Please arrive at the terminal ticket window 20 minutes (foot passengers) and 40 minutes (for vehicles) prior to the ferry departure time. Foot passengers departing from Queenscliff please be aware that we are currently undergoing construction of a new ferry terminal and we recommend allowing extra time to park.  More info here

Please click on the purchase ferry tickets button in the top RH corner of the website.  Vehicle ferry tickets pre-purchased online proceed to the car ticket window for scanning and follow directions for boarding.  Foot passenger tickets pre-purchased online can proceed directly to the boarding lounge. To avoid disappointment all ticket holders are required to check in at the ticketing window at least 40 minutes for vehicles and 20 minutes for foot passengers prior to the desired travel time. All pre-purchased tickets are fully transferable to the next available trip should you arrive late.

The ferries have been purpose built to operate on Port Phillip Bay (which is a sheltered bay, not open sea) and are therefore unaffected by rough weather conditions. At worst a slight rolling motion will be experienced in very rough weather.  Both ferries are fitted with modern navigation equipment so are unaffected by fog.

Yes, the ferries run every day of the year including Christmas Day and all public holidays. Visit the ferry timetable for sailing times.

Drivers are included in the vehicle price and do not receive any further concession discount.  Additional vehicle passengers that hold a valid Australian pensioners card, seniors card, health care card or student card can receive the concession rate. Please note International concession cards are not accepted.

Bicycles are welcome on the ferry.  The rider pays the foot passenger fare and the bike travels for FREE.  Please note all riders and their bicycles must purchase and board the ferry through the car ticket window, from where they will ride onto the ferry.

Both the MV Sorrento and the MV Queenscliff are equipped with a passenger lift from the car deck to the passenger lounge.   If you are travelling by car please advise the ticketing staff at check-in that you require access to the lift.  Should assistance in boarding be required for foot passengers there is a wheelchair available.   Drop off at the ferry is also available most times of the year, please ask at the car ticket window for this service. For more information please visit our Accessibility Page.

Both the MV Sorrento and the MV Queenscliff ferries have an onboard Cafe open every sailing. Enjoy a great coffee made by our onboard Barista or a yummy snack. The menu includes a range of salads, sandwiches, toasties, pies, pastries and more, as well as a selection of hot drinks including barista made coffee, tea, chai tea & hot chocolate. A range of regional wine, beers and ciders are also available from 12 noon daily. There are plenty of seating options too, from the comfortable lounge, cafe style tables to casual stool and bench areas, all are strategically placed to take in the views from full length windows.

Car parking is available at both terminals. Parking at the Queenscliff terminal is free, with a maximum stay of 12 hours, and is limited in busy periods. There is street parking outside the terminal.

Public short term parking is available near the Sorrento Ferry Terminal at the Sorrento Jetty Car Park.  This car park is operated by the Mornington Peninsula Shire. Parking is Free May – October. Parking fees apply between November – April -  $1 an hour 8am – 8pm . Parking tickets for the Sorrento Jetty Car Park can be purchased from the online app or from Searoad Ferries Ticket offices at the Enquiries counter or at the Passenger Lounge. This printed ticket must be placed on your dashboard. Cost: $5 for 5 hours or $10 Day Ticket.  To purchase tickets online download the PayStay mobile app and register or visit paystay.com.au Alternatively call 1300 322 111 – Parking Zone Number 39001000.  

Please note the car parking at both Sorrento and Queenscliff is not secure and the company does not take responsibility for the cars of passengers left at or near the terminal.

A bus service to Geelong operates from within 400 metres of the Queenscliff Terminal. This connects in Geelong with trains to Melbourne and Warnambool. Visit www.mcharrys.com.au for timetable information. Look for Route 56.

A bus service operates from Sorrento’s main street and travels through the Mornington Peninsula to Frankston where it connects to the suburban train network to Melbourne. There is a bus that connects with some ferry arrivals and departures from Sorrento Pier. For timetable information click here. Look for Route 788.

Taxis can be booked from either terminal. Please let ferry staff know at the time of ticketing that you require a taxi on the other side.

The simple answer is YES.   Many car hire companies exclude some ferry routes in their rental contracts, however, these are usually ferries that service an offshore Island.

As Searoad ferries do not service an island, and are part of the Australian road network, therefore, hire cars are generally allowed to travel.

Double check with your rental car company prior to travel.

Frequent Travellers can save up to 35%* by purchasing a Membership Pass. Membership passes are pre-loaded with a dollar value and can be redeemed for all forms of travel. For more details please visit Searoad Membership

*Savings vary on the type of ticket and membership purchased.

Avalon airport is located 54 kilometres from the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal and is a great arrival point into Victoria. Several rental car companies are located at the airport for quick easy freeway access to Geelong, Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road. There is a shuttle bus/taxi connection to Geelong & the Bellarine (Queenscliff).  

For more information visit www.avalonairport.com.au/