Portarlington from the pier

Portarlington is a small fishing village and tourist town on the northern edge of the Bellarine Peninsula within the Greater Geelong region of Victoria.

Get in

By boat

Port Phillip Ferries run a twice daily service from Docklands to the pier at Portarlington. The ferries are large, smooth, and spacious with a cafe on board (which in Melbourne style, take pride in their coffee) as well as Wi-Fi. The pier at Portarlington is 2 min walk from the town. You can spend the afternoon there and return to Melbourne. The ferry is speed restricted in the Docklands, but opens up once out in the bay. Tickets, which can only be bought online, cost $33 return for adults, and a little less than half of that for children. The same company also has a route to Geelong ($19 return), but note there is no return ferry out of Portarlington on Mondays and Tuesdays.

By train and bus

There is also a connecting bus service (Route 60) to Geelong ($3.60, 30 min)

By car

There is plenty of free parking in and around the town.

Do

Events

• Celtic Festival. It has been held on the June long weekend every year for the past 20 years. There is a wide range of ticketed entertainment as well as free access to stalls, markets, food. (updated Jun 2021)

Eat

Portarlington mussels

Portarlington is well known locally for its mussels, which are farmed locally and available around Victoria.

• Daniels Donuts. Insta famous donuts made fresh in Portarlington (updated Jun 2019)
• The Portarlington Bakehouse (The Bakehouse), 48 Newcombe St (on the main street), ☏ +61 3 5259 2274. 7am - 3:30pm. A historic bakery. (updated Feb 2024)

Sleep

• Portarlington Beach Motel, 153-155 Newcombe St, ☏ +61 3 5259-3801, fax: +61 3 5259 3993. Family-owned, renovated accommodation 14 luxury units well-suited to families and couples.