Western Port Ferries
Western Port Ferries
4.5
About
Western Port Ferries operates the passenger ferry service on spectacular Western Port Bay, sailing between Stony Point, on the Mornington Peninsula, Tankerton on French Island and Cowes on Phillip Island. The service operates 365 days per year, and is a vital connection to the mainland for French Island residents and is an extremely popular route for visitors to the area.
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< 1 hour
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27 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Tony SKangaroo Flat, Australia42 contributionsBetter than a rollercoaster!We traveled on the 10th of January from Stony Point to French Island and then on to Philip Island and back. It was a little bit rocky but nothing compared to the return trip after the cool change kicked in! Chatting to the cabin crew ( I can't remember her name but she had a lovely big smile and came from Coronet Bay!) she said that we may be delayed if it got a bit rough. We sat in the bar of the Isle of Wight watching the ferry come in and flipping heck it was getting thrown around! Just like spotlighting in the back of the ute I found it easier to stand. Our smiley mate was very good with the queasy people and moved around like we were on dry land, the old sea dog! I've not been on many boats but I was impressed with the way that one was handled.Thank you Tony S for the wonderful review! Our crew do an amazing job in what is, sometimes, tricky conditions. Of course safety is our number one priority. Glad you enjoyed the crossing - sitting and standing! Hope to see you sailing again with us. Regards, LeanneWritten February 9, 2020This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2020Written February 5, 2020
- witte1974Melbourne, Australia25 contributionsBest way to spend the day.Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to Westernport Ferries and inparticular to "Captain Anthony" for the time that you took to explain the running of the ferry including your generous acceptance to have a photo with our grandchilden. We wanted you to know not only what a fantastic first time experience it was for them but how thrilled they were and how special the whole adventure was. Ken and Bernadette.Thank you witte1974 for the lovely feedback and review. This has been passed on to the Western Port Ferries team, including "Captain Anthony". The crew do a great job and enjoy what they do. It is a lovely cruise across the bay and it is indeed and 'adventure'. Hope to see you back onboard again soo for your second visit! Warm regards, LeanneWritten January 28, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2021Written January 27, 2021
- Lorna LMelbourne, Australia85 contributionslovely boat ridelovely boat ride with friendly staff. people with bikes a bit of a pain pushing through pedestrians. they should load the bikes last. my only complaint is the toilets were locked and staff reluctant to unlock. this is not good and should be rectified. If there was an urgent call it would be too late !Thank you Gaye L for your review and we are glad you enjoyed the boat ride. In regards to your feedback about the toilets, toilets are only locked when engaged (in use by passengers). I am sure you can appreciate why our staff would be reluctant to unlock the toilet door. We do hope to see you onboard again soon. Warmest regards, LeanneWritten January 24, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2021Written January 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
43 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
5
Average
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Poor
2
Terrible
4
Graham
2 contributions
Jun 2020
The ferry took off a minute before scheduled departure time, they had seen us approaching but departed anyway. So much for local tourism, French island you missed out💰💰 because of some impatient so called captain. Check the cameras if you don’t believe us.
Written June 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Mygov for your feedback. We did check with the Master on the day and he unfortunately did not see any passengers on the pier or approaching the ferry. We try our best to accommodate any passengers we see approaching the ferry or running late. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Regards,
Leanne
Written June 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Garry c
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Family
The ride from stoney point to cow's and return , great. Our problem was there was no parking for people with a disabilities. The ticket office staff said they had no idea of where we could park. A bad start to the day. Their is 2 disabled parking spots past the boat launching area but a couple of signs say no vehicles without trailers can park here. Great journey that could be improved. If you're a bus no problems with special parking.
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you 904garryc for the feedback. Firstly, we are glad you enjoyed the ferry experience and crossing to Cowes and return. Our team do a great job. We are sorry for your experience with lack of disabled parking. It is an issue and has been raised with the correct authorities who look after the parking in general. Of course in very peak travel periods like when you travelled it is even more tricky.
We continue to raise this issue so are customers can be accommodated.
We hope you try our service again in the future.
Warm regards,
Leanne
Written March 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
worldtravellers1995
Cairns, Australia272 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Our return trip to Phillip Island was smooth sailing, barely knew we were on water. The staff were friendly and the ferry was on time. We brought our bikes onboard as we rode them around the island and the staff were accommodating. No complaints.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review worldtravllers1995. The crew do a great job and hopping across to French Iland or Phillip Island is only a 15 minute ferry ride, perfect for taking your bikes and getting around either island.
Hope to see you saling again soon.
Warm regards,
Leanne
Written March 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Juzsavage
Mornington, Australia9 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
Decided to try the ferry today instead of driving. Wow! Super easy. Ferry is clean, friendly staff. Not sure I’ll drive from Mornington to Phillip Island ever again.
Written January 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your lovely review. The 20 minute ferry trip to Phillip Island is very easy and certainly quick! And the train station is just a short walk from Stony Point Jetty or there is plenty of parking.
