The Allan Labor Government is continuing to support the Portarlington to Docklands ferry in a boost for the Bellarine Peninsula, keeping cars off the road and offering an alternative to road or rail to travel to the city.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant announced funding for the Portarlington Ferry is part of the Labor Government’s $30 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 for better bus and ferry connections, and ensures the continuation of the service for another four years, providing long term convenient transport alternative for visitors and locals alike.

Launched in 2017, the Portarlington Ferry attracted approximately 110,000 users at its pre-COVID peak, with a high of more than 15,000 passengers in January.  The last 12 months has exceeded those number – attracting around 128,000 passengers and more than 19,000 in January this year.

The service is most popular throughout summer with more tourists but still attracts thousands of passengers during the colder months for commuters heading to and from Melbourne.

From June, ferry passengers will also benefit from a revised bus network, which will see the public bus timetable align better with the Ferry service.

The Ferry service will continue to be supported by the Labor Government, with work to be undertaken for the long-term sustainability of the service under the public transport system.

In 2022, the Labor Government completed a $10 million upgrade to Portarlington Pier – providing all-weather access from the foreshore to the ferry service, a strengthened pier head to allow vehicle access for the aquaculture industry and a new accessible low landing for improved water access.

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“We’ve 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.”