What time does the ferry depart and return?

Ferries depart from Geelong or Portarlington on the evening of the show, with the return trip from Docklands scheduled for the following morning, typically around 10:40 AM.

Is dinner included in the package?

Yes, you will either enjoy a two-course dinner or two hours of roaming canapés and substantial bites, depending on the show selected.

Can I change my return ferry time?

Return ferry changes are possible by contacting Port Phillip Ferries customer support before 48 hours of travel.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Amphora Live is equipped with accessibility features; however, it's advised to contact them directly for special accommodations.

Are children allowed on this package?

This package is best suited for adults due to the nature of the venue and evening programming.

Is parking available near the ferry departure points?

Both Geelong and Portarlington have parking facilities near the ferry terminals, but availability can vary during busy periods.

Experience Port Phillip Ferries and Amphora Live: A Unique Night Out in Melbourne | Guided Tour | Fishing

Located in the vibrant Docklands precinct of Melbourne, Victoria, the Ferry and Live Show at Amphora experience offers a fresh and unique way to soak in the city’s dynamic waterfront scene while enjoying premier entertainment. This package starts with a scenic ferry ride from either Geelong or Portarlington, gliding across the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay into Melbourne’s bustling Docklands—the city’s thriving waterfront playground known for its mix of modern architecture, piers, and open public spaces. The ferry journey itself is a relaxing interlude, offering fresh sea air and panoramic views of the bay, harbor cranes, and city skyline, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Upon arrival, guests gain exclusive access to Amphora Live, a cutting-edge entertainment venue inside Marvel Stadium, which has quickly become a standout destination for live shows and social gatherings in Melbourne. Amphora Live’s vibe is electric, perfectly balancing a contemporary atmosphere with an inviting warmth that makes every night an event. Showcasing a calendar packed with diverse performances, from live music to DJ sets, this venue caters to a wide range of tastes and promises a night charged with energy. The experience is enhanced with an arrival drink reserved exclusively for Port Phillip Ferries guests, setting the tone for an evening of celebration. Depending on the show, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully prepared 2-course dinner or indulge in two hours of roaming canapés and substantial bites, all crafted to complement the vibrant entertainment and social atmosphere. This package not only delivers a night of fun but also provides a convenient, eco-friendly connection between the city and its surrounding coastal towns. The return ferry departs the morning after the show, giving travelers a leisurely option to head back to Geelong or Portarlington without the hassle of driving or late-night travel. Docklands itself is an emerging hotspot in Melbourne’s urban landscape, blending cultural attractions, public art, and outdoor spaces, making this ferry and live show package an ideal way to experience the best of city life and waterfront allure. Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh night out or a visitor wanting to combine entertainment with scenic travel, this journey across Port Phillip Bay capped by Amphora Live’s high-energy performances is a must-try for anyone seeking a memorable evening along Melbourne’s iconic waterways.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–3 hours evening plus return trip next morning.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels as activity involves sitting during the ferry ride and standing or light walking at the venue.

Wildlife

Occasional sightings of cormorants and sea gulls around the ferry route.
Dolphins may sometimes be spotted off the bay on calmer days.

History

Port Phillip Bay has been a vital maritime corridor since the 1800s, influencing Melbourne’s development as a port city.

Conservation

Port Phillip Ferries operates with a focus on reducing emissions and promoting sustainable marine travel in the bay area.

Port Phillip Ferries is based in Portarlington, Victoria and operates scheduled ferry services and curated cruise experiences across Port Phillip Bay and between Docklands and Geelong. The operator offers a diverse program of short and mid-length journeys including family entertainment cruises, educational children’s programs, scenic bay cruises, and paired ferry-plus-entry art packages. Trips range from the 90-minute Singalong Cruises — a family musical movie cruise along the Yarra River — to 2.5-hour Port Phillip Bay Cruises and brunch cruises aboard a sleek 35-metre catamaran to Portarlington and back. Seasonal and special-event offerings include Retro Entertainment collaborations for festive performances and gallery packages that combine a scenic ferry ride with entry to Geelong Gallery exhibitions. Family- and education-focused trips include the Fish Club 'Play and Stay' program for children aged 6–13: a two-hour interactive session from Docklands to Geelong that teaches marine life awareness and responsible fishing, includes a fishing experience on the waterfront, and provides take-home activities and a fishing rod. Culinary offerings include the Port to Plate Mussel Experience to Portarlington with lunch at the historic Grand Hotel, highlighting the town’s mussel heritage. Partnerships expand travel options through combined rail-and-ferry itineraries with Steamrail Victoria, special-event performances at Amphora, and timed gallery access for exhibitions such as Cutting Through Time at Geelong Gallery (18 May–28 July 2024). Focused on safe, scenic travel and curated experiences, Port Phillip Ferries serves families, art lovers, food tourists and day trippers seeking reliable ferry connections and memorable outings on Port Phillip Bay.

Base locationDocklands, Victoria

Tours offered11+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace