Sailing between Sorrento & Queenscliff

Two vessels, MV Sorrento and MV Queenscliff, sail between Sorrento and Queenscliff criss crossing the bay 24 times a day, 365 days a year. That's over 8,700 crossings per annum!

The twin hull vessels are specially designed to operate in all weather conditions ensuring consistency of service for customers. Each vessel holds approximately 80 vehicles and 700 passengers.

The original, smaller ferry, MV Princess, operates during summer and peak days when required and also substitutes the larger ferries when at dry dock (annual maintenance). 

THE MV QUEENSCLIFF

The Queenscliff is a purpose-built catamaran ferry designed to deliver exceptional stability, comfort, and panoramic bay views. She continues to provide a smooth and enjoyable journey across Port Phillip Bay.

With full-length windows throughout the passenger lounges, guests can relax in comfort while taking in the ever-changing coastal scenery. Multiple outdoor viewing decks offer the perfect vantage point to spot iconic landmarks, playful dolphins that frequent the bay year-round, and migrating whales during the winter months.

On board, passengers can enjoy fresh barista-made coffee, light meals, and snacks from the fully licensed café, open on every sailing. Whether travelling for business, leisure, or a day trip adventure, the Queenscliff offers a memorable ferry experience that is as much about the journey as the destination.

MV Queenscliff Technical Specifications

Engine

Engines: 2x KTA38
Capacity

Main Deck: 56 cars or a combination of 30 cars & 7 tourist buses or trucks
Mezzanine Deck: 24 Cars
Passenger Capacity: 700


Dimensions
Length on deck: 60.10 metres
Length between perpendiculars: 54.00 metres
Moulded breadth: 16.4 metres
Depth to main deck: 4.2 metres
Draft: 2.3 metres
Gross Tonnage: 2107
Fuel: 80,000 litres
Fresh Water: 14,000 litres
Sullage: 14,000 litres
Ballast: 140,000 litres
Design & Build
Builder Port Lincoln Ship Construction Pty Ltd
Built in 1993 in Port Lincoln, South Australia, by Port Lincoln Ship Construction Pty Ltd, is a catamaran-design vessel which ensures maximum stability and passenger comfort. Refurbished Launceston, Tasmania 2011

THE MV SORRENTO

MV Sorrento is a modern, purpose-built vehicle and passenger ferry that offers a comfortable and scenic journey across the waters of Port Phillip Bay. Built in Tasmania in 2001, the 61.4-metre vessel can carry up to 700 passengers and 80 vehicles, combining dependable Australian engineering with spacious facilities designed for a relaxing voyage.

Passengers can unwind in comfortable lounges, take in sweeping bay views from the outdoor viewing decks, or use the onboard binoculars to spot local landmarks, playful dolphins, and even migrating whales during the winter months. Families are well catered for with a dedicated children's play area and baby change facilities, making the journey enjoyable for travellers of all ages.

For those seeking a little extra comfort, the beautiful Portsea Lounge offers a cosy retreat with spectacular forward-facing views, while the onboard café serves barista-made coffee, refreshments, and snacks on every sailing. Whether you're commuting, exploring, or simply enjoying a day out, MV Sorrento makes the crossing an experience to remember.

MV Sorrento Technical Specifications

Engine

Main Engines: 2 x Cummins KTA38-M2, 1300hp at 1800rpm
Propulsion Thrusters: 2 x Ulstein Aquamaster US1201 CRP Azimuth
Side Thrusters: 2 x Kamewa Ulstein 45 TV controllable pitch; 300kw/18
Auxillary Engines Motor: Cummins KTA38/Onan 837 for bow thruster
Generators 2 x Cummins 6BT 5.9 G2M gensets
Capacity

Main Deck: 56 cars or a combination of 30 cars & 7 tourist buses or trucks
Mezzanine Deck: 24 Cars
Passenger Capacity: 700
Service Speed: 11 knots

Dimensions
Length: 61.4 metres
Length waterline: 57.0 metres
Beam: 17.4 metres
Depth to main deck: 4.5 metres
Draft: 2.3 metres
Displacement (loaded): 750 tones
Gross Tonnage: 2514
Fuel: 80,000 litres
Design & Build
Builder Peninsula Searoad Charters Pty Ltd
Sub Builder Southern Marine Shiplift Pty Ltd
Designer Seward Maritime
Construction Steel hulls & decks, steel & aluminium superstructure
Travellers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trip Advisor
Simple and enjoyable process
Really enjoyed taking the ferry. Not very busy, easy to get on and off with car and nice ship. Comfortable lounge and even had a sandwich. Really like the driving it saved us. Put us in great shape for starting the Great Ocean Road.
Enjoy the drive..Take The Ferry
Why would you bother driving through all that city traffic when you can just hop aboard the ferry to get from one side of the bay to the other?
Excellent way to cross the bay
We took the car over the bay. What an easy trip. No need to book. Boat is in excellent condition and crew were great. High recommended.