Day Tripping to Portarlington via Port Phillip Ferries

Delight in a day trip to the beautiful bayside of Portarlington which is nestled away on the Bellarine, surrounded by stunning coastline and scenic settings.

Starting at the ferry dock, set off on The Ramblers Walk, a moderately level and easy-going walk that offers spectacular panoramic views of the You Yangs, Melbourne City Skyline and Portarlington’s famed and fabulous foreshore.

Spot and sight heritage homes, surviving mills and grand hotels on the Portarlington History Walk, an all-abilities walk that takes you on a journey past 22 points of historical significance.  A copy of the Portarlington History Walk can be found here.

Park and play at the recently redeveloped Portarlington Park. This wooden wonderland perfectly blends into its seaside environment with an abundance of nature-based and imagery play opportunities, along with more (and much-loved) traditional play equipment. Park features include a dry creek bed, water play, ropes course, swings, slides, trampoline, water play, flying fox, balancing logs and so much more.

Cast your line into the wonderful waters of Portarlington. Portarlington is an area known for snapper, mullet, garfish and whiting. Throwing a line off the pier has been recognised to render good results, as has fishing off Steele’s Rocks (just slightly right of the pier). Even though restrictions have eased in regard to fishing, it is still a requirement for all adults to have their fishing licence (children aged under 18 do not require a fishing license).

Lunch is the perfect opportunity to induldge in one of Portarlington's specialities-mussels.  You can't go past The Little Mussel Café choose from curry, chowder, natural, Kilpatrick, smoked – whatever way you have them, they are freshest of fresh mussels, plucked direct from their farm and placed onto your plate.  Located in the main street, these moreish morsels are a mere walk away from the Port Phillip ferry terminal.

A visit to the charming Grand Hotel Portarlington is a must, be it for lunch, or a quiet beverage or two.  Their menu stars some local produce, along side a good balance of pub fare favourites – accompanied by some local Bellarine wines that are as cool as their climate.

Keen to take a taste of Portarlington home? Grab some fresh farmed live blue Australian mussels, oysters, and seasonal fish from Mr Mussel or for sweet tooths Portarlington has quite the reputation for a swag of sensational sweets.  Both Daniels Donuts and Portarlington Bakehouse are open and located in the main street.   Dan, Dan the donut man has hundreds and hundreds of donuts lining the display cabinetry. Portarlington Bakehouse has a plethora of freshly baked pastries, slices, tarts and so much more waiting to tempt you.

So don't delay start planning your Portarlington day trip now and book your Port Phillip Ferries tickets-don't forget these must be purchased online.

The Vue Apartments Geelong offers family friendly apartment accommodation located in the heart of Geelong and is only a short walk from The Pier-where the Port Phillip Ferry arrives/departs. Spend some time staying with us before or after your Portarlington adventures!