Searoad Ferries
Searoad Ferries is the long-established car and passenger ferry service operating across Port Phillip Bay in Victoria. Running between Sorrento and Queenscliff, it provides a link between the Mornington Peninsula and the Bellarine Peninsula. The route has been operating since 1987, growing from a single vessel to a modern two-ferry service with upgraded terminals, lounges, and facilities.
The company began as Peninsula Searoad Transport, with its first vessel, the M.V. Peninsula Princess, making the inaugural crossing on 13 September 1987. Early investment in ticket offices, transit lounges, and expanded queuing lanes supported rising demand. Over time, larger vessels—the M.V. Queenscliff in 1993 and the M.V. Sorrento in 2001—joined the fleet, offering improved capacity, comfort, and reliability.
Today, Searoad Ferries continues to operate daily services, providing connection for commuters, visitors, cyclists, and motorists.
Searoad Ferries Queenscliff
The Queenscliff Terminal is located on the Bellarine Peninsula and serves as one of the two main departure points. The upgraded terminal includes comfortable waiting areas, full-length windows, and a surf and travel store developed in partnership with Rip Curl. This ground-floor shop offers clothing, accessories, suncare, eyewear, and travel items suited for passengers heading across the bay.
On board, travellers departing from Queenscliff can access viewing decks, lounges, and cafés offering snacks, coffee, and regional drinks from midday. The M.V. Queenscliff also features the Lonsdale Lounge—an open, bright space used for everyday seating and scheduled events such as high teas and brunches.
Queenscliff provides an easy jumping-off point to explore the Bellarine Peninsula, Geelong, and even the Great Ocean Road. The terminal’s proximity to coastal walks, marine attractions, and local dining mean that it takes little time once arrived to begin exploring.
Searoad Ferries Sorrento
The Sorrento Terminal on the Mornington Peninsula is the service’s southern anchor point. Known for its beachside position, it offers smooth access to the surrounding region, which includes wineries, hot springs, galleries, and coastal lookouts.
The M.V. Sorrento features the Portsea Lounge—a quieter front-of-ship space with broad views and a comfortable layout. The ship also offers cafés, lounges, outdoor seating, and access to the Yardarm Bar on designated sailings. This bar, located on the upper deck of the M.V. Queenscliff, serves local craft beer, wine, and simple drinks in an outdoor setting.
Pets are permitted on board but must remain on the external decks. Families can take advantage of the children’s playground, while all passengers can use binoculars on deck to spot dolphins and seasonal whale activity.
Family Bay Cruise
Searoad Ferries offers a family-friendly way to explore Port Phillip Bay, with a 40-minute crossing that functions as both transport and a relaxed mini-cruise. Families can move between indoor lounges, open decks, and the onboard café, making it easy to keep children entertained while enjoying the views. The ferries include a dedicated children’s play area, giving younger passengers a simple activity during the trip.
From the decks, families can often spot dolphins cruising alongside the vessel, with seasonal whale sightings in winter. The short sailing time also makes the experience suitable for younger children who may not enjoy long road trips. Parents can sit inside or outside while taking in the bay, beaches, and coastal landmarks.
Both terminals give access to seaside towns, walking tracks, and nearby attractions, so day trips are straightforward for families travelling without a car. Foot-passenger family tickets offer a cost-effective option, while those travelling with a vehicle can take advantage of the drive-on, drive-off setup. Pets are also allowed on the external decks, making the crossing practical for families travelling with a dog.
Ferry Portsea to Queenscliff
While some travellers informally refer to the route as “Portsea to Queenscliff,” sailings officially depart from Sorrento, located only a short distance from Portsea. The Sorrento–Queenscliff crossing is direct, taking around 40 minutes. For visitors staying in or around Portsea, Sorrento Terminal is easily accessible by car or local transport.
The route is widely used by motorists who want to avoid the long drive around the bay through Melbourne, saving both time and distance. Foot passengers and cyclists also use the service as a convenient way to link popular tourism regions without relying on road travel.
Searoad Ferries Timetable
Searoad Ferries operates daily, with services typically running every hour. Sailings alternate between the two vessels depending on the time of day, and the Yardarm Bar opens subject to weather and departure schedule. Timetables may vary across seasons, public holidays, and special events, so passengers are encouraged to check the current schedule on the company’s website before travelling.
Online booking is available for vehicles, drivers, and foot passengers. Multiple ticket types are offered, along with special packages and gift vouchers for dining experiences, events, and local attractions.
