Exploring the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula just got easier with the ‘From Melbourne: Bellarine Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Ferry’ experience. Combining a scenic ferry ride from Melbourne’s Docklands and a flexible bus service, this tour allows visitors to discover renowned wineries, local cuisine, and stunning natural vistas at their own pace. With a knowledgeable guide providing insights along the way, this excursion promises an enjoyable and informative day out, ideal for those seeking to enjoy the region’s vibrant culture and diverse offerings. But the true highlights may lie in the unexpected discoveries that await those who embark on this journey.
Key Points
- Experience a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of the Bellarine Peninsula, starting with a scenic ferry ride from Melbourne’s Docklands.
- Explore renowned wineries, venues, and sample top-quality Australian food and wine along the way at your own pace.
- Flexible reservation and full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, with no upfront payment required.
- Live English-speaking guide enhances the experience, and the bus is equipped with water and storage for purchases.
- Advance bookings and paid tastings may be required at venues, with tasting fees ranging from €3 to €10 per person.
Overview and Pricing
The Bellarine Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Ferry experience starts from €81.01 per person and lasts for 7 hours, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Participants can reserve their spot and pay nothing today, allowing them to plan their trip with flexibility.
This tour provides a hassle-free way to explore the Bellarine Peninsula, offering a hop-on-hop-off bus service to visit renowned wineries, venues of interest, and sample top-quality Australian food and wine.
With a live tour guide available in English, travelers have the freedom to create their own schedule and discover the region at their own pace.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Melbourne.
Experience Highlights
With a hop-on-hop-off bus service, travelers can visit the renowned wineries and venues of interest across the Bellarine Peninsula. Participants can savor top-quality Australian food and wine while enjoying the freedom to create their own schedule.
A live tour guide available in English provides helpful insights throughout the experience. From the Docklands ferry in Melbourne, the tour whisks passengers to Portarlington, where they can hop on and off at designated stops to explore the region’s diverse offerings, including Bellarine Estate Winery, Bennetts on Bellarine, Terindah Estate, and more.
With water and a storage box for purchases on the bus, travelers can indulge in the best the Bellarine has to offer.
Transportation Details
Participants can travel to the Bellarine Peninsula via a ferry from Melbourne’s Docklands to Portarlington, where they’ll then board an hourly bus loop with designated stops at renowned wineries and venues across the region.
The bus makes stops at popular destinations like Lethbridge, Bellarine Estate Winery, Bennetts on Bellarine, Terindah Estate, and more.
Participants have the freedom to create their own schedule, hopping on and off the bus as they please.
The bus is equipped with water and storage for any purchases made during the tour.
Guests can enjoy the convenience of this transportation service while exploring the best of the Bellarine Peninsula at their own pace.
Booking and Venue Information
Venues may require advance bookings and paid tastings, and participants are responsible for arranging these independently. A venue guide and staff are available to provide recommendations to visitors.
Venue | Booking Required | Tasting Cost |
---|---|---|
Bellarine Estate Winery | Yes | €5 per person |
Terindah Estate | Yes | €10 per person |
Jack Rabbit Vineyard | Yes | €7 per person |
Scotchmans Hill | No | €3 per person |
While some venues accept walk-ins, it’s advisable to book tastings in advance to ensure availability. Participants should budget for any tasting fees, which range from €3 to €10 per person depending on the venue. The on-site staff can assist with recommendations and reservations to enhance the overall experience.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Notes
This tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users or children under 18 years old.
Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended.
Pets, large luggage, and smoking in the vehicle aren’t allowed.
The tour requires a minimum number of passengers to operate.
Passengers should note that boarding for the ferry opens 20 minutes prior to departure and closes 3 minutes before the ferry leaves.
Participants are responsible for booking any tastings or meals at the venues, but the venue guide and staff are available to provide recommendations.
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Getting to the Departure Point
The tour departs from Melbourne’s Docklands, where passengers can catch the ferry to the Bellarine Peninsula. From the Docklands, it’s just a short ride across the bay to the town of Portarlington, where the hop-on hop-off bus service begins.
To get to the departure point:
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Make your way to the Docklands ferry terminal, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
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Arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the ferry’s scheduled departure to allow time for boarding.
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Check in with the tour staff and receive your boarding pass before stepping onto the ferry.
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Relax and enjoy the scenic ferry ride across the bay as you approach the Bellarine Peninsula.
What to Expect on the Tour
Once passengers step off the ferry, they’ll be greeted by the hop-on hop-off bus service, ready to whisk them away to the renowned wineries and venues of the Bellarine Peninsula.
The bus runs on an hourly loop, allowing visitors the freedom to create their own schedule and explore the region at their own pace.
Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to taste top-quality Australian food and wine and learn from the live tour guide available in English.
With designated stops at popular destinations like Bellarine Estate Winery, Terindah Estate, and Jack Rabbit Vineyard, the tour offers a convenient and flexible way to experience the best of the Bellarine.
Water and storage for purchases are also provided on the bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Passengers may have a few common questions about the Bellarine Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Ferry experience. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
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Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board the bus. However, alcohol isn’t permitted. -
Are there restrooms on the bus?
Yes, the buses are equipped with onboard restrooms for your convenience. -
How do I book tastings and meals at the venues?
Venue bookings and paid tastings are the responsibility of participants. The tour provides a venue guide and staff can offer recommendations. -
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, the Bellarine Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Ferry experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or children under 18.
Recap
The Bellarine Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Ferry experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Bellarine Peninsula at your own pace.
With a scenic ferry ride, flexible bus service, and English-speaking guide, travelers can discover renowned wineries, savor local cuisine, and create a personalized itinerary.
This makes it an ideal day trip from Melbourne.
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