Take to the water with these affordable day trips on Melbourne’s fast ferry

If you think a cruise needs to cost you an arm and a leg, think again. Make your nautical adventure a day trip with Port Phillip Ferries for an outing that’s equally as exciting as it is cost effective. 

We’re wrapping up our top day trip picks you can take from Docklands this spring and summer. The best part? Each and every one of them will set you back less than $100.

Have a two-course lunch at a golf club 

Catch a ride to Bellarine’s Portarlington Golf Club in style. Departing from Docklands, your Club Cruise ticket includes a ferry trip to and from Portarlington, a courtesy bus to and from the golf club and a two course lunch at the clubhouse. $70 doesn’t just cover your ritzy lunch, your ferry and bus rides are all sorted too. 

Discover the mussel capital of Australia 

Didn’t know Australia had one? Now’s your chance to munch your way through Portarlington where mussel farms and saucy molluscs are aplenty. The Port to Plate Mussel Experience includes your ferry ride from Docklands to the seaside Portarlington and lunch for $85. Sip on a beer, house wine or soft drink on arrival and then dive into your favourite flavour of mussels from Portarlington Mussels. Wander the charming shops before cruising back home. 

Cruise Port Phillip Bay 

On a time crunch? Port Phillip Ferries runs a scenic cruise that tours to Portarlington and back. Stay on board and soak in the scenery, as well as keeping a look out for everything from the resident seals to cheeky dolphins. Kids 16 and under can hop aboard for free, while adult tickets are only $35 on Cruisy-Tuesdays.

Have a ‘Grand’ day out

At the Grand Hotel that is. Take a leisurely cruise over to the charming Portarlington and enjoy a bite to eat at the Portalington Grand Hotel. The historic haunt with views of the ocean has two areas you can opt to dine in with your ticket – choose between the casual airy Atrium or the beautifully renovated Dining Room. Wash your lunch down with a glass of house wine, a pot of tap beer or a soft drink

Ready for a day on the water? Book in your Port Phillip Ferry trip here.