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.
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.
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.
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.
Building their city on a North-facing bay was a stroke of genius for the forefathers of Geelong. Generations later, residents and visitors alike are enjoying the benefits of the area collectively known as 'The Waterfront'.
Stretching from Eastern Beach around to Rippleside, the area incorporates many restaurants and cafes on the water's edge. There are places for kids to play, from open grassy areas to some of the biggest and best playgrounds in the region.
There are kids attractions including the carousel, a miniature train ride and a skate park. Seasonally there are also bungee trampolines and a giant ferris wheel.
Childrens attractions, open public space, a lively calendar of events and fabulous places to eat and drink make the Waterfront a Geelong must-do.
The Royal Geelong Yacht Club is recognised as one of Australia's premier Yacht Clubs and boasts a proud history that stretches 150 years. The Royal Geelong Yacht Club plays host to many major yachting events that cover every facet of sailing from International Cadet racing, Etchell class racing, high octane skiff regattas, club based keel boat sailing, all the way through to Australia's oldest sporting event, Audi Victoria Week held annually on the Australia Day long weekend.
The excellent facilities give members the opportunity to enjoy true absolute waterfrontage and enjoy the best view that any yacht club can offer. Take in the views from the Members' Lounge, the Marina Cafe deck or the upstairs balcony. No other facility in Geelong can match the location! Members enjoy subsidised bar prices, access to member exclusive dining and private BBQ facilities that are completely cost free. These are just the beginning of member benefits as there is also a busy social calendar of events to select from.
A first class cadet facility provides young sailors with the opportunity to learn from some very accomplished club sailors who include State, National and even World Champions. Novice sailors will be warmly welcomed and encouraged to develop new skills and new friendships.
The modern club house allows members and the public to access fresh new conference and meeting rooms, with a larger room that is perfect for corporate events, wedding receptions or other significant events. The many catering options that they provide will suit any occasion.
Please call if you have any inquiry, or search the website for concise information on every aspect of The Royal Geelong Yacht Club, drop in to view the facilities or contact by phone or e-mail.
From its beginnings in the Otway Ranges, the Barwon River winds its way through suburban Geelong before flowing into the ocean at Barwon Heads.
The Barwon River is the site for a huge number of leisure pursuits for Geelong residents. There are several rowing clubs located in Belmont, and a little further south there is an area for waterskiing.
At various points along the river as it runs through Geelong there are tracks for running, cycling and walking. There are also several parks, playgrounds, picnic spots and BBQ areas.
The mouth of the river has sandy banks that are well used walkers and families who build sandcastles and paddle in the shallows.
Fishing is popular on the jetties near the mouth of the river and kayakers and paddlers are often seen in this area.
Barwon Heads also has a sailing club where laser yachts are often seen at high tide. There are also BBQs and picnic areas alongside the riverbank.
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 combines the excitement of a working harbour with the glamour of a modern marina development.
As well as a range of shops, cafes, eateries, attractions and water activities based in the harbour precinct, there is a fishing and boating industry based in the harbour that is fascinating to watch in action.
There is an observation tower as part of the development that gives 360 degree views of Queenscliff, the Bellarine Peninsula, Port Phillip Heads and beyond.