Cruising across Port Phillip Bay between Melbourne and Geelong via ferry is now possible, thanks to the introduction of a twice-daily service from Port Phillip Ferries. The new vessel, called the Geelong Flyer, set sail on its maiden voyage today, linking Victoria’s two largest cities via ferry for the first time.
Operating 365 days a year, the Geelong Flyer services both commuters and the leisure market and will travel between Steampacket Quay in central Geelong and Victoria Harbour in Docklands, Melbourne. It provides a transport experience that locals and visitors to Melbourne and Geelong have never before had access to.
The Geelong Flyer is a purpose-built 400-seater passenger ferry featuring indoor and outdoor spaces, an on-board licensed café, bike racks, charging stations and free Wi-Fi. A one-way trip takes approximately 90 minutes.
Passengers departing Melbourne can enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Yarra River paired with stunning views of the Melbourne city skyline, before setting sail across Port Phillip Bay, spotting native wildlife such as seals and dolphins along the way. The ferry then cruises into Corio Bay before docking at Steampacket Quay in the heart of Geelong’s vibrant waterfront.
Passengers then have approximately four hours to spend in Geelong, with the many of the city’s finest restaurants, cafés, bars, galleries and attractions all within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal. Geelong’s fast-evolving foodie scene can also easily be explored, with popular spots such as IGNI, ALMA, Hot Chicken Project and the Little Malop Street precinct all a short walk from the ferry.
Tencent International Business Group’s Head of Business Development, Ian Chan, on a recent visit to Melbourne
The best days for day-trips to Geelong are Thursday through to Sunday, with the Geelong Flyer docking in Geelong for approximately four hours. Alternatively, passengers can choose to stay overnight in Geelong and catch the morning or afternoon ferry back the next day.
The cost of a ferry ticket is $18 one way or $36 return for an adult, $16 one way or $32 return for concession and senior or $10 one way, $20 return for children (ages 4-16), children 3 and under travel for free. Discounted multi-purchase tickets are also available for regular uses of the service, starting at $15 one way for 10 trips. Tickets can be pre-purchased online at portphillipferries.com.au.
The Geelong service is the second ferry service to be offered by Port Phillip Ferries, who also run a twice-daily service linking Docklands, Melbourne with Portarlington. The Portarlington service has successfully been in operation since November 2016, connecting travellers with the many seaside villages, wineries, restaurants and attractions that can be found on The Bellarine.
The full timetables for both services can be viewed at portphillipferries.com.au/timetable
Find out more by visiting portphillipferries.com.au. Follow Port Phillip Ferries on Facebook @portphillipferries, Instagram @portphillipferries or Twitter @portphilferries, #portphillipferries #setthecruisecontrol #geelonggetonboard
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