Things to do in Queenscliff

Join us on our Wildlife Sightseeing Tour on our vessel Maureen .M, where you will meet Port Phillip Bay's friendly (but wild) locals! Throughout the tour, you will watch the playful Australian Fur seals, spot pods of local Burrunan dolphins cruising the bay, be intrigued by the amazing birdlife and marine life around Pope’s Eye, and, through the winter months, even spot Humpback whales as they journey past this iconic and historically significant coastline. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew will chat about the incredible wildlife that resides or transits through Southern Port Phillip Bay and share local history and insights about the region. Surrounded by the historic fishing ports of Queenscliff and Sorrento, the area Southern Port Phillip Bay is packed with history, wildlife, and adventure. We will always do our best to accommodate people with different needs. Please get in touch with our office to discuss any special requirements your group may have. The area boasts fascinating maritime and military history and is home to the highly diverse Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, world-renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique marine life. Please note: A $10 environmental levy is included in the price of this tour. This levy helps us help our oceans and will be put towards any of the following programs and research through our partnership charity, SOEL (Southern Ocean Environmental Link). Head to www.soel.org.au to find out more about the conservation programs and work.

Travel from Drysdale -> Queenscliff -> Drysdale Savour a degustation of exquisite local produce and scenic views in a relaxed atmosphere onboard Geelong’s restaurant train beginning at Drysdale Railway Station. When it’s time to depart, staff will welcome you onboard and show you to one of The Q Train’s restored Dining Cars. Once comfortably onboard, relax while perusing the beverage list that offers local, independent wines, beers, and ciders from the Bellarine and across Geelong and the Otways.

Your half-day tour starts with a snorkel at Popes Eye at the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. Hone your snorkeling skills in its calm, shallow waters and swim with colorful fish.  After your confidence boost, take your snorkeling up a level to Chinaman’s Hat. Get to know the locals, around 40 young Australian fur seals, and explore their habitat with them. Continue to navigate the bay in search of dolphins. In keeping with regulations and respecting these elegant creatures, your instructor will ensure that both dolphins and snorkelers have a fun and safe experience. As you sail from spot to spot, keep lookout from the boat's rooftop viewing platform and watch the seals and dolphins at play. Relax in a hammock and listen to the expert crew as they describe and point out the remarkable marine wildlife.  To make the most of your day on the Bellarine Peninsula, opt for the round-trip transfer options from Geelong Station. Take the hassle out of navigating public transportation and relax on your ride in a tour bus to and from the national park. Suitable for all ages, sizes, and abilities, this swimming with dolphins experience is a perfect group activity for families or friends. Choose the snorkeling option for a thrill or the sightseeing option to just come along for the ride.  After your half-day snorkeling adventure is over, you will also have a few hours to explore the town, sample the local produce at the gourmet restaurants, and relax at one of the many beaches and parks which are within walking distance.

Start the day off with a walk along the spectacular Geelong Waterfront on Bellarine Peninsula. Take the opportunity to breathe in the fresh sea air and scenic views with the locals. After that, you’ll head to the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre to discover Victoria’s largest collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts and greet the local emus and wallabies in a native garden. The next stop along the Bellarine Peninsula will be a stroll around the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse for a fantastic photo opportunity before boarding the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento. Savor the moment of sailing on the bay while enjoying a regional produce picnic lunch onboard. Observe some of the most serene bay views that the coastline has to offer. Set upon the pristine Portsea Surf Beach, you’ll see the London Arch, a unique rock formation and impressive natural wonder. The tour continues after lunch with a visit to Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm (November to April). Wander through lush strawberry fields and enjoy the unique opportunity to pick your own sweet, juicy strawberries. A delightful way to savour the season’s freshest produce!The tour continues after lunch with a visit to Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm (November to April). Wander through lush strawberry fields and enjoy the unique opportunity to pick your own sweet, juicy strawberries. A delightful way to savour the season’s freshest produce! Next stop at Arthurs Seat to admire the panoramic views from Murrays Lookout across the bay to the city. Finally, take a glimpse into local heritage-protected history and the world-renowned Mornington Peninsula beach boxes. Situated along the coast, these iconic bathing boxes are the area’s symbol of summer and a popular tourist attraction. Enjoy the return trip back to Melbourne after a full day of sightseeing and exploring some of the greatest destinations around the bay.

After a safety briefing and operational overview, participants will be fitted to their waterbike and fitted with lifejackets before departing Sorrento Pier and heading south towards Capel Sound. The tour will continue south following the Millionaire's Walk along the Sorrento to Portsea cliff top and getting an insight into how Melbourne's elite spend time at their summer mansions. This stunning cliff top walk has historic significance as it was the first time the Union Jack was used to claim possession of Australia. Continuing along past Point King Beach and Shelley Beach, we will pull in alongside the Portsea Pier right out front of the huge, Tudor-style pub, The Portsea Hotel. We return towards Sorrento, perhaps accompanied at times by some of the Mornington Peninsulas Bottlenose Dolphins known to frequent this stretch of water and friends of our eco-friendly waterbikes. Giving way to the Queenscliff to Sorrento Searoad Ferries, we will finish back at the Sorrento Pier at the base of the Hotel Sorrento. A truely unique way to experience of some of the most popular destinations on the Mornington Peninsula.