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Port Phillip Bay

Port Phillip Bay: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

1. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

Discover the beauty of Port Campbell National Park on this day trip from Melbourne. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned coach and enjoy a refreshing morning tea. Stop for pictures viewpoints, take a stroll at Apollo Bay and admire the 12 Apostles limestone stacks. Enjoy morning views of Melbourne city and Port Phillip Bay as you cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest bridge, at just under 1.5 miles (2.6 kilometers). Embark on one of the world’s greatest drives to tour the Great Ocean Road. Take in a scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road. Stop for photos opportunity the Memorial Arch at Eastern View as well as at Kennett River, home to a large population of cute and cuddly wild koalas. A sighting is almost guaranteed as they munch away on Eucalyptus leaves. Marvel at Apollo Bay and walk around the famous coastal town. Afterward, follow the Great Ocean Road away from the water and into the mountains. Proceed through the spectacular Otway Ranges and stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool, temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. Continue to Port Campbell National Park, with its iconic array of rock formations. Visit Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, and be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the 12 Apostles. Take advantage of a dinner stop on the journey back to Melbourne at the township of Colac. Enjoy a scenic view of the illuminated city as you cross Westgate Bridge on the way home.

Sorrento: 1.5-Hour Port Phillip Bay Adventure Cruise

2. Sorrento: 1.5-Hour Port Phillip Bay Adventure Cruise

Your tour commences with an introductory on-board safety briefing, before cruising past the amazing cliff top mansions out into the sheltered shallows of Port Phillip Bay. With your family or friends, you will head off to Chinaman's Hat, a local spot where the ever-curious Australian fur seals are waiting to show off their way of life. From Chinaman's Hat, cruise over to Popes Eye at the Marine National Park for a look at the Australasian gannets, where your guides will share with you some interesting and educational facts about these amazing birds. From there, you'll cruise the magnificent Port Phillip Bay in search of the inspiring bottle nosed dolphins. There is no need to jump into the water; the captain's technique will place you right next to the action where you will receive a fantastic view into the world of the dolphins and seals. At the conclusion of your guided insight into Australia's flora and fauna, you will be returned to your point of origin.

Port Phillip Bay: 2-Hour Seal Swim

3. Port Phillip Bay: 2-Hour Seal Swim

Embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure, snorkeling with cheeky and cheerful Australian fur seals. Departing Sorrento Pier in Victoria's picturesque Mornington Peninsula, your cruise commences with welcome tea or coffee as you revel in views of the coastline and cliff-top mansions. Arriving at Chinaman's Hat, a structure built just for the seals in Port Phillip Bay, you will take the plunge to swim with these gentle, playful and curious creatures. This sheltered area has a maximum depth of four meters and participants can float on the surface and watch the seals swim freely around them if they wish.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade Entry with Return Transfers

4. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade Entry with Return Transfers

Spend the day exploring Phillip Island and Brighton Beach on this day trip from Melbourne. See native wildlife at the Wildlife Park and coastal views at Brighton Beach, Nobbies Boardwalk, and Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Start the day by being picked up by an air-conditioned vehicle and head to Brighton Beach. Explore the area and take photos of the iconic Brighton beach boxes. From here, you can also see views of the Melbourne skyline. Next is a visit to Phillip Island Wildlife Park. Here you can see over 100 species of Australian animals who live on the 60-acre property. There will be time to purchase lunch here before driving to the next location. Stop at Nobbies Tourist and Information Center to learn about Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then walk along Nobbies Boardwalk and enjoy coastal views. After a relaxing walk along Nobbies Boardwalk, visit Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Purchase dinner before watching the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. From here, head back to Melbourne and be dropped off at your accommodation.

Melbourne: Private City & Beaches Helicopter Ride

5. Melbourne: Private City & Beaches Helicopter Ride

Discover a bird's-eye-view of Melbourne with this private helicopter tour. Have time to snap some action shots in front of the helicopter before your flight. Enjoy the option of capturing in-flight video recordings or live streams during your flight so you can share your adventure with your friends. Head over to the activity provider's office and get checked in for your flight. As you walk out on to the tarmac you'll be met with incredible views of Melbourne's city skyline, the perfect background for a quick photoshoot in-front of your helicopter before take-off. Protect your ears with the provided headphones and feel the thrill of take-off. Fly by the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and Docklands Marina at just 1,200 feet above the ground (400 metres) on your way out to Port Phillip Bay. Spot the Spirit of Tasmania which is docked at Station Pier.  Make a left-hand turn to fly you along the coast over St Kilda's famous Boardwalk and Luna Park. Your flight path continues over the Formula 1 Track at Albert Park, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).  Finish your tour with the perfect opportunity to capture a photo of the MCG, the Yarra River and CBD all in one frame. Land back at your meeting point at the end of your tour. 

