
Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise worth booking?
Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise is a 10-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $135 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (25)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $135 per person
Spend the day with us as we journey around the bay throughout the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas where we will take a stroll along the coastline, pick fresh produce and enjoy the speculator views as you cross the bay.
What you get
About this experience
Spend the day with us as we journey around the bay throughout the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas where we will take a stroll along the coastline, pick fresh produce and enjoy the speculator views as you cross the bay.
What's included
Included
- Ferry Crossing on Searoad Ferries
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Strawberry picking (Nov-Apr)
Not included
- Snacks
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
The day can’t start off any better than with a walk along Geelong’s spectacular waterfront. A daily tradition for local residents, we’ll take the opportunity to breathe in the fresh sea air as we walk along the esplanade before getting the day underway.
30 minutes here
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse
Our next stop along the Bellarine Peninsula will be a stroll around the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse for a divine photo opportunity that is truly Instagram-worthy. No filter needed!
20 minutes here
Queenscliff
TARRA Queenscliff is a beachfront dining destination offering contemporary Australian cuisine, seasonal local produce, and stunning ocean views from the iconic Queenscliff Ferry Terminal.
60 minutes here
Sail across the bay on Searoad Ferry, traveling between Queenscliff and Sorrento. This scenic journey offers a relaxing way to experience the bay's breathtaking views.
45 minutes here · Admission included
London Bridge
Set upon the pristine Portsea Beach, you’ll find ‘The’ London Bridge. This impressive wonder of nature has no chance of falling down anytime soon and is definitely a unique rock formation.
20 minutes here
Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm
Experience the joy of picking your own fresh strawberries at Rocky Creek Strawberry Farm (available November to April). Stroll through the fields, hand-pick sweet, ripe berries, and savor the farm-fresh taste of this seasonal treat. A fun and delicious stop for all ages! Available November to April.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Enjoy a guided chcocolate tasting, taste 12 handcrafted chocolate during a 20 minute tasting. Available May to October.
30 minutes here · Admission included
This world-renowned destination is a must-see glimpse into local heritage protected history. Situated along the coast of the Mornington Peninsula Port Phillip Bay, these iconic bathing boxes are the area’s symbol of summer and are a tourist attraction to themselves.
30 minutes here
Arthurs Seat
Next stop, Arthurs Seat where you will admire the panoramic views from Murrays Lookout across the bay to the city.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Melbourne
Please wait outside the main entrance of 688 Bourke St at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 40 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Please wait outside the main entrance of 688 Bourke St at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time. Explore Australia Tours will send your exact pickup time before departure, so please check your messages carefully, as it may differ from the advertised tour start time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Explore Australia Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful trip but have room for improvement
Wonderful trip except a small blemish. There were two guides, the first one was Darren and second part was Matt. Both were knowledgeable and funny. After went ashore, we joined into another group with new guide - Matt. Finally, some newcomers were joined after Strawberry Farm. Little bit confusing to find new seats and felt sultriness in the minibus. There were many stops. Beautiful Geelong Waterfront. Nice view near Lighthouse. The lunch at the pier was good. Great main course and desserts, plus a drink in the ferry. Breathtaking views from the ferry. We visited Strawberry Farm to handpick delicious strawberries in boxes. Admired panoramic views from Murrays Lookout in Arthurs Seat. Beautiful beach with colorful bathing Boxes. Full of sightseeing experiences.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such a detailed review! We are delighted to hear you enjoyed the Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise, from the beautiful Geelong Waterfront to the panoramic views at Murrays Lookout and the colorful beach bathing boxes. It is wonderful that Darren and Matt made the tour fun and informative. We appreciate your feedback regarding the seating changes and the minibus comfort and will take it on board to improve the experience for future guests. We are glad the lunch, ferry views, and Strawberry Farm visit added to your day and created lasting memories. Your thoughtful review means a lot to us!
via Tripadvisor
Around the bay tour
Overall experience was great. Matt was an excellent tour guide. He was a great commentator and very informative. He gives occassional jokes as well. Food from Tarra was quite perfect as well. The presentation taste and texture hit the spot. Loved the ferry ride from sorrento and the chocolate testing for gourmet chocolates at mornington chocolate factory.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Jennifer! We are so pleased you enjoyed your *Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise* with Explore Australia Tours. It is great to hear Matt made the day so engaging and that you loved the lunch at TARRA, the ferry crossing from Sorrento, and the chocolate tasting — such a perfect combination of coastal views and local flavours!
via Viator
Strongly recommend
Gina is very informative and good at photography. We absolutely had a great day. Strongly recommend this tour to everyone who’s visiting Melbourne.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We are so glad to hear that you had a great day on the Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise. Gina will be thrilled to know that you found her informative and helpful with photography. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate it. We hope to welcome you again on another memorable tour during your next visit to Melbourne!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful scenery
Although a very hot Melbourne day we had a delightful trip sightseeing and visiting many great locations. Our driver Maigread was very knowledgeable and interesting. She certainly made our day so much more enjoyable with her input.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your sightseeing trip despite the hot weather. Maigread will be delighted to know that her knowledge and insights contributed to making your day memorable. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you on another tour soon. Safe travels!
via Tripadvisor
Mornington Peninsula tour
Gary, our driver and guide, was excellent. Took us to key highlights on Mornington Peninsula and gave detailed information. We also went on the round ferry trip from Sorrento and visited the craft beer venue T St Andrews Beach. Highly recommend Gary and this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $135 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Explore Australia Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.2.
See everything Explore Australia Tours runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $135 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Melbourne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Melbourne is not rushed.
Is Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Melbourne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Melbourne and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Melbourne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Melbourne?
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On Outty we rank every Melbourne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Cider & Chocolate tour, Melbourne: Epic Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch - Gin/Beer Upgrade, Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne - Choc, Gin & Good Times. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Melbourne?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise?
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Included: Ferry Crossing on Searoad Ferries; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Strawberry picking (Nov-Apr). Not included: Snacks; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Melbourne. Be ready about 40 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise?
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Across 25 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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