Things to See & Do
Searoad Ferries crossing the bay between Queenscliff and Sorrento hourly between 7am and 6pm, seven days of the week 375 days of the year.
Forget the long drive, come with Searoad Ferries for a restful crossing between Queenscliff and Sorrento. On your journey you may see a playful Dolphin playing in the waves of the ferry or even a whale from a distance. Connecting the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine to the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island, the 40 minute crossing is a stress free alternative to driving through the city, saving you time and kilometres.
Whether you travel as a foot passenger to explore the villages of Queenscliff and Sorrento, or with your car, there is much to see on the crossing - spectacular coastline, mighty ships and maybe a dolphin or two. Or perhaps you'd rather be sipping a coffee, enjoying a focaccia or slurping on an ice cream from the onboard kiosk.
The twin hull vessels are built to operate in all weather conditions and can carry up to 700 passengers and 80 vehicles each.
Operating Times
The all weather ferries leave every hour on the hour, 7am to 6pm, 365 days of the year. A 7pm departure operates from December 26th until the end of the state of Victoria Daylight Saving.
Passengers with vehicles are advised to arrive at the terminals at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
The ferries depart from Queenscliff Harbour, Queenscliff and the Sorrento Pier, Sorrento. Melway references map 157 C7 (Sorrento) and map 499 J10(Queenscliff).
Special Features
On the 40-minute journey, unparalleled views of historic lighthouses, the Point Nepean fortifications, navigational features, seals and dolphins are available from the comfortable lounge areas, cafe style seating or numerous observation decks.
Come aboard South Bay Eco Adventures, our purpose-built, fast and comfortable eco tour boat for an unforgettable two and a half hour tour of southern Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait.
View Port Phillip Heads from a new perspective and explore areas only accessible by boat. This is a diverse and dynamic Explorer Tour which changes to compliment the weather conditions. It's an unforgettable two and half hour round trip which explores Southern Port Phillip Bay.
The 1 hour and 15 minute Discovery tour will take you out of Queenscliff Harbour to view Port Phillip Heads from the water, discovering a different perspective of Southern Port Phillip Bay.
The history of the Port Phillip Bay lighthouses and shipping channels will be highlighted as South Bay Eco Adventures traverse the bay to Point Nepean. Point Nepean offers glimpses of the notorious rip, unveiling the shipwreck past of the early settlers and the present day technology and services allowing ships to enter the Port of Melbourne. As we drift pass Fort Nepean into Nepean Bay Marine National Park, the rich military history of Port Phillip Bay will be unravelled. Nepean Bay offers a sheltered view port of the Bay, with views back to Queenscliff.
There are several places to launch a boat in Portarlington and surrounding areas. The Point Richards boat ramp, just west of town, has just been upgraded.
It is now a safer facility with two lanes, able to take larger scale boats and is close to King George Whiting and snapper grounds. Other nearby boat ramps include those at St Leonards, Indented Head and Clifton Springs.
Queenscliff Harbour is a modern marina precinct established in a true Victorian working harbour, so there is always something to see and do.
Whether you're watching the Pilot boats returning from their trips into the rip, or you're signing on for a dive trip to one of Victoria's famous historic dive sites.
Perhaps you're just taking it all in from the second story fine dining room located in the restaurant or braving the heights and soaking up the wonderful 360 degree views from the harbour's very own observation tower.
Freedom Bay Cruises can give you the best view of Geelong! Located at Steampacket Quay on the beautiful Waterfront the 40 minute tour travels around Cunningham Pier, past boats, port facilities and the Art Deco Eastern Beach. All cruises include a full commentary and both inside seating and outside viewing areas.
Freedom can take up to 60 passengers and cruises depart on the hour from 11am to 4pm, weekends and school holidays. Cruises are suitable for all ages with ample room for prams and wheelie frames. Crew are happy to assist passengers board the boat via the gangplank and four steps.
Groups can pre book exclusive cruises on Freedom during the week, minimum numbers required. Freedom is also available for private parties at an hourly rate. For further information please visit the web site.