Getting To The Q TraiN
All Aboard
Every journey on The Q Train begins and ends at Drysdale Station, the historic gateway to the Bellarine. If you’re driving, there’s plenty of free parking at the station. But you don’t need a car to visit us. We also partner with transport providers to offer you seamless connections from many locations to Drysdale.
Accommodation Partners
Getting to The Q Train From:
Melbourne
Driving
Exit onto Ryrie Street (C123) and follow signs to Drysdale.
Parking
There’s free, off-street parking, and because The Q Train is a return trip, you’ll finish where you started.
Shuttle Services
Return Shuttle Service from Melbourne - $87pp
We’ve partnered with Explore Australia to make getting to The Q Train effortless for locals and visitors alike. This return shuttle service runs from Melbourne CBD to Drysdale Station, where The Q Train departs.
Shuttle Service
Departs
Availability
Includes
Bookings Essential
Outside Southern Cross
Station.
Lunch services only
(not dinner).
Return journey in a comfortable coach and a ‘stretch your legs’ stop at the Geelong waterfront
(day services only).
Must be pre-booked
through The Q Train.
How to book
- When booking your dining experience, select Return Shuttle Service from Melbourne as an optional add-on.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Shuttle Service
Bookings Essential
Departs
Availability
Days & Times of Operation
Monday, Thursday, Friday
11.30am – 2.30pm
Saturday & Sunday
12.30pm – 3.30pm
Includes
How to Book
- When booking your dining experience, select Return Shuttle Service from Melbourne as an optional add-on.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Ferry Services
Return Ferry Service from DOCKLANDS - $75pp
Make your journey part of the adventure. Take a scenic ferry ride with Port Phillip Ferries from Docklands to Portarlington, then connect with an Explore Australia return shuttle service. It is just a 15-minute trip from Portarlington Pier to Drysdale Station, where The Q Train departs.
Ferry Service
Departs
Availability
Includes
Bookings Essential
131 Harbour Esplanade Docklands.
Lunch services only
(not dinner).
Return ferry from Docklands including return shuttle bus transport from Portarlington pier.
Must be pre-booked
through The Q Train.
When to travel
- Monday, Thursday and Friday: Depart Docklands at 9:30 am
→ Return ferry option: 4:00 pm - Saturday & Sunday: Depart Docklands at 10:40 am
→ Return ferry option: 5:00 pm
How to book
- When booking your dining experience, select Port Phillip Ferries (Docklands) including transport between Ferry Terminal and The Q Train as an optional add-on.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Ferry Service
Bookings Essential
The Q Train.
Departs
Availability
Includes
When to travel
- Monday, Thursday and Friday: Depart Docklands at 9:30 am → Return ferry option: 4:00 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: Depart Docklands at 10:40 am → Return ferry option: 5:00 pm
How to Book
- When booking your dining experience, select Port Phillip Ferries (Docklands) including transport between Ferry Terminal and The Q Train as an optional add-on.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Public Transport
Prefer public transport?
Catch a V/Line train from Southern Cross Station to Geelong, then take a taxi or rideshare to Drysdale (approx. 25 minutes).
Geelong
Driving
Parking
Shuttle Services
Return Shuttle Service from Geelong - $40pp
Designed for locals and visitors staying in Geelong, or those arriving by V/Line into Geelong Station, our partners Explore Australia offer a convenient return shuttle service from Geelong to Drysdale Station.
Shuttle Service
Departs
Availability
Includes
Bookings Essential
(not dinner).
Must be pre-booked
through The Q Train.
How to book
- When booking your dining experience, select Return Shuttle Service add-on from Geelong and choose your pick-up location.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Shuttle Service
Bookings Essential
The Q Train.
Departs
Availability
Includes
How to Book
- When booking your dining experience, select Return Shuttle Service add-on from Geelong and choose your pick-up location.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Private Drivers
Looking for more flexibility?
