Things to See & Do
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.
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.
The tall ship Enterprize is an authentic replica of the 1830's topsail schooner that founded what is now the City of Melbourne. The traditionally built and rigged wooden sailing ship gives people of all age groups an experience on board a nineteenth century sailing ship together with the story of Melbourne's founding history.
The ship has an all year round program of public sails from locations around Port Phillip from Docklands, Williamstown, Geelong, Portarlington and Rye. Sails offered include one hour, evening/sunset cruises, overnight and full day trips and extended coastal voyages. Also school and corporate charters. Visit the website for information on the sailing program and online bookings.