WITH the cost of living continuing to put pressure on household budgets, finding an affordable day out has never been more appealing. Now, Searoad Ferries is giving Victorians the chance to take their car and a passenger across Port Phillip Bay for just $30 return, as its popular Ferry Lottery returns for a third consecutive year.
Running for seven weeks from Friday 2 October to Thursday 19 November 2026, the Ferry Lottery invites Victorians to enter a free weekly draw for the chance to secure one of the discounted crossings.
Each Friday, a new lottery opens, allowing entrants to nominate the dates they would be available to travel. Participants can select one, several or all available dates, with winners chosen at random the following Thursday.
Successful entrants are notified by email and SMS and have until 6pm AEST the following Sunday to claim and purchase their $30 return ticket.
For Searoad Ferries, the initiative is about encouraging Victorians to experience the journey across the Bay while making it easier to visit two of the state’s most popular coastal regions.
Pete Wallace, Marketing Manager at Searoad Ferries, said the Ferry Lottery was designed to encourage people to experience the crossing for themselves. “We know that with the cost of living continuing to rise, people are thinking twice about how and where they spend their money. But getting out, exploring somewhere new and spending time with family and friends shouldn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.”
“That’s exactly what our Ferry Lottery is about. For just $30, you can take your car and a passenger across Port Phillip Bay and back again. We want to make it easier for Victorians to get out and experience everything our beautiful coastal regions have to offer, without having to spend a fortune.”
“Whether you’ve never travelled with us before or haven’t made the crossing in years, this is a great opportunity to jump aboard, enjoy the journey and make a day of it.”
With many Australian households keeping a closer eye on discretionary spending, the Ferry Lottery offers an affordable way to enjoy a change of scenery. Whether it’s a family day out, a coastal drive with friends or a long-overdue visit to loved ones on the other side of the Bay, the $30 return fare makes the journey itself an accessible part of the experience.
For just $30 return, travellers can bring their car along and spend the day exploring everything the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas have to offer. From coastal walks and historic townships to boutique shopping, wineries and beautiful beaches, the Ferry Lottery makes it easier to plan an affordable day out, with the freedom to explore at your own pace.
With the return journey completed on the same day, the Ferry Lottery is particularly suited to spontaneous day trips, coastal adventures and catching up with friends and family on the other side of the Bay.
With seven weekly draws and the opportunity to enter each week, the Ferry Lottery gives Victorians multiple chances to secure a $30 return crossing this spring. For those looking to make the most of their weekends without stretching the budget, it’s an opportunity worth putting in the calendar.
There are seven weekly draws throughout the promotional period, and participants are welcome to enter each week, including those who have previously won.
Entries are free and open online at searoad.com.au/ferry-lottery
First published in the Mornington News – 6 October 2026
