Portarlington ferry extended for two more years

FERRY services between Portarlington and Melbourne’s Docklands will continue for at least another two years, with the Victorian government this week confirming ongoing support for the popular Bellarine Link.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the extension would ensure the service, which has carried about 120,000 passengers annually since 2017, remains a fixture for commuters and tourists alike.

“Through cheaper V/Line fares and our investment in train, bus and ferry services, we’re supporting regional tourism and communities in the Bellarine Peninsula,” she said.

The state government has invested more than $23 million in infrastructure, including a $10 million upgrade to the Portarlington Pier in 2022, to support the operations of the ferry.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the Bellarine Peninsula is a “great place to live and visit” and highlighted its recent bronze award in Victoria’s Top Tourism Town Awards.

Ferry operator Port Phillip Ferries, meanwhile, was named Best Major Tour & Transport Operator at last year’s Victorian Tourism Awards.

“The Portarlington Ferry plays an important part of the tourism economy for the Bellarine, as well [as] making the peninsula a more accessible place to live and commute to Melbourne for work,” Ms Marchant said.

Tourism to the region continues to grow, with 680,000 visitors flocking to Portarlington through 2024, up 36 per cent on the previous year, according to Tourism Research Australia.

The ferry has proven especially popular in summer, with more than 15,000 passengers recorded during the January peak. During the cooler months, it continues to attract thousands of travellers, reducing road traffic while providing a direct route to Melbourne.