All aboard as 38,000 Victorians snap up a free ferry ticket

SEAROAD Ferries’ million-dollar ticket giveaway sees thousands of Victorians head to the water after putting in the hard yards this year.

More than 38,000 eager Victorians rushed at the chance to win a free ticket aboard the iconic ferry as they plan to set sail across Port Phillip Bay.

Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald said the giveaway was to acknowledge Victorians for their efforts this year in beating COVID-19 while allowing them to “feel a world away” with a city escape.

“It was fantastic to see the overwhelmingly positive response to this giveaway – it was something Victorians obviously needed,” he said.

The five-day giveaway, which ran from Wednesday November 18 to Sunday November 22, saw 20,000 tickets snapped up in the first day and a 350 per cent increase in phone calls to the ferry service.

“This week alone, we have seen lots of very happy ferry passengers and businesses in Queenscliff telling us that they are already feeling the impact from the giveaway,’ Mr McDonald said.

While ticket holders can board every day up until July 31, 2021, many are jumping at the chance with November through to January booking out within the first day.

“After a difficult year for businesses in our towns and regions, we are excited to see a flood of visitors and hopefully an injection of some well-needed spend into these communities,” he said.

Mr McDonald believes the giveaway is a great sign of things still to come as they head into the summer months.

“Since restrictions eased on the 9th of November, we have seen a return of passenger and vehicle numbers to about 80 per cent of last year’s traffic,” he said.

While business takes off, Searoad Ferries have put in place a comprehensive COVIDSAFE Plan with contactless purchasing, hygiene measures and social distancing being implemented.

“We hope that the 38,000+ ticket holders will enjoy the sea air, coastal scenery and some treasured time with family and friends,” he said.