Spirit of Tasmania arrives at new home in Geelong

THE Spirit of Tasmania has started a new era of Bass Strait transport with the ferry service’s inaugural arrival at its new Geelong quay.

The service departed Port Melbourne’s Station Pier for Devonport for the last time late Saturday, and the first inbound ferry arrived at the purpose-built terminal at GeelongPort at about 8am on Sunday.

The new terminal at the Spirit of Tasmania Quay is fitted with world-first technology and exceptional facilities for an enhanced travel experience, including easy access and ample parking, undercover areas for vehicles, seamless boarding and security processes, and comfortable passenger lounge with a café and children’s play area.

Designed with longevity in mind, the innovative three-level access ramp will service both Spirit of Tasmania’s existing ships and two larger vessels due to arrive in 2024, and the terminal also has an Automated Mooring System.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy and deputy mayor Trent Sullivan rode the ferry from Davenport and disembarked along with the inaugural passengers at the terminal on Sunday.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Spirit of Tasmania to Geelong,” Cr Murrihy said.

“It is a signal, to visitors and operators, that we’re a strong port city and an on-water destination of choice.

“With about 450,000 passengers expected to use the service each year, the benefits for the Geelong region are enormous.

“Our tourism, accommodation, and hospitality sectors are all licking their lips at the prospect of thousands of new visitors each week.”

He said the influx of passengers would not only support existing markets, but also open up new opportunities.

“It is why the council is keen to determine the potential for a new low-cost camping site in the northern suburbs.”

Spirit of Tasmania chair Michael Grainger said the company had been looking forward to the move to Geelong.

Mr Grainger said the Spirit of Tasmania team had enjoyed seeing the precinct evolve in the lead up to the first official arrival and thanked GeelongPort and the contractors who contributed to the project’s success.

“Beyond the excellent work undertaken on the project by both the Spirit of Tasmania and GeelongPort project teams, our first arrival into Geelong did not disappoint.

“The move to Geelong represents a once in a generation opportunity for Spirit of Tasmania to further enhance the experience of our passengers.

GeelongPort chief executive officer Brett Winter said the project was a significant and exciting undertaking for Victoria’s second-largest city.

“Since the announcement in 2020 we have worked hard to transform a blank canvas into a world-class economic and tourism precinct.”

Projections indicate the move will increase tourism expenditure in Geelong by $57.3 million, and in Victoria by $174.1 million before 2030.