if there is one! If I had another choice I would not use this service!!! Unfortunately you won’t know until you’ve paid to see what’s about to unfold!! Do not prebook thinking you will get what you paid for! Expensive !
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 18 March 2023
  • Erin H
    11 contributions
    Absolute Rip Off
    The ferry crossing itself is lovely and you might even see dolphins, but with the car and our teenage daughter the return trip was OVER $200. Crazy. I can fly interstate for cheaper than that. Makes it a VERY EXPENSIVE visit with family across the bay.
    Zoe D
    Thank you Erin for your review. Always good fun to see the dolphins. Prices for foot passengers one way are $17 Adult, $15 concession and $13 for children 4-15. Vehicle and driver prices start at $79 one way. We also recommend checking our website for any ongoing ferry deals, discounts, and the convenience of booking online for even more cost-effective options.
    Written 21 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 16 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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4.5
908 reviews
Excellent
526
Very good
292
Average
38
Poor
16
Terrible
36
Petrina C
Highton, Australia15 contributions
Regular customer- make me feel valued
Nov. 2023 • Solo
As a weekly car traveller and therefore a gold member on Searoad Ferries, the poor customer service never ceases to amaze me. Today’s experience with my elderly parents onboard, frustrated me to write this review. Mobility is an issue for us and we were parked so close to other cars that it was extremely difficult to exit the car, we could only manage via two doors. Once we had navigated that, we were then faced with a lift out of order which meant we had to hop back in the car, as climbing the stairs is impossible at 90 and 91 years of age. Sure the website had the information but it would have been good to have been told that when we bought the tickets. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this is just one example of the many things SF gets wrong. And it is not easy to provide feedback, hence this review. I would love the opportunity to detail my experiences to SF.
Written 7 November 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.
Zoe D
Hi Petrina, Thank you for your feedback, this is definitely not the experience we wish our customers to have. A sign indicating that the lift is currently out of service is displayed at the ticketing window. To better understand your experience and address any concerns you may have, could you please share more details with us via email at travel@searoad.com.au. Your feedback is important to us, as we continually seek ways to improve and enhance our services. Thank you.
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy S-B
McCrae, Australia86 contributions
Love it. Quick efficient and friendly
Oct. 2023 • Couples
My husband and I went across from Sorrento to Queenscliff for lunch with friends yesterday. The staff are lovely, the new renovations are great especially in Queenscliff. You actually walk off the ferry along a concourse into the ferry terminal and the arrival and departure is so much quicker due to increased efficiency. Even the ferry coming back seemed to have had a facelift. Purchase tickets on line to get a small discount. Super easy. It’s even free parking at Sorrento until the end of October. All round a great experience.
Thanks guys. 👏👏
Written 27 October 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.
Zoe D
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted that you and your husband had a fantastic time crossing over to Queenscliff for lunch. We appreciate your support and are grateful for your kind words. We look forward to providing you with more beautiful experiences and hope to see you again soon.
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Macka6969
204 contributions
Great
Oct. 2023 • Friends
We have travelled a lot on this service and in 2014 my Wife and i were Married on board in their special event room. We non stop travelled across the bay from Queenscliff to Sorrento 6 times and it was Fantasic all our friends really enjoyed themselves it was Great Searoad ferries did the catering for us and we all Loved it.
Thanks again for our fond memories everytime we are on board.
Marie and Graham
Written 25 October 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.
Zoe D
Thank you Marie and Graham! We're honoured to have been part of your special day in 2014, and we're thrilled to know that you have fond memories every time you're on board. It's been a pleasure to have you on board, and we look forward to creating more special moments with you in the future. We sincerely appreciate your continued support. We look forward to serving you on many more journeys.
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cityslicker
Melbourne21 contributions
Time saving enjoyable trip
Sep. 2023 • Family
A great day trip for school holidays. We enjoyed our ferry ride from Sorrento to Queenscliff. Online booking and boarding was easy, though we travelled on a weekday. I imagine weekends and peak times would be busy and you would need to allow plenty of time. As we were travelling with our dog, we stayed on the outer decks so didn't experience the indoor facilities.
We had made this trip a few years ago & it was nice to see the views of the large houses along the Sorrento coastline again.
