Happy Hour to celebrate ferries return

PORT Phillip Ferries will celebrate the return of Portarlington and Geelong to Docklands services, with two Happy Hour Cruises around the Bay for Geelong and Bellarine locals.

The ferry service plans to be back on the water on Saturday, November 6, linking the Bellarine and Geelong with Melbourne again.

In preparation for the highly anticipated easing of restrictions, in line with the state government Roadmap, PPF is inviting Geelong and Bellarine locals on a leisurely 90-minute cruise around Corio and Port Phillip Bay tomorrow, October 30.

There will be two 90-minute cruises, with the Geelong Flyer departing from Cunningham Pier and the Bellarine Express departing from Portarlington Pier at 4pm.

Passengers on both Happy Hour cruises will enjoy a cold beverage on arrival, with a choice of wine, beer or soft drink, and a snack.

Additional food and drinks will be available to purchase from the onboard licensed café, so passengers can sit back and relax while taking in the sea breeze from the outdoor decks or the spectacular views from the comfortable indoor seats.

PPF marketing manager Brad Wright said the Happy Hour Cruises had been planned “to say thank you to the many locals who have supported the service, especially throughout the many COVID-19 related challenges faced in recent times”.

“We are excited to be resuming services from Saturday, 6 November,” Mr Wright said.

“Ahead of that happening, we wanted to give locals the opportunity to have a fun afternoon out on the bay as a way of saying thank you for their continued support during what has been a challenging time.

“Our regular ferry services departing from Portarlington and Geelong to Docklands will recommence in line with the current Victorian Government Roadmap – with the planned easing of COVID–19 restrictions for non-essential travel between metro Melbourne and regional Victoria in the first week of November.”

PPF has scheduled ferry services to start on November 6, subject to restrictions easing, and both ferries will initially operate from Thursday to Sunday on the weekend timetable.

Tickets for Saturday’s Happy Hour Cruises must be pre-purchased online and more information is available on the PPF website.