Hope to see you onboard again soon.
Regards,
Leanne
Written February 6, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lizcan2018
Phillip Island, Australia1 contribution
May 2018 • Solo
Having been left on the pier twice now, I have no confidence in the service, if you can call it that.
It was my understanding that the first and last ferry, is a service designed to connect with the train from/to Frankston.
I have registered for the sms cancellation notification.
It was my experience that although I phoned head office regarding the possibility of a cancellation they said they are in Sorrento and don't know as it is up to the ferry operator to decide whether to cancel or run. I didn't get the sms until just before the last station prior to arriving at Stony Point. On walking out to the ferry I was informed they were only taking passengers to French Island. I was stuck at Stony Point.
But that was only the first time I was left standing on the pier at Stony Point feeling very cold and distressed.
The second time I was walking out to the ferry and suddenly it pulled away. I waved frantically at the ferry as I could see the young man who sold me my 'return' ticket that morning when I asked if it would definitely be running. But although I wasn't late the ferry continued to pull away and I was left standing on the pier.The bus driver ( as buses were replacing trains) phoned the ferry company to ask why I had been left behind as she was not late but in fact early. The person who answered the phone at Westernport Ferries, simply said , I am not management, I can't help. Email a complaint if you wish.The bus driver was appalled. I had to go back to Frankston and stay there the night.
The next morning I waited at Frankston Station outside in 4 degrees and darkness for the first bus back to Stony Point to catch the first ferry.Once on the ferry I politely but to the point voiced my displeasure to the guy who had sold me my return ticket the previous day. Oh sorry I didn't see you on the pier was his response.
I don't have any confidence in the ferry after these two experiences.
Initially I thought how nice it was to see a female in charge of the ferry. I have now changed my opinion.
Spike would run the old ferry to connect with public transport and also did not cancel the service unless the conditions were extremely rough. It seems now with the new bigger ferry it cancels due to weather conditions that the old ferry would have had no problem with.
I wonder if the female captain is inexperienced and also if the new bigger ferry is less seaworthy than the older smaller ferry.
I have no confidence in the reliability of Westernport Ferries.
It's better to drive than be left standing stranded on a pier in the cold holding a ticket that is of no use.
I am not willing to risk a third time left on the pier.
Such a shame as it was a great service with the old ferry.
It was my understanding that the first and last ferry, is a service designed to connect with the train from/to Frankston.
I have registered for the sms cancellation notification.
It was my experience that although I phoned head office regarding the possibility of a cancellation they said they are in Sorrento and don't know as it is up to the ferry operator to decide whether to cancel or run. I didn't get the sms until just before the last station prior to arriving at Stony Point. On walking out to the ferry I was informed they were only taking passengers to French Island. I was stuck at Stony Point.
But that was only the first time I was left standing on the pier at Stony Point feeling very cold and distressed.
The second time I was walking out to the ferry and suddenly it pulled away. I waved frantically at the ferry as I could see the young man who sold me my 'return' ticket that morning when I asked if it would definitely be running. But although I wasn't late the ferry continued to pull away and I was left standing on the pier.The bus driver ( as buses were replacing trains) phoned the ferry company to ask why I had been left behind as she was not late but in fact early. The person who answered the phone at Westernport Ferries, simply said , I am not management, I can't help. Email a complaint if you wish.The bus driver was appalled. I had to go back to Frankston and stay there the night.
The next morning I waited at Frankston Station outside in 4 degrees and darkness for the first bus back to Stony Point to catch the first ferry.Once on the ferry I politely but to the point voiced my displeasure to the guy who had sold me my return ticket the previous day. Oh sorry I didn't see you on the pier was his response.
I don't have any confidence in the ferry after these two experiences.
Initially I thought how nice it was to see a female in charge of the ferry. I have now changed my opinion.
Spike would run the old ferry to connect with public transport and also did not cancel the service unless the conditions were extremely rough. It seems now with the new bigger ferry it cancels due to weather conditions that the old ferry would have had no problem with.
I wonder if the female captain is inexperienced and also if the new bigger ferry is less seaworthy than the older smaller ferry.
I have no confidence in the reliability of Westernport Ferries.
It's better to drive than be left standing stranded on a pier in the cold holding a ticket that is of no use.
I am not willing to risk a third time left on the pier.
Such a shame as it was a great service with the old ferry.
Written June 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and feedback. Please note that our number one priority is customer safety and on the day you travelled was indeed one of the windiest days of the month of June on Western Port Bay with winds recorded at 37 knots. Weather can be deceiving. The departure point may not look that bad but the other ports may well be a different situation. Particularly in Cowes where the weather can be more extreme. Please make sure you are checking the timetable on the Western Port Ferries website and not the previous operators website as unfortunately, that website is incorrect with all ferry departure times listed as departing 10 minutes later than our timetable. In addition, please note that the very first ferry service does not travel through to Phillip Island.
