Portarlington ferry service secures four more years of funding

THE Portarlington to Docklands ferry service will continue for another four years, thanks to funding from the state government.

This move aims to support the Bellarine Peninsula by reducing road congestion and providing an alternative to road or rail travel.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant announced the funding as part of the Victorian Budget 2024-25, which includes a $30 million investment in better bus and ferry connections.

“We’re continuing to invest in this important and direct transport link between the Bellarine and Melbourne, which is a great outcome for the Bellarine community and the thousands of visitors who travel here every year,” Ms. Marchant said.

The Portarlington Ferry, launched in 2017, has grown in popularity over the years.

At its pre-COVID peak, the service attracted approximately 110,000 users, with more than 15,000 passengers in January.

Over the past 12 months, these numbers have increased to around 128,000 passengers, with January alone seeing more than 19,000 passengers.

The ferry is especially popular during the summer months, attracting many tourists, but it also serves thousands of commuters during the colder months.

Starting in June, ferry passengers will benefit from a revised bus network that aligns better with the ferry schedule, enhancing the convenience for commuters.