Wildlife Coast Cruises Peninsula Market Cruise

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A Saturday morning out from Phillip Island: cruise across Western Port from Cowes to Stony Point with tea and coffee on board, then a coach to the Hill and Ridge Community Market at Red Hill for about three hours of browsing. Back at Cowes Jetty by 1pm, with room on the boat for what you buy.

Days

About 5 hours

Group size

Shared cruise and coach

Start / finish

Cowes / Stony Point / Red Hill / Cowes
Cowes Jetty, about 1pm

Return

Cowes Jetty, about 1pm

Transport

Catamaran and coach

Meals

Tea, coffee and biscuits on board

Route

Map of Wildlife Coast Cruises Peninsula Market Cruise

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Included experiences

Western Port — cruise from Cowes to Stony Point
Hill and Ridge Community Market — about three hours among the stalls at Red Hill
Local produce and crafts — food, plants, handmade goods and vintage finds

Wildlife Coast Cruises Peninsula Market Cruise

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: ACROSS WESTERN PORT

Board at Cowes Jetty on the Phillip Island foreshore for an 8am departure. As the catamaran pulls out, tea, coffee and biscuits come round, and you can sit inside or up on the open deck. The crossing takes you over Western Port, a bay of mangroves, seagrass and mudflats so important to migratory shorebirds that it is listed under the international Ramsar wetlands treaty. French Island, most of it a national park, sits in the middle of the bay to the north.

MID-MORNING: STONY POINT TO RED HILL

At Stony Point, on the Mornington Peninsula side of the bay, a coach meets the boat. The road climbs into the peninsula's hinterland to Red Hill, a district of orchards, cool-climate vineyards and cellar doors high above both Western Port and Port Phillip.

LATE MORNING: THE HILL AND RIDGE COMMUNITY MARKET

You have about three hours at the Hill and Ridge Community Market, held at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve and run by the Red Hill Agricultural Society. Entry is free. Wander the stalls of fresh local produce and home-made food from family recipes, plants for the garden, handmade crafts, vintage pieces and local art, with live music playing and food stalls for an early lunch. Buy as much as you like, because there's room on the boat for your shopping.

EARLY AFTERNOON: BACK TO COWES

The coach takes you back down to Stony Point, where the catamaran is waiting. You're back at Cowes Jetty at about 1pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Cowes Jetty, The Esplanade, Cowes, Phillip Island.
Departure time: 8am.
Finishes: Cowes Jetty, about 1pm.
Duration: About 5 hours, with about 3 hours at the market.
Please note: Runs only on selected market Saturdays (the market is held on the first Saturday of the month, September to May). Available dates show when you book.

What is included

Return catamaran cruise from Cowes Jetty to Stony Point
Return coach between Stony Point and the market at Red Hill
Tea, coffee and biscuits on board

Not included

Food, drinks and shopping at the market
Drinks and snacks from the bar on board

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.