Your feedback has been duly noted and passed on to our Operations Manager at Western Port Ferries.
Regards,
Written July 10, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bubs
21 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
Travelled on the ferry yesterday with a friend. Great service, all staff friendly and helpful.
Was nice to hear their concern to get customers back to Crib point for the train.
Wonderful day out, calling into French Is and then onto Cowes.
We spent our time having lunch, wondering along the shops then sitting on a seat in the shade watching the activities on the beach. Lovely ice cream at the kiosk.
Suggestion: would be great if there was a shuttle bus to go on for a tour out to the Nobbies.
Was nice to hear their concern to get customers back to Crib point for the train.
Wonderful day out, calling into French Is and then onto Cowes.
We spent our time having lunch, wondering along the shops then sitting on a seat in the shade watching the activities on the beach. Lovely ice cream at the kiosk.
Suggestion: would be great if there was a shuttle bus to go on for a tour out to the Nobbies.
Written February 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your great review. It is a lovely day trip to Cowes from the Mornington Peninsula, so glad you enjoyed it and all that Cowes has to offer. And we agree that it would be great if there was a connection to the Nobbies.
Hope to see you back onboard again soon.
Warm regards,
Leanne
Written March 7, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zhenkun55
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Oct 2018 • Friends
Yesterday, October 11th, our six seniors came to the stone point and took a cruise. Although this week is the elderly week, we need to buy tickets for 16 yuan per person. Say that an island is 8yuan. The six of us paid 96 yuan. However, when reached the Franch island, not only did the crew not remind us to disembark, nor did the broadcast remind us to disembark. The first time we arrived here, in the boat had a small view (please investigate), and the wind was very big. When we arrived at Fhilip Island, we asked why the first island did not disembark, and the crewwomen said that you are not going down. we are treated unjustly. She also said that it will pay 8 yuan againt if you go that island. The ship's crew did not have the responsibility to remind them and the all passenges can to testify. We ask for a fairness for us.
Written October 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I understand that you have also emailed our Customer Service Team who will respond directly to you in relation to your concerns. We do pride ourselves in offering excellence in customer service, assisting customers on and off the boat and advising passengers of the stops. Please note that during Seniors Week Public Transport Victoria offers free travel to Seniors on buses and trains, not aboard Western Port Ferries. However, Seniors Card Holders travel for FREE every Saturday, Sunday and on Public Holidays with Western Port Ferries.
Regards,
Leanne
Written October 24, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
katyara2004
Moscow, Russia166 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
This girls rocks. She really helped me a lot in a difficult situation once I took a ferry and I realized that I left my purse somewhere on the train before . She cheered me up , called the train station lost and found and offered me some money. Such a big heart of yours , darling . She was talking to me all way to phillip island and back and I realized that the world needs more people like this .
She is very professional and self motivated at work . All the passengers like her
Thank you again darling
She is very professional and self motivated at work . All the passengers like her
Thank you again darling
Written September 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your beautiful review. Yes, we agree Ash is superstar. A big heart indeed.
Hope to see you aboard Western Port Ferries again!
Warmest regards,
Leanne
Written September 9, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lois P
Melbourne, Australia145 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
We caught the ferry from Stony Point jetty to Cowes for lunch with friends. If traveling by car make sure to get to Stony Point early as parking can be limited. We were a group of 10 seniors which allowed us all,to,travel free on weekends & public holidays. The trip takes 40 to 45 minutes. Definitely beats driving.
Written March 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the great review. What a great days outing. Sailing to lunch, a wander around the village of Cowes, visit the brewery or ice cream shop and wander the beach. Perfect!
Hope to see you again soon.
Regards,
Leanne
Written March 8, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Juliemta18
Melbourne, Australia10 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
Sensational Trip!
I experienced a very smooth trip under slightly testing conditons.
Docking at Phillip Island was faultless, no thumping or banging into the wharf.
It was later I discovered the skipper and crew were all girls...hats off to you.
I experienced a very smooth trip under slightly testing conditons.
Docking at Phillip Island was faultless, no thumping or banging into the wharf.
It was later I discovered the skipper and crew were all girls...hats off to you.
Written February 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review, and yes the crew do an amazing job.
Hope to see you onboard again soon.
Regards,
Leanne
Written March 8, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How long is the ferry ride stony point to cowes?
George N
Newcastle, Australia76 contributions
45 minutes via French Island first stop.
Dom93
Szczecin, Poland10 contributions
Hello,
Does anyone knows if the train from Frankstown to Stony Point with schedule arrival at 10:51 AM is communicated with the ferry to Philip Island with schedule departure at 10:45 AM?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Western Port Ferries
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- (0.02 mi) Stony Point Caravan Park
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- (5.33 mi) Le Bouchon French Cuisine
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Western Port Ferries Information
Excellent Reviews | 32 |
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Very Good Reviews | 5 |
Western Port Ferries Photos | 28 |