What age group is the trip designed for?

The trip is tailored specifically for children aged 6 to 13, offering age-appropriate activities and education.

Is prior fishing experience needed?

No prior experience is needed; staff provide all fishing equipment and guidance during the trip.

Are parents allowed to accompany their children?

Adult supervision policies depend on booking; please check with Play and Stay when reserving.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Trips are subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.

Is the fishing catch kept or released?

Catch-and-release practices are encouraged to protect marine populations and teach sustainability.

Can children take home the fish they catch?

For conservation, children do not keep their catch but receive fishing rods and materials to continue the experience at home.

Play and Stay | Boat Tour in Geelong | Transportation | Boat Tour

Located on the scenic shores of Portarlington, Victoria, Play and Stay invites young adventurers aged 6-13 to step into a world of marine discovery. This unique 2-hour experience onboard takes children from the bustling Docklands area across to Geelong, offering a hands-on journey into local marine ecosystems and sustainable fishing practices. The Fish Club, which hosts this engaging excursion, stands out by blending education with interactive fun, ensuring kids not only cast lines but also learn about the ocean environment critical to this coastal region.

Portarlington itself is known for its rich bay waters, home to diverse aquatic life and prized fishing spots that attract visitors and locals alike. The trip highlights key features such as the calm yet vibrant bay waters and the bustling waterfront, where families can observe the lively marine community. Apart from catching fish in these sheltered waters, participants gain insight into responsible fishing—a vital message given the area's ongoing conservation efforts. This blend of adventure and environmental stewardship makes Play and Stay a standout for families looking to foster a love of nature and outdoor activities in their children.

Beyond the boat trip, children receive a fishing rod and educational materials, extending the learning and excitement back home. This program’s small group size ensures a personal, hands-on experience uncommon in large tours, making it a rare opportunity for interactive marine education in Victoria. Whether your child is a budding angler or ocean enthusiast, Play and Stay offers a memorable introduction to coastal life and sustainable practices in one of Australia's charming bays.

About Port Phillip Ferries

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.