THERE\u2019S a new set of Bellarine commuters who are in on the best kept secret around.
\nThey\u2019re not sacrificing lifestyle for work anymore\u2026 they\u2019re \u2018setting the cruise control\u2019 with Port Phillip Ferries by sailing to Melbourne across Port Phillip Bay.
\nPort Phillip Ferries has been helping Bellarine residents arrive at their jobs in Melbourne stress-free and in comfort since commencing services from Portarlington in November 2016.
\nThe much-loved service has been described as a \u201cgame changer\u201d and offers a new kind of commute; an easy car park, familiar faces, a warming smile, scenic vistas and vitamin sea – not to mention a guaranteed seat.
\nThose who take advantage of the ferry do so because the service has had a positive impact on their lives.
\nMargaret, Paul and Kira were among the ferry\u2019s very first passengers three years ago.
\nAll three still travel onboard daily because the service offers a better way for them to balance their professions and coastal lifestyles.
\nOne new convert is Ocean Grove resident Jarrod, who spent 12 years travelling to his job in Melbourne on the train before making the switch to the ferry.
\n\u201cI was living the daily grind,\u201d Jarrod said. \u201cTrain, work, train, home. Rinse, wash, repeat. I was just was in a vicious cycle and didn\u2019t even know how bad it was until it stopped.\u201d
\nHe said he heard about the ferry over the last two to three years, but never really considered it an option for him.
\nHe was convinced to give it a try by David, another father from his child\u2019s school, who is also a regular commuter on the ferry.
\n\u201cJust one trial on the ferry and I was hooked,\u201d Jarrod said.
\n\u201cFirst and foremost, my wellbeing and state of mind has completely changed\u2026 it has provided me with a real happiness factor.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s also great to brag to your work mates you\u2019re catching a boat home to the coast when they are sometimes travelling just as long to get a few kilometres out of the city.\u201d
\nThe ferry\u2019s locations at Portarlington and Docklands makes the commuter experience a viable option for almost all residents on the Bellarine – and from December 2, Geelong.
\nThere\u2019s a licensed caf\u00e9 onboard that serves up barista-made coffee for the morning trip over. On the way home, passengers can unwind with a great selection of wine, beer and local snacks, including Bellarine Smokehouse p\u00e2te, Manzanillo tapenade.
\nThe ferry sets sail from Portarlington Pier at 7am sharp on weekdays and glides into Victoria Harbour at Docklands at 8.20am (just across the road from Marvel Stadium) before making the return journey home at 5.30pm.
\nJarrod encouraged more Bellarine residents to try the ferry out and promised it wouldn\u2019t disappoint.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THERE\u2019S a new set of Bellarine commuters who are in on the best kept secret around. They\u2019re not sacrificing lifestyle for work anymore\u2026 they\u2019re \u2018setting the cruise control\u2019 with Port Phillip Ferries by sailing to Melbourne across Port Phillip Bay. Port Phillip Ferries has been helping Bellarine residents arrive at their jobs in Melbourne stress-free […]<\/p>\n