Several quality private drivers in the region can bring you to and from The Q Train. Here are some of our favourites. Simply contact them directly to arrange your trip. We recommend booking early, as availability can be limited, especially on weekends.
The Bellarine
Shuttle Services
Local Return Shuttle Services - $33pp ($38pp evening services)
We’ve partnered with Explore Australia to offer return shuttle services from six convenient locations to Drysdale Station, where The Q Train departs.
Queenscliff Post Office
The Royal Queenscliff
Big4 Ingenia Holidays, Point Lonsdale
The Nest, Point Lonsdale
McGlashan’s Winery, Wallington
Portarlington Pier
Shuttle Service
Departs
Availability
Includes
Bookings Essential
From your chosen Bellarine
pickup location.
Must be pre-booked
through The Q Train.
How to book
- When booking your dining experience, select Return Shuttle Service from The Bellarine and choose your pick-up location.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Shuttle Service
Bookings Essential
The Q Train.
Departs
Availability
Includes
How to Book
- When booking your dining experience, select Return Shuttle Service from The Bellarine and choose your pick-up location.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Private Drivers
Want to arrive in style?
A number of friendly private drivers can bring you to and from The Q Train. Book early, as weekends fill quickly.
Mornington Peninsula (Sorrento)
Ferry + Shuttle SERVICES
Ferry + Return Shuttle Service from Queenscliff - $60pp
Sail to The Q Train with Searoad Ferries from Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. Soak up the views on a 45-minute ferry journey across Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff, then connect with a 20-minute return shuttle service direct to Drysdale Station, where The Q Train departs with Explore Australia.
After your dining journey, the shuttle will return you to the Queenscliff ferry terminal for your trip back to Sorrento. Occasionally, there may be some downtime before your return ferry, giving you time to explore Queenscliff Harbour.
Shuttle Service
Departs
Availability
Includes
Bookings Essential
Sorrento Ferry Terminal and arrives at Queenscliff Ferry Terminal.
(not dinner).
Return ferry ticket + return shuttle service between Queenscliff and Drysdale Station.
Must be pre-booked
through The Q Train.
When to travel
- Monday, Thursday and Friday: Depart Sorrento at 10:00 am
→ Return ferry options: 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm - Saturday & Sunday: Depart Sorrento at 11:00 am
→ Return ferry options: 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm
How to book
- When booking your dining experience, select Searoad Ferries (Sorrento) including transport between ferry Terminal and The Q Train as an optional add-on.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Ferry Service
Bookings Essential
The Q Train.
Departs
Availability
Includes
When to travel
- Monday, Thursday and Friday: Depart Sorrento at 10:00 am → Return ferry options: 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: Depart Sorrento at 11:00 am → Return ferry options: 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm
How to Book
- When booking your dining experience, select Port Phillip Ferries (Docklands) including transport between Ferry Terminal and The Q Train as an optional add-on.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with all pickup times and details.
- Already booked? Contact us and we’ll add it for you.
Parking at Drysdale Station
There’s plenty of free, off-street parking at Drysdale Station (enter via High Street and Station Street).
The carpark is gravel and doesn’t have official accessible spaces, but we display a reserved parking sign close to the entrance for guests with access needs.
What our guests are saying
Getting to
The Q Train FAQs
A few handy details to start your journey relaxed:
Are there taxis or Ubers in Drysdale?
What if I miss the ferry?
As The Q Train is a limited-seating experience with high demand, we cannot refund or reschedule your booking if you miss your ferry. Please allow plenty of time to arrive at your departure point.
Do I need to pre-book shuttle services?
Yes, all shuttle services must be pre-booked through The Q Train at the time of booking (or added later by contacting us). We cannot guarantee seats on the day without a prior booking.
How early should I arrive before departure?
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
What happens if my train or shuttle is delayed?
If you’re travelling by V/Line, shuttle service, or ferry, please check timetables carefully and allow extra time. The Q Train cannot delay departure for late arrivals.