Queenscliff: Swim with Dolphins and Seals Snorkeling Tour

6. Queenscliff: Swim with Dolphins and Seals Snorkeling Tour

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.

Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula Waterbike Tour

7. Sorrento, Mornington Peninsula Waterbike Tour

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.

Melbourne: Peninsula Nature Private Day Trip with Dinner

8. Melbourne: Peninsula Nature Private Day Trip with Dinner

This all inclusive tour begins with your driver and tour guide picking you up from your location. The drive will take you along the scenic route which follows the curves of Port Phillip Bay, until we reach our first destination - Dendy St Beach. After a short photo session at the beach your luxury, air-conditioned, leather seated vehicle will take you further along the scenic coastal route where you will experience the breath-taking views of the bay on side and be amazed at the beautiful architecture of the various palatial villas on the other side. There will be opportunities to stop for photos. Our first key Peninsula destination is the Moonlit Sanctuary, about 60km from Melbourne's CBD. You will spend 90 minutes here enjoying the various wildlife that live at the sanctuary. You will see and hear Australian native animals such as the koala, kangaroo, dingo, wombat and many others. There are animal sessions for you to enjoy where trained wildlife staff discuss the lives and habits of various native animals. Our final destination is The Eagle, where you will fly high in a chairlift and the end of which you will be invited to enjoy an Australian picnic dinner in a bush setting. To burn those newly acquired calories, we go for a short bushwalk to a lookout where you will have great view of the Peninsula, before being chauffeured back to your destination.

Mornington Peninsula: SUP, Hike, & Hot Springs Trip w/ Lunch

9. Mornington Peninsula: SUP, Hike, & Hot Springs Trip w/ Lunch

Discover the best of the Mornington Peninsula on this adventurous day out like no other and explore the best of the Mornington Peninsula on this day trip. Enjoy an incredible day of paddleboarding, a winery visit, a coastal hike, and bathing at the hot springs. Meet at the iconic 19th century McCrae Lighthouse by the crystal clear waters of the Peninsula. Begin your adventure at one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches on the Peninsula adorned with the famous colorful bathing boxes. Embark on a SUP lesson and tour along the crystal clear waters of the Mornington Peninsula with your guide who is a certified SUP instructor. There are often dolphins close by, so remember to keep your eyes peeled! Explore along the coastline and admire the stunning vistas and backdrop of Arthur's Seat (Wonga). After your SUP experience, you have a bit of time to get changed or grab a coffee before hopping into the van and traveling along the southern coastline of the peninsula. Next, enjoy a guided coastal hike along nature trails with ocean vistas to a secluded bay with magical natural rock pools. Look out for wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas before arriving at the rugged, expansive, and jaw-dropping ocean scenery. As you look out onto a deserted bay, see the turquoise blue rock pools. Refuel and indulge your palate with a delicious picnic lunch full of fresh local produce at a spectacular beach viewpoint. You will also have some other refreshments such as native tea, coffee, and local beverages. After lunch, unwind at the Peninsula Hot Springs. Set amongst beautiful natural surroundings, relax in a tranquil setting with over 50 global bathing experiences, including an amphitheater of geothermal pools, ice caves, saunas, and hammocks. After some time at the hot springs head to a beautiful laid-back winery that focuses on incorporating organic practices. Taste some of the best wines on the peninsula whilst enjoying the views. Finally, take a scenic drive via the summit of the Mornington Peninsula back to McCrae Lighthouse.

Frankston: Port Phillip Bay Water Bike Tour

10. Frankston: Port Phillip Bay Water Bike Tour

After a safety briefing and operational overview, participants will be fitted to their waterbike and given lifejackets before departing from Frankston Pier with coffee or tea of choice. The tour will head out around the iconic Frankston Pier heading south towards the Olivers Hill scenic lookout. We will head towards Daveys Bay, home to Daveys Bay Yacht Club founded in 1909 and the historical jetty onstructed in the 1840s to ship his local produce to Melbourne. The Canadian Bay Club, formed in 1958, is our turnaround point. One of the founding members was Sir Laurence Hartnett, the then Managing Director of General Motors Holden and the designer and developer of the first Holden car. We return towards Frankston, 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. We we will finish back at the Frankston Pier

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What people are saying about Port Phillip Bay

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 1,082 reviews

As a Gym Owner, I paid for six long term members as reward for their commitment to my Gym. They all were completely overwhelmed by the day. A fantastic day, well organised and planned. I will be sending another group in the near future. Dennis Armstrong

Very well organised, only thing was we got less time to see the penguins. But that’s on the tourists who were late in the beginning. Otherwise it was very fun and enjoyable

Lots of wonderful views of the great ocean road. The guide took us to all the best viewpoints with an interesting and informative description of each.

Belle journée pour découvrir le principal sur la route de la great ocean road. mais patience car le chemin est long.

Go west tours !!! Luke tour guide. Very helpful, funny, and the tour is a MUST!