THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail on a tranquil 2.5-hour catamaran cruise with Port Phillip Ferries. Enjoy brunch, sparkling wine, and sweeping bay views as you travel between Docklands and Portarlington.
Set sail on a tranquil 2.5-hour catamaran cruise with Port Phillip Ferries. Enjoy brunch, sparkling wine, and sweeping bay views as you travel between Docklands and Portarlington.
Book with Port Phillip Ferries
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Port Phillip Ferries · Docklands, Victoria
Port Phillip Bay, stretching across southern Victoria, Australia, is a vibrant marine hub defined by sweeping coastal panoramas and lively waterway traffic. Here, Port Phillip Ferries offers a standout way to experience this dynamic seascape—aboard a sleek, 35-meter catamaran that slips smoothly through the bay’s calm waters. Their Signature Scenic Cruise with Brunch and Bubbles is a 2.5-hour journey departing from Victoria Harbour in Docklands, weaving out to Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula and back. This trip uniquely blends leisurely cruising with culinary enjoyment as guests savor an assortment of curated sweet and savory treats, complemented by coffee, tea, and a glass of sparkling wine.
Unlike typical sightseeing tours, this experience pairs a serene, stable ride with uninterrupted views of Port Phillip’s distinctive limestone cliffs, native coastal flora, and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife such as pelicans and dolphins. The catamaran’s design ensures a smooth passage even on breezier days, enhancing comfort on the water. Portarlington itself offers a quiet coastal charm, characterized by heritage buildings and bustling jetties, providing a scenic turning point for the cruise.
Port Phillip Ferries plays a vital role, not just as a transport provider but as a creator of memorable outdoor moments on the bay. Their dedication to combining natural beauty with refined hospitality sets them apart in Victoria’s adventurous travel landscape. For travelers seeking a blend of light indulgence and outdoor immersion within easy reach of Melbourne, this cruise is an ideal choice. It’s a chance to slow down, relish fresh air, and see a beloved local waterway from a fresh vantage point.
easy.
2.5 hours.
No special fitness needed; accessible for most physical abilities
The cruise departs from Victoria Harbour at 131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, VIC 3008.
The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, traveling to Portarlington and back.
Yes, a brunch with sweet and savory items, coffee, tea, and sparkling wine are included.
Children aged 4-16 are welcome with a discounted fare; infants under 4 ride free.
The catamaran is designed for comfort but please contact Port Phillip Ferries directly to confirm accessibility options.
Passengers often spot seabirds such as pelicans, and occasionally dolphins or seals in the bay.
Port Phillip Bay was a critical maritime corridor since early European settlement in the 1800s, connecting Melbourne with emerging coastal towns.
Port Phillip Ferries supports eco-friendly practices by maintaining low-emission vessels and promoting responsible tourism in the bay.
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.
Book with Port Phillip Ferries