Ferry to Portarlington and Bellarine Peninsula Cycling
About this event
For the last weekend prior to the end of daylight saving, take a ferry from Docklands to Portarlington, cycle the Bellarine Peninsula then return to Southern Cross Station (Docklands) by train from South Geelong.
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: Medium, approximately 46 km, cycling (plus ferry and train). The route is flat to gently undulating on both cycling paths and roads, with a combination of sealed and gravel surfaces.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:
Enjoy a relaxing, multi-mode tour of the northern Bellarine Peninsula, starting with a ferry ride from Docklands to Portarlington to take in the scenery of the lower Yarra and the Bay. Once docked in Portarlington, we'll have lunch at the Portarlington Golf Club, taking care to not over indulge though as there's work to be done afterwards! (** we had originally planned to dine at the Portarlington Grand Hotel, but unfortunately it's closed for renovations). After dining, we follow the scenic off-road coastal trail around to St Leonards (13 km). There we head inland, riding on-road (mostly unsealed), to meet the Bellarine Rail Trail at Drysdale (13 km). That trail takes us back to South Geelong Station (20.7 km) to catch a V/Line train to Southern Cross, with departures from South Geelong every 20 minutes approximately.
IMPORTANT: There's a limit of 20 bikes on the ferry. Book your ferry ticket early to ensure you don't miss out!
WALKING OPTION: You can also join us for lunch, followed by some relatively easy walks around Portarlington if you wish. Richard Chater will lead those walks. Afterwards, you can either return by ferry (departing Portarlington at 4:30pm) or else catch a bus to Geelong, then V/Line train back to Melbourne.
BOOKING: By Thursday 25th March, or ASAP to ensure you can get your bike on the ferry.
- Cycling: To register, click on Get Tickets and also book your ferry ticket to Portarlington, being sure to select the (free) bike option.
- Lunch/Walking: to register, click on Get Tickets as normal, but be sure to select your "Preferred Activity" as "Walking" (or "Other" if you only wish to attend the lunch then make your own way home). Note that because of COVID regulations, walkers also need to pre-book your ferry ticket to Portarlington.
NOMADS COVIDSAFE CHECKLIST: Checklist 210328 Ferry to Portarlington and Cycling Bellarine Peninsual.
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: 10:20am at 131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands to load your bike for a 10:40am ferry departure (which arrives in Portarlington at 11:50am).
COST:
- Ferry: Full $16.50 or Concession $15.00. No surcharge for bikes, but they must be booked (limit of 20 bikes)
- Lunch: see the Portarlington Golf Club menu
- V/Line Train (South Geelong to Southern Cross): the Geelong stations are in Myki Zone 4. The cost for an off-peak Zone 1-4 trip is $9.52 full or $4.76 concession.
MAP REFERENCE: Ferry terminal: Melway map 2E grid G5 | Google map goo.gl/maps/UmmEhXgNVsBYY8SY6.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Southern Cross Station is close by. The safest way to ride from Southern Cross Station is to take the Collins Street exit. Turn right onto Collins Street then after 500 metres turn right onto Harbour Esplanade. The ferry will be located on your left after 500 metres.
FOOD: Lunch will be at the Portarlington Golf Club. Carry a litre of water.
APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Face mask, hand sanitiser, comfortable cycling gear, plus bike, helmet and gloves. Dress according to the weather forecast. A light jacket may be useful regardless of the forecast.
LEADER: Alan D. | Email the Leader if you have any questions.
Members can access leader contact details under Members | Leader Contacts when logged in to the website.
Image: Port Phillip Ferries
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