Can I buy tickets on the day of the cruise?

No, tickets must be pre-booked in advance as on-the-day purchases are not available.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both ferries are equipped with boarding ramps and accessible facilities to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Are food and drinks available onboard?

The cruise itself does not include catering, but there is a café at the Docklands terminal for refreshments before or after your trip.

What is the best seating area for views?

Outdoor deck seating offers unobstructed panoramic views, while indoor seating provides comfort in cooler or wet conditions.

How long is the Christmas Entertainment Cruise?

The cruise duration is approximately 1.5 hours, departing and returning from Docklands.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

Yes, the cruise welcomes all ages; children aged 0-3 travel free, and there are designated ticket prices for ages 4-16.

Festive River Cruises with Port Phillip Ferries in Docklands | Events | Boat Tour

Melbourne's Docklands district, perched along the city’s reclaimed waterfront, offers a fresh lens on urban adventure. At 131 Harbour Esplanade, Port Phillip Ferries anchors a series of moments that connect the city’s pulse to its waterway rhythms. One standout experience is their 1.5-hour Christmas Entertainment Cruise, produced in partnership with Retro Entertainment. This isn't just a ferry ride – it’s a vibrant journey punctuated by festive energy and stunning cityscapes.

Boarding at the Docklands Ferry Terminal, visitors settle into spacious seating whether inside or on open decks, perfectly designed for comfort and accessibility. The vessel moves out smoothly onto the Yarra River, threading beneath Melbourne’s architectural landmarks such as the Bolte Bridge and West Gate Bridge. The skyline unfolds with shimmering glass towers reflecting the river’s ebb and flow, setting an ever-changing backdrop as THE RETROS take the stage.

Their setlist features Christmas classics infused with high-energy performances, inviting guests to sing along and get involved in the celebration. The contagious enthusiasm amplifies the holiday spirit in an immersive format rarely experienced on Melbourne’s waterways. It’s an ideal contrast to traditional sightseeing cruises—this one pulses with live music, communal joy, and a sense of occasion.

Port Phillip Ferries prides itself on accessibility, making this cruise welcoming to all, including those with mobility aids or strollers. The Docklands area itself supports the adventure vibe, with cafés and waterfront promenades that invite pre- or post-cruise relaxation. This intimate, themed cruise is a vivid way to experience Melbourne’s urban waterways, balancing scenic views with entertaining performance, and capturing a seasonal spirit unique to the city’s maritime heart.

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.