The Queenscliff to Sorrento Ferry connects Phillip Island & the Great Ocean Road, two of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.
There are heaps of incredible sights to soak up along the Great Ocean Road. Some of the most well-known include the Twelve Apostles, the Gibson Steps, and magnificent cliffs.
Meanwhile, on Phillip Island, it’s all about the penguins. Aside from the critters, you’ll find white sands, turquoise waters and incredible scenery.
Being able to travel easily between these two top destinations makes things a lot easier. It means that travellers can conveniently explore two major Australian destinations with a direct connection!
The trip on the Queenscliff to Sorrento Ferry
The crossing is carried out by Searoad Ferries. It takes around 40 minutes to get from one iconic destination to the other. This trip takes you along a breath-taking coastal route that has been dubbed one of the best in the world.
Along the way, passengers can admire a mesmerising array of sights. You may be able to see dolphins as they jump in and out of the water. You’ll also spot other ships as they elegantly glide over the ocean waves.
The ferry offers a beautiful way to cross from one peninsula to the other. Not to mention, you’ll be avoiding city traffic jams and monotonous freeways!
History of the ferry crossing
The ferry service came to life back in 1987 when the Peninsula Princess became the quickest way to travel from the Great Ocean Road to Phillip Island. It quickly became a popular route and another, larger ferry took over. This ferry was called the MV Queenscliff.
In 2001, the service became so popular that another ferry was added to the team. Both ships underwent a makeover, where they were fitted with modern, comfortable interiors and amenities for passengers to enjoy during the journey. While the MV Queenscliff was being upgraded, the Peninsula Princess was brought out of retirement for the first time in 10 years.
Today the main ferries running are called the MV Queenscliff and the MV Sorrento. The Peninsula Princess will occasionally still run in place of one of the other two when they’re undergoing maintenance.
Enjoying Sorrento and Queenscliff
From the Sorrento side of the bay, it’s just a 500m walk from the ferry terminal to the main strip in Sorrento. Here you can tuck into a delicious lunch at one of the numerous cafes dotting the town. It’s also a great location to admire the ferry terminal’s heritage-listed building.
On the other side, the centre of Queenscliff is around 1 kilometre from the ferry terminal. Here you’ll find top attractions like the Bellarine Peninsula Railway, the Maritime Museum and Fort Queenscliff. There are several pubs and cafes located in the town, giving you plenty of opportunity to relax and refuel.
Many passengers choose to take their car over on the ferry one way, and return on the longer route via the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas. However you decide to travel, you’re sure to pass by some incredible scenery.
The ferries
The ferries that service the route are stylish and well-equipped. There are two all-weather 60-metre ferries that tackle the journey. Both feature easy drive on and drive off facilities, as well as comfortable lounges with huge windows. These spacious lounges offer great views of the surrounding landscapes.
But wait, that’s not all! There is also a café, a children’s playground and a colouring corner to keep younger members of the family occupied on the short ride.
When you get off or depart from Queenscliff, be sure to check out the Beach Café at the ferry port. From here, you can marvel at the best beach views in the region and tuck into a delicious selection of dishes from breakfast through to dinner.
Ferry operating times
The ferry travels every hour in all weather conditions, 7 days a week. Journeys run from between 7am and 6pm. Between December 26th and January 31st the ferries run a little later with a 7pm departure. This is so you can soak up as much of the summer sun as possible!
Why should you take the ferry?
The Sorrento to Queenscliff ferry not only helps you cross the peninsula in an environmentally friendly and speedy way. It also gives you the chance to explore this part of Australia in a relaxing and beautiful way.
Aerial view of a section of the Great Ocean Road
Visit both Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road with the convenience of the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry!
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.