Prosecco, Millinery and Melbourne Bay: Fashions on the Ferry

On a crisp spring afternoon, Fashions on the Ferry puts Port Phillip Bay in a new spotlight. Departing from Victoria Harbour, 131 Harbour Esplanade Docklands, VIC 3008, this 2.5-hour Port Phillip Ferries cruise pairs sparkling Prosecco and light grazing with a curated millinery showcase aboard a comfortable passenger ferry. The route follows the bay’s broad curve, offering skyline views of Melbourne on one side and the open sweep of water toward the Heads on the other. What makes this outing memorable is the marriage of fashion and place: award-winning milliners Catherine Storm and Natalie Bikicki transform the deck into an intimate boutique, displaying headpieces you can try on, discuss, and style. Both artists are regular finalists in the Melbourne Cup Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award; Catherine recently placed second in Millinery Australia’s 2026 Design Award. Their presence elevates the cruise from a sightseeing jaunt to a hands-on styling session timed for Melbourne’s spring racing season. The trip is deliberately low-key and social. Two glasses of Prosecco and grazing fare are included, creating a relaxed atmosphere where conversation and the bay view share equal billing. Bring a camera: the contrast between detailed millinery and the bay’s open water makes for striking images, especially when light hits a brim at golden hour. The ferry’s stability and sheltered waters mean most guests spend much of the cruise standing or mingling, not hiking or climbing—this is an accessible, celebratory experience rather than an athletic one. Logistics are straightforward: arrive at the meeting point in Docklands a little early for check-in; boarding and departure times are clearly scheduled and the total outing runs about 2.5 hours. Note that bookings must reach a minimum for the cruise to proceed and that cancellations become non‑refundable within 24 hours of travel. For just $60 per person, you get access to designers, styling tips, two glasses of Prosecco, light grazing, and the social buzz of a small, design-focused crowd. Why book this when visiting Melbourne? It’s an original way to connect with the city’s fashion calendar, meet local creatives, and see Port Phillip Bay without the usual tour-boat formats. This experience stitches together Melbourne’s waterfront energy, spring-racing style, and approachable seaside charm—perfect for groups, celebrations, or anyone who wants to combine people-watching, shopping, and scenery into one stylish afternoon. Check-in and boarding happen at Victoria Harbour, 131 Harbour Esplanade Docklands, VIC 3008—plan to arrive 20 minutes early to settle in. The experience is small by design, so seats and sample pieces circulate quickly; book ahead to secure a spot and a chance to try on the standout pieces. Wear comfortable footwear and a light layer—the bay breeze can turn cool late in the afternoon, so bring a scarf.