Frankston: Port Phillip Bay Water Bike Tour

Frankston: Port Phillip Bay Water Bike Tour — A Unique Aquatic Adventure

Imagine gliding silently across the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay on a waterbike, with the gentle breeze and expansive views of the bay around you. For just $65 per person, this 1.5-hour guided tour offers an engaging way to see parts of Victoria’s coast that are often missed by typical sightseeing excursions. Departing from Frankston, you’ll pedal through secluded beaches, historic sites, and even have the chance to spot local dolphins—all while learning about the area’s fascinating history from your friendly guide.

What makes this experience especially appealing is the combination of physical activity and relaxed sightseeing. We love how the tour offers a different perspective of the Frankston foreshore and the chance to explore quiet beaches typically hidden from larger boats or crowds. Plus, the proximity to Daveys Bay, with its historical jetty dating back to the 1840s, brings a touch of maritime history directly to your waterbike adventure. The small group size (limited to five participants) ensures a personalized, engaging experience.

A possible consideration: this tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues or those who are very young or very heavy—so it’s best for those comfortable on a bike and able to handle the water activity. If you’re seeking a relaxing yet active way to connect with nature and history, this tour appeals most to curious travelers, nature lovers, and those wanting something off the beaten path.

Key Points

• Unique Perspective: Offers a fresh way to see Frankston’s coastline and beaches.
• Historically Rich: Includes stops at 1800s jetty and yacht club sites.
• Wildlife Encounters: Potential dolphin sightings make the trip even more memorable.
• Personalized Experience: Small groups foster a friendly, intimate environment.
• Physical Activity: A fun, light workout suitable for most fitness levels.
• Eco-Friendly: Waterbikes are quiet and environmentally friendly, minimizing disturbance to wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Exploration of the Water Bike Tour Experience

Starting out – Safety, Comfort, and Coffee

The adventure begins on Frankston Pier, where your guide greets you with a friendly demeanor. After a brief safety briefing and operational overview, each participant is fitted with a lifejacket and their waterbike — a sturdy, self-propelled vessel perfect for exploring calm bay waters. The tour starts with a relaxed coffee or tea, setting a casual tone and giving everyone a chance to settle in before setting out. This small touch helps make the experience feel personalized and welcoming.

The Route: From Frankston Pier to Daveys Bay and Beyond

Once afloat, you’ll follow your guide along the Frankston foreshore, taking in views of the city skyline and sandy beaches from a perspective most visitors don’t get. The first highlight is heading south toward Olivers Hill—a scenic lookout with sweeping vistas of the bay and Melbourne skyline on clear days.

Your waterbike continues toward Daveys Bay, known for its yacht club, founded in 1909, and its historic jetty from the 1840s. As you paddle past, you can imagine the bay’s bustling past, where ships once delivered produce from the local farm to Melbourne. The Canadian Bay Club, formed in 1958 and associated with notable figures like Sir Laurence Hartnett, provides another historical waypoint, giving you a tangible link to the area’s maritime and industrial history.

Wildlife and Nature: Dolphins and Secluded Beaches

One of the tour’s true delights is the potential to spot dolphins, often seen playing in the bay’s waters. The eco-friendly waterbikes are quiet enough not to disturb these intelligent creatures, making dolphin sightings a real possibility during your paddle. The gentle nature of the tour means you can enjoy these moments without the noise or pollution of motorized boats.

The route takes you past secluded beaches such as Mount Eliza’s quiet shores, where you might even hear the lapping waves or glimpse native birdlife. These spots are perfect for photo stops or just soaking in the peaceful scenery away from more touristy areas.

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Returning – A Relaxed Finish

As you paddle back toward Frankston, your guide might point out more local sights and share stories of the bay’s history and ecology. Once back at the pier, you’ll have enjoyed a well-rounded experience that combines exercise, education, and nature observation—all in a manageable 90-minute window.

What to Expect and Practical Details

The tour includes everything you need: waterbike, lifejacket, guide, and hand sanitizer. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point, which is directly in front of the Frankston Yacht Club and Olivers Corner Café. The meeting location’s centrality makes it easy to find, and the guide’s friendly approach helps ensure you feel comfortable from the start.

Tours are usually available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, allowing flexibility around your schedule. The small group limit (up to five participants) fosters a more relaxed, personalized experience, perfect for those who prefer intimate adventures rather than large, noisy tours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Because it involves pedaling on water and some balance, it’s best suited for adults and older children, especially those comfortable on bikes. It’s not ideal for people with mobility issues, children under 3’9″, or those over 331 lbs. If you’re looking for a fit, nature-loving, curious traveler interested in history and wildlife, you’ll likely find this tour a perfect fit.

How This Tour Stacks Up on Value

At $65 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to explore Port Phillip Bay. Compared to larger boat trips or guided tours that can cost much more and last longer, this experience maximizes the value of a short, active outing. You get a personal guide, scenic views, wildlife encounters, and an engaging activity—all compacted into an accessible time frame.

Authentic Experience and Expert Guides

Feedback from previous participants highlights the knowledgeable guides, who enrich the experience with interesting stories about the local history and environment. One reviewer mentioned that the guides were “very interesting,” making the chat enjoyable and informative. This personal touch adds depth to the experience, making it more than just a paddle.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This waterbike tour from Frankston offers a balanced combination of light exercise, scenic beauty, and historical insight—all in a relaxed, eco-friendly setting. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a personalized, off-the-beaten-path adventure that’s different from traditional sightseeing. Ideal for those who enjoy nature, history, and small-group experiences, it’s a smart choice for anyone wanting to explore Victoria’s coast with a local touch.

If you’re craving a quick, engaging escape that combines physical activity with discovery, then this tour could become a highlight of your trip. It’s perfect for curious travelers who value authenticity and quiet moments with nature, all within a manageable time frame.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While children over 3’9″ are welcome, the tour requires some pedaling and balance, so it’s best for kids comfortable on bikes. Very young children or those with mobility issues may find it less suitable.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable clothes suitable for water activities, and consider a hat or sunscreen. You’ll be provided with a lifejacket for safety.

Do I need to have previous water or biking experience?
Not necessarily. The waterbike is designed to be user-friendly, and your guide will give a thorough briefing. Basic comfort on a bike is helpful.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

How scenic are the views?
Very. You’ll see the Frankston coastline, historic jetties, and quiet beaches, with good chances of dolphin sightings if conditions are right.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
Yes, the waterbikes are quiet and environmentally friendly, designed to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 1.5 hours, making it manageable even for those with tight schedules.

Where do I meet the guide?
Directly in front of the Frankston Yacht Club and Olivers Corner Café on the beach.

What’s included in the price?
Everything necessary for the activity: waterbike, lifejacket, guide, and hand sanitizer. Transport to and from the hotel is not included.

To sum it up, the Frankston Port Phillip Bay Water Bike Tour offers a refreshing, active way to experience Victoria’s stunning coastline. It’s a practical choice for travelers who appreciate a mix of history, wildlife, and scenic beauty in a small-group setting. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small family, this experience promises memorable moments with minimal fuss—and plenty of fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: