Bellarine Coastal Trail bike tour: Ferry and cycle St Leonards

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.

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.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to SundayDepartures at 09:30 and 10:40

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic 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.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get from Docklands to Portarlington to start the ride?

The Docklands to Portarlington Ferry is included in your booking. You cruise across Port Phillip Bay with views of the bay and the Melbourne skyline, then land at Portarlington Pier where your bike is ready to collect.

What is the Bellarine Coastal Trail like to ride?

The Bellarine Coastal Trail runs on easy-gradient well-maintained gravel, bitumen and bridges from Portarlington to St Leonards, hugging the coastline past beaches, historic piers and reserves. The route is designed so you can stop at parks and picnic spots whenever you want to rest, swim or eat.

What's included in the bike tour?

The tour includes the return ferry ticket from Docklands, bike, helmet, water bottle, pack rack bag, maps and a written guide. Telephone assistance is available throughout the day if you need help or have questions on the trail.

Can I stop to swim or have lunch along the route?

Yes. The trail passes safe, sheltered beaches with soft sand and gentle waves where you can swim anytime. Parks and picnic facilities are spaced at intervals along the route, and St Leonards village has cafes, eateries and a beer garden where you can stop for food and drinks.

What should I know about St Leonards before I arrive?

St Leonards is a historic seaside village at the end of the trail with a working pier, the Sirens Boathouse, a kiosk, a homewares store, several cafes and the St Leonards Hotel with an ocean-facing beer garden. You have time to explore the village before heading back to Portarlington for the return ferry.