I felt it was good value for a one way trip (3 people, dog & car $102) to get from the Mornington Peninsula to the Bellarine Peninsula. It saved me driving for hours around the bay via the city with 2 teens on board!
Written 27 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.
Zoe D
Thank you for taking the time for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day trip from Sorrento to Queenscliff. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on board again in the future.
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erin H
11 contributions
Absolute Rip Off
Sep. 2023 • Family
The ferry crossing itself is lovely and you might even see dolphins, but with the car and our teenage daughter the return trip was OVER $200. Crazy. I can fly interstate for cheaper than that. Makes it a VERY EXPENSIVE visit with family across the bay.
Written 17 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.
Zoe D
Thank you Erin for your review. Always good fun to see the dolphins. Prices for foot passengers one way are $17 Adult, $15 concession and $13 for children 4-15. Vehicle and driver prices start at $79 one way. We also recommend checking our website for any ongoing ferry deals, discounts, and the convenience of booking online for even more cost-effective options.
Written 21 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jilljake
Australia30 contributions
Great Experience
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Lovely experience, all staff very friendly and professional.
Check In, Loading and Unloading Vehicle very easy.
Great time saving compared to driving around.
Written 29 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.
Zoe D
Thank you Jilljake, we're glad to hear you had a lovely experience with us and we were able to help you save time on your journey. We hope to welcome you back on board for another easy sail.
Written 31 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alwayswasalwayswillbe
Melbourne, Australia49 contributions
Hassle free, peaceful
Aug. 2023 • Family
This is just perfect. A safe trip across the bay, without having to tow a caravan all the way around and through the city! I will 100% be travelling again and recommend this mode of transport to anyone.
Just please tourists, stop filming people. Not any fault of Searoad, but my son, dog and I couldn’t stand on the top deck and enjoy the water in peace without someone’s phone pointing at us (at everyone).
Written 8 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.
Zoe D
Hi Brenda, thank you for the review. It's a very convenient and efficient shortcut to travel across the bay. We look forward to welcoming you onboard again soon.
Written 8 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FoxieOz
Melbourne38 contributions
Always a special treat.
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Firstly could not believe my luck, having planned to take a trip on the ferry to Sorrento which I so enjoy. I entered the lottery, well lo and behold I won the $20.00 fare. We struck everything on the right Winters day. Beautiful weather, calm crossing, sighted the dolphins, seated at bow end, watched the most magnificent sunset anyone could imagine. Thank you folks really appreciated the win and the day out.
Written 17 July 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.
Zoe D
Thank you for sharing your delightful experience with us! We couldn't be happier to hear that you had such a fantastic day during your trip to Sorrento. It sounds like everything fell perfectly into place for you that day! We look forward to welcoming you back on board for more unforgettable moments in the future.
Written 20 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul H
Cornwall, UK56 contributions
A good experience
Mar. 2023 • Couples
The ferry across the mouth of Philip Bay was easy to book and very efficient. We actually arrived at the Sorrento ferry port earlier than anticipated and they allowed us to catch the ferry prior to the one we had booked at no extra cost.
Review of: Roundtrip Ferry Ticket Between Sorrento and Queenscliff
Written 13 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.
Zoe D
Thank you Paul for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad to hear that you found the booking process easy and that our team was able to accommodate you by allowing you to catch an earlier ferry. Hope to see you sailing with us again soon.
Written 13 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leishh
61 contributions
Captains Lunch
Apr. 2023 • Couples
We went on the Captains Lunch today. Was a fantastic experience. Andrew and Abby were both lovely, serving us an antipasto plate with bread to start, lamp cutlets/vegetables/salad for main and slices for desert. All along with wines. We really enjoyed the trip and would recommend others go on it. We walked away nice and full! Didn’t matter it was cold outside, as nice and comfortable on the boat. Thanks again!
Review of: Roundtrip Ferry Ticket Between Sorrento and Queenscliff
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.
Zoe D
Thank you Leishh, for the wonderful review of our Captains Lunch! We're delighted to hear that you had a fantastic experience and found the boat comfortable, despite the cold weather. Our staff do a great job, your kind words have been passed on. We hope to welcome you back on board soon for another enjoyable journey.
Written 2 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Searoad Ferries: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Searoad Ferries
Searoad Ferries is open:
  • Sun - Sat 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
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