Cross-Bellarine bus route to fill long-standing gap

A long-awaited bus link between Drysdale and Ocean Grove will be introduced, connecting two Bellarine towns without the need to travel via Geelong.

The new route will be funded in the Victorian budget as part of a broader public transport package worth almost $100 million, aimed at expanding bus services and improving connections across the state.

For the Bellarine, the cross-peninsula service is the key chance, addressing a long-standing gap that has limited has residents move between nearby communities.

The route stems from the recently completed Bellarine bus review, which the state government said drew strong community feedback that highlighted the need for better local connections as the region grows.

The Department of Transport is still collating the feedback and working through other recommendations from the review.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the outcome reflected sustained community advocacy.

“This is a fantastic outcome for our community and one that locals have been advocating for over a long period of time,” she said.

“The Bellarine bus review gave our community a strong voice and it confirmed just how important better cross-Bellarine connections are.

“This new service between Drysdale and Ocean Grove will make a real difference to how people move around the Bellarine, connecting communities and making daily life easier.”

The funding comes as the state government continues its temporary fare relief measures, with public transport remaining free until the end of May.

When fares return in June, they will be set at half price until the end of the year.

The initiative, introduced in response to rising fuel costs, has driven increased patronage across the network, particularly on regional and weekend services.

The Bellarine bus link comes as regional leaders argue cheaper fares must be matched with better services to be effective.