Bellarine Coastal Trail bike tour: ferry and cycle St Leonards

Free cancellationLikely to sell out

1/17

Duration7h 30m

GroupPrivate

Mobile ticketAccepted

Glide past bayside views and historic villages with a picnic-ready ride

A self-guided bike tour along the Bellarine Coastal Trail between Portarlington and St Leonards, starting with a ferry ride from Docklands across Port Phillip Bay. You cycle easy-gradient gravel and bitumen paths past golden beaches, historic piers and the You Yangs, with parks and picnic spots spaced along the route. The ferry ticket, bike, helmet, water bottle, pack rack bag, maps and written guide are all included; telephone assistance is available throughout the day if you need it. Minimum age 16.

7h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Portarlington Coastal Bike Tour

Cruise Docklands to Portarlington ferry
Walk along historic Portarlington Pier
Explore Portarlington seaside village
Cycle past golden beaches of Portarlington and Indented Head
Visit Wrathall Reserve and Batman Memorial
Cycle to St Leonards and explore village
Return by ferry from Portarlington to Docklands

The Experience

The day starts on the Docklands to Portarlington Ferry, where Port Phillip Bay spreads out in front of you before you even clip into the pedals. Once you land at Portarlington Pier—built in 1859 and still working as a fishing port—you walk past mussel boats and Aboriginal art along the new covered walkway, then collect your bike and head out along the Bellarine Coastal Trail. The route runs easy on well-maintained gravel, bitumen and bridges, so the gradient stays gentle and the focus stays on what's around you: the bay views, the You Yangs across the water, the Melbourne skyline on clear days.

The trail hugs the coastline past Portarlington's golden beaches and Indented Head, where you can pull off anytime to swim or sit on soft sand with gentle waves. Wrathall Reserve at Indented Head has the historic Batman Memorial and cypress trees for shade. Parks and picnic facilities dot the route at intervals, so you can stop for refreshments you bring or pick up local treats along the way. The ride continues to St Leonards, passing the St Leonards Pier, the Sirens Boathouse and a kiosk, then opens into the village where a homewares store, several cafes and the ocean-facing beer garden at St Leonards Hotel give you options for lunch or a break. The return ferry leaves from Portarlington in the afternoon, so the timing is built around getting you back to Docklands without rushing the day.

What’s included

The Docklands to Portarlington return ferry ticket.
bike and helmet.
water bottle and pack rack bag.
maps and written guide.
first aid kit.
telephone assistance throughout the day if you need it.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Cycling Vine Tours

Is this one for you?The ferry from Docklands means you don't need a car to reach Portarlington or to get back at the end of the day—the transport is arranged and the timing holds together, so the whole route stays accessible whether you're staying in Melbourne or visiting without a vehicle.