{"id":178731,"date":"2026-01-23T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/?p=178731"},"modified":"2026-01-21T17:05:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T06:05:54","slug":"geelong-and-portarlington-short-cruises-this-weekend-kids-go-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/news\/geelong-and-portarlington-short-cruises-this-weekend-kids-go-free\/","title":{"rendered":"Geelong and Portarlington short cruises this weekend: kids go free"},"content":{"rendered":"

THERE’S no better way to enjoy the Australia Day long weekend than getting out on the water, and this year Port Phillip Ferries is making it easier, more affordable, and more memorable than ever.<\/p>\n

With special short cruises running across the long weekend, locals and visitors alike are invited to experience Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula from a whole new perspective.<\/p>\n

With sailings on Saturday, January 24 and Monday, January 26, these relaxed bay cruises are perfectly timed to complement the buzz of summer events, including Geelong’s iconic Festival of Sails.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re in Geelong to soak up the festival atmosphere or looking for a scenic escape from Portarlington, the ferry offers a front-row seat to the action without the hassle of driving, parking or traffic.<\/p>\n

Prices start from just $25, and the best part for families is that kids travel free, making it one of the best-value experiences on the coast.<\/p>\n

It’s an easy win for parents looking to do something a little different with the kids over the long weekend, without committing to a full-day outing or blowing the holiday budget.<\/p>\n

\"\"
These relaxed bay cruises are perfectly timed to complement the buzz of summer events, including Geelong’s iconic Festival of Sails. Photo: SALTY DINGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

From Geelong, the cruise places you right on the water alongside the Festival of Sails, where world-class sailing, live music, food stalls and family-friendly entertainment create one of the region’s most vibrant summer celebrations.<\/p>\n

From Portarlington, the experience is more laid-back, offering a scenic cruise across Port Phillip Bay with sweeping coastal views, fresh sea air and plenty of space to relax onboard.<\/p>\n

With comfortable indoor seating, outdoor decks to enjoy the sunshine, and a licensed onboard bar, the ferry experience is designed to be as enjoyable as the destination itself.<\/p>\n

It’s the kind of outing that suits everyone, from young families and visiting relatives to couples and groups of friends.<\/p>\n

With limited sailings across the Australia Day long weekend and strong demand expected, now is the time to plan ahead.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re joining the Festival of Sails festivities or simply looking for a uniquely local way to celebrate Australia Day, Port Phillip Ferries’ short cruises are a summer experience not to be missed.<\/p>\n

Bookings are essential. Head to portphillipferries.com.au\/packages\/summer-discovery-cruises<\/a><\/p>\n

\/\/SPONSORED CONTENT<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

THERE’S no better way to enjoy the Australia Day long weekend than getting out on the water, and this year Port Phillip Ferries is making it easier, more affordable, and more memorable than ever. With special short cruises running across the long weekend, locals and visitors alike are invited to experience Geelong and the Bellarine […]<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":156,"featured_media":178738,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-178731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nGeelong and Portarlington short cruises this weekend: kids go free - Surf Coast Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Book Geelong & Portarlington cruises this Australia Day weekend. Kids go free! 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