Bookings open for Tassie trips

SPIRIT of Tasmania is now accepting bookings for maiden voyages from its new Geelong terminal, as excitement builds ahead of the ship’s arrival later this year.

The ferry service’s operator TT-Line is taking reservations for trips from Geelong to Davenport from January 1, 2023, ahead of its switch to a new terminal at Corio Quay from its current base at Station Pier, Port Melbourne.

An exact date is yet to be confirmed for when first ships will dock at the $135-million, purpose-built GeelongPort terminal, but the service has reaffirmed its commitment to move to Geelong during spring this year.

Spirit of Tasmania shared a promotional video this week spruiking concept plans its under-construction new Victorian home, which it said would deliver improved direct access to the quay precinct and streamlined boarding with a three-level access ramp and specially designed traffic and parking infrastructure.

The project also includes a “state-of-the-art” passenger terminal building, complete with lounges, a children’s play area and café.

“The new terminal provides a gateway to some of Victoria’s best destinations, opening up opportunities in the tourism, hospitality and logistics sectors,” Spirit of Tasmania said.

Major works at the new site have been underway since November last year in preparation for the arrival.

TT-Line announced its intention to move its Victorian base to the region in 2020, citing limitations caused by congestion at the Melbourne port as its key reason for investment in a new Geelong facility.

City of Greater Geelong estimated last year that the project would generate up to 75 construction jobs and increase tourism expenditure by up to $174 million by 2029, before factoring in boosts for hospitality, agribusiness and logistics.