Anchorage: Blairgowrie 

At the southern end of Port Phillip Bay, Mornington is more Mediterranean than Melbourne. Expect sophisticated dining, boutique hotels and acclaimed vineyards. Naturists will revel in endless ocean views, National Parks and wildlife

 
Wine district...Yacht Club...Sorrento- Queenscliff ferry...Natural beauty

The Mornington Peninsula wine district has over 170 vineyards with 50 cellar door outlets open to visitors.The region is aclaimed for its cool climate wines with Montalto and the curiously named Ten Minutes by Tractor just two vineyards who also offer innovative dining options.Accommodation and vineyard tours are available. The region hosts 18 world standard golf courses, including great names in golf course architecture such as Greg Norman.
 
Historic Queenscliff is just 30 minutes away by ferry from nearby Sorrento pier.Searoad Ferries criss-cross southern Port Phillip Bay every hour, carrying both vehicular and foot passengers.From the ferry, passengers will sail past the magnificent mansions atop the cliffs at Sorrento & Portsea, plus the historic fortifications and buildings of Point Nepean.Approaching the opening of the Rip and on to Queenscliff, the majestic Ozone Hotel rises above the Cyprus trees, and the intricate beacon system to guide mariners through the Rip can be seen.

The Peninsula has over 25,000 hectares of National Parks.Walking tracks are dotted throughout the region.From short beach front or cliff top walks to the challenging 26km Two Bays Walk, the peaceful bushlands and dramatic coastline provide endless opportunities.Snorkelling with dolphins and seals are available during the summer months.  
 
Anchorage
Blairgowrie is situated in Camerons Bight on the Mornington Peninsula, at the southern end of Port Phillip Bay.Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron with its convenient marina is positioned midway between fashionable Portsea and Rye.Depths within the marina are charted at minimum 2.1 metres LAT.
Approach from Portsea or Sorrento to the west is via Sorrento Channel, keeping well out from the plethora of moored boats and private jetties jutting out beneath the clifftop homes.To the north, between Sorrento Channel and the major shipping route of South Channel is a large expanse of shoal area, known as South Sand, that can dry at low tide.		  
Approaching from the east, vessels enter the eastern end of Sorrento Channel at Rye Jetty, after crossing Capel Sound.Lateral marks define the edges of the aforementioned shoal area to the north, while the beach is shallow well offshore.A marked channel leads vessels into the marina.
Visitors wishing to dock in the marina should contact BYS before arrival to ensure a berth is available.

Marina location: Lat 38 deg 21.3S  Long 144 deg 46.3E
Checklist
Best Time to Go With Victoria's cool climate, summer is definitely the best time for boating on Port Phillip Bay.Blairgowrie is protected from the afternoon southerly sea breeze.However the winter months can often produce cool calm days with flat water, making a run down the bay from Melbourne feasible.Just ensure you have a weather forecast before setting out, as conditions on the bay can change dramatically.
How Long to Get There Port Phillip Bay has many shoaling areas that are unnavigable.Particularly difficult areas are north of Mornington Peninsula and the entrance to the bay, known as The Rip.Tides are a dominant factor determining boat speed down the bay, with such a large expanse of water racing through the narrow two mile wide gap at the Rip.Williamstown to Blairgowrie is approximately 35nm via the South Channel and Capel Sound.
Fuel & Provisions Well-provisioned shops and takeway foods are within about 15 minutes walk.Major shopping is available at nearby Portsea & Sorrento.Fuel is not available at the marina.
Cruising Guide Creeks and Harbours of Port Phillip by Richard Hawkins
Charts: Paper AUS Entrance to Port Phillip
Charts: C-Map Apollo Bay to Port Albert
Destination Info Mornington Peninsula Visitor Centre
 
 

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