The ‘Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise’ is a captivating full-day adventure that allows visitors to explore the stunning Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas. Offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and culture, the tour includes a scenic boat cruise showcasing breathtaking coastal vistas and a visit to the renowned Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Complemented by a delightful picnic lunch and a unique brewery tasting, this personalized experience promises to leave participants with lasting memories. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking an unforgettable day out, this tour is sure to pique your interest and leave you eager to discover more.
Key Points
- Comprehensive sightseeing tour of the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas, including a boat cruise, gondola ride, and picnic lunch.
- Explore Geelong Waterfront’s maritime heritage, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and the iconic bathing boxes.
- Enjoy a beer tasting paddle at the picturesque St Andrews Beach Brewery.
- Round-trip transportation from Melbourne and all activities, meals, and gratuities included in the tour price.
- Personalized experience with knowledgeable guides for a maximum of 21 travelers, ensuring an intimate and immersive exploration of the region.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a full-day excursion from Melbourne to the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Highlights include a visit to the vibrant Geelong Waterfront, an immersive experience at the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and a stroll along the iconic Bathing Boxes.
Travelers can also enjoy breathtaking views from Murrays Lookout and indulge in a tasting at a beachside brewery.
The day is packed with activities, including a boat cruise, a gondola ride, and a picnic lunch.
Operated by Explore Australia Tours, the tour accommodates a maximum of 21 travelers, providing a personalized and intimate sightseeing experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Geelong.
Itinerary and Inclusions
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Melbourne, a picnic lunch, a bay cruise, and a beer tasting paddle at St Andrews Beach Brewery.
Guests depart at 8:30 AM, with pickup between 7:55 – 8:30 AM from four central Melbourne locations, returning to the city between 6:00 – 6:30 PM.
The day-long itinerary allows visitors to explore the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas, taking in the Geelong Waterfront, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, iconic Bathing Boxes, and Murrays Lookout.
Along the way, guests will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise and a gondola ride, capped off with a sampling of locally-brewed craft beers.
With all transportation, meals, and activities included, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive sightseeing experience.
Pricing and Booking
According to the provided information, the tour pricing starts at $128.60, with a lowest price guarantee offered.
Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the experience. On top of that, confirmation is received at the time of booking, allowing flexibility in confirming the pickup location up to a day in advance.
The tour features round-trip transportation from Melbourne, a picnic lunch, a bay cruise, and a beer tasting paddle at St Andrews Beach Brewery.
The tour departs at 8:30 AM with pickups between 7:55 – 8:30 AM from four central Melbourne locations, returning to the city between 6:00 – 6:30 PM.
Accessibility and Additional Info
Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation.
Infant seats are available, and most travelers can participate. It includes all fees, taxes, snacks, and gratuities.
The full-day tour from Melbourne takes guests to the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas, highlighting natural and cultural attractions.
Activities include a boat cruise, gondola ride, and beer tasting at a beachside brewery.
With a maximum of 21 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides.
Positive reviews praise the tour’s comprehensive sightseeing, beautiful scenery, and substantial lunch.
Some feedback notes the cruise may not match expectations set by the tour title, but overall, guests recommend the tour for its diverse offerings.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise
Customer Reviews and Feedback
With a near-perfect rating of 5 stars from 22 reviews, the tour earns glowing praise for its knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and substantial lunch.
Guests highlight the comprehensive sightseeing experience, from the charming Geelong Waterfront to the stunning Murrays Lookout.
While some customers note the cruise portion was shorter than expected, the overall feedback remains overwhelmingly positive.
Reviewers appreciate the tour’s flexibility in confirming pickup locations and the availability of infant seats.
Despite a few minor concerns, the vast majority of travelers enthusiastically recommend this tour as an excellent way to explore the stunning Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas.
Geelong Waterfront Exploration
The tour’s first stop at the Geelong Waterfront showcases the city’s rich maritime heritage, with visitors strolling along the picturesque promenade lined with historic buildings, cafes, and art installations.
Highlights of the waterfront exploration include:
-
Admiring the imposing and beautifully restored Customs House, now home to a visitor information center and cafe.
-
Discovering the colorful and creative Bollard Trail, featuring over 100 sculptures depicting the city’s history.
-
Browsing the local artisan markets and boutique shops for unique souvenirs and regional goods.
-
Enjoying a coffee or lunch with stunning views of Corio Bay and the surrounding coastline.
-
Learning about Geelong’s evolution from a major industrial hub to a vibrant cultural destination.
Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Next, visitors get a chance to enjoy the rich cultural traditions of the local Wadawurrung people at the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre. This interactive experience allows guests to gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s First Nations heritage.
Visitors can explore the centre’s exhibitions, which showcase traditional artwork, tools, and stories passed down through generations. They’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony, designed to cleanse the spirit and connect with the land.
This cultural stopover provides a meaningful and eye-opening insight into the vibrant living culture of the Wadawurrung people, complementing the scenic highlights of the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas.
Beachside Brewery Visit
Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise
After experiencing the cultural traditions of the Wadawurrung people, visitors can indulge in a refreshing beer tasting at the St Andrews Beach Brewery, situated in a picturesque beachside setting.
The brewery offers a variety of locally crafted ales and lagers, perfect for sipping while taking in the stunning ocean views. Guests can sample a beer tasting paddle, allowing them to explore the brewery’s diverse offerings.
The visit to the St Andrews Beach Brewery is a delightful way to complement the day’s cultural and scenic experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not appear to offer an option to extend the duration. The itinerary and inclusions indicate it’s a full-day tour with a fixed schedule and return time to Melbourne. Extending the tour would likely require booking a separate, longer excursion.
Can I Request a Customized Itinerary for the Tour?
Customers can request a customized itinerary for the tour, but it may incur additional fees. The tour operator is generally flexible and will work with guests to accommodate special requests within reason, though the standard itinerary is already quite comprehensive.
What Is the Dress Code for the Boat Cruise?
The tour’s boat cruise doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and non-slip footwear are recommended. Guests should dress in layers to prepare for potential changes in weather conditions during the cruise.
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
According to the tour information, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour is focused on sightseeing and activities, and does not accommodate bringing pets along. Travelers should make alternative arrangements for their pets during the full-day excursion.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Local Products During the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes opportunities to purchase souvenirs and local products. Guests can visit the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and St Andrews Beach Brewery, where they can browse and buy a variety of locally-made items and specialty beers.
Recap
The ‘Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise’ offers a captivating full-day adventure exploring the stunning Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas.
Travelers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unique local experiences.
From a scenic boat cruise to an Aboriginal cultural encounter and a beachside brewery visit, this tour provides an unforgettable and well-rounded experience for all who embark on it.