Before we leave Port Phillip Bay and head to Lakes Entrance, we need to get fuel. I checked the prices at different marinas and found that the price of diesel at Wyndham Harbour marina was 20c a litre cheaper than near where we were staying in Docklands. And when you’re looking to get 1000l, that’s a $200 savings! Also, Wyndham Harbour looked very protected on the charts, and there was easy access to the fuel dock. We decided to get fuel close to the date we were leaving Port Phillip Bay and take the opportunity to top up our water.
Then we thought, why not stay at the marina for a few nights and check out what’s around the area? This is something we’ve always tried to do at the locations we’ve stayed at. So, we booked a berth for 3 nights and had a short sojourn at Wyndham Harbour Marina.
Wyndham Harbour marina
The price for a berth is competitive if you’re staying for a week. They charge you for five nights and you get two more nights free. This discount didn’t apply to us as we were only staying for three nights, but it was still a reasonable cost. Like many marinas, you’re secure behind a locked gate. They give you a 4-digit PIN to open the gate, so there’s no messing around with keys/fobs. There’s also rubbish and recycling bins inside the gate, so very easy to get rid of those champagne bottles! The staff are friendly and very helpful, using a buggy to pop down to the fuel dock and help with lines.
What I also appreciated was that their showers included courtesy towels, so we didn’t need to use our own towels, and there was a courtesy washing machine and dryer, free of charge. Their lounge room is open 24×7 and includes tea, coffee, microwave and dishwasher, and large-screen TV if you want to get off your boat and spend time there.
I should also say, I’m not being paid for this, nor did I receive any discount, just thought it was a good marina that many people probably don’t even know about or consider going to!
Things to do nearby
There are some areas you can take a walk to, e.g. check out the nearby wetlands or have a game of mini golf. There’s a convenience store, but it didn’t have any fresh produce, which is a shame given the number of farms nearby. Probably if you had a car, you could get fresh produce yourself. But, it’s an easy bus trip from the marina to Werribee station, so we went to Bunnings and Woolworths (with BWS bottle shop attached) to pick up a few things. While there, we also enjoyed lunch at the local RSL club. It was only $3.50 on the bus (using our MYKI cards – no cash) and that was the full adult fee! We opted for an uber back to the marina, about $20, but it was easier with our shopping.
The bus route took us via Werribee Open Range zoo. While in Melbourne, we’d heard about the relocation of the elephants from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee, so decided we would go the following day. There’s also the Werribee mansion, but we ran out of time!
We thoroughly enjoyed our day at the zoo, including a great safari tour that took us off road to view the animals close up, and a few keeper talks. Here are some favourite photos from the day, I’ll let you work out what animals they are!
Werribee Open Range zoo photos
We were unable to get too close to the giraffes as one of the older ones was having x-rays on their teeth. I’ve tried to limit the photos, but not very successfully!
Where to next?
Today it’s Thursday 27/3/25 and we’ve anchored just near Police Point lookout near Portsea. We’ll be leaving Port Phillip Bay at the next weather window and heading to Lakes Entrance.
9 Responses
How wonderful that the elephants are now living in a 21-hectare habitat at the Werribee Zoo xx
What an interesting spot.
Amazing adventures still to be had. I still love reading your blogs. Stay safe and love to you both.
Good to see you guys enjoying yourselves! Hope you get a great weather window from the Rip to L.E. Stay safe & enjoy!
You two look so happy. Enjoy your exploration of all things Australian. Safe travels.
Hi guys, safe travels when you get back on the “open seas”. Also, I was impressed that champagne bottle disposal was high on the list when choosing a berth. 😂 Do you really drink that much of the stuff? 🍾🥂 🤔
Stay safe,
P and D
Thanks for sharing. And onwards! I hope your draught is not too much for a good tour of The Lakes. One of our favourite places, as you know. Happy travels!
I loved your Zoo photos!
Glad to hear that you have had such a wonderful time.
Stay safe and enjoy the trip ahead.
Rob & Chicka