Which Australian bay is bordered by Melbourne and Geelong?

The Australian bay bordered by Melbourne and Geelong is Port Phillip, also called Port Phillip Bay.

Port Phillip is a large, enclosed bay on the southern coast of Victoria. Greater Melbourne occupies much of its northern and eastern shoreline, while Geelong spreads around Corio Bay, the larger bay’s western arm. The bay opens to Bass Strait through the narrow entrance known as The Rip, between Point Lonsdale and Point Nepean.

The waterway covers about 1,930 square kilometres and is remarkably shallow for its size; its deepest point is only about 24 metres. The Yarra River enters at Melbourne, while several other rivers and creeks drain into the bay. Its sheltered waters support shipping, beaches, sailing and other recreation.

European exploration included visits by John Murray and Matthew Flinders in 1802. Melbourne was established on the Yarra in 1835, and Geelong followed at Corio Bay in 1838. The bay’s name honours Arthur Phillip, the first governor of New South Wales.

Western Port is a separate Victorian bay east of Port Phillip, while Moreton Bay and Botany Bay are in Queensland and New South Wales respectively.