Finding a parking space at the bustling Clifton Springs boating precinct has been made easier thanks to upgrades backed by recreational boaters’ licence and registration fees.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant and Member for Corangamite Libby Coker today visited the facility to see how an informal overflow area at its eastern end had been converted into 30 extra asphalt parks, providing more space for boaters once they’ve launched.
The project was funded by the Victorian Government reinvesting $767,800 worth of marine licence and registrations through both the Better Boating Fund and the Boating Safety and Facilities Program along with a $200,000 contribution from the Commonwealth Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
The Better Boating Fund was established in 2021 by the Victorian Government and ensures every cent from recreational licence and registration fees are returned to boating projects and programs across the state.
Council used an additional $211,000 from the Better Boating Fund to develop a long-term dredging plan and conduct several months of maintenance dredging at the harbour entrance, increasing water depth at low tide.
The precinct now features a pair of ramps which each boast two concrete lanes, several floating pontoons to tie boats up to and a total of 85 parks big enough for cars with trailers. The ramps are located within an enclosed harbour, which provides protection from wind and waves to make launching and retrieving easier.
Construction on the parking area was overseen by facility manager City of Greater Geelong and completed ahead of the summer holidays and the annual influx of visitors to the Bellarine region.
Boaters can launch at Clifton Springs to access some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s most productive fishing grounds for snapper, King George whiting and calamari with the coastline providing protection from southerly winds, while there’s stunning scenery to take in if you’re simply enjoying a tranquil cruise.
The upgrades at Clifton Springs are among several improvements backed by the Better Boating Fund to give boating a boost on the Bellarine. Construction on an expanded jetty at St Leonards boat ramp wrapped early in 2025 and is providing boaters with more protection via the larger jetty structure’s wave screens as well as better access for those with low mobility.
At Indented Head, jetty decking, timber bearers and crossbeams were replaced to help the structure stand the test of time and the carpark at Swan Bay ramp was resurfaced to minimize ruts and potholes.
Meanwhile ramp overhauls at Queenscliff and Point Richards completed in 2022 are continuing to make boating easier for locals and visitors, cementing the Bellarine Peninsula’s position as one of the state’s premier boating destinations.
Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“The Geelong and Bellarine region has one of Victoria’s highest rates of boat ownership and Clifton Springs is a premier boating facility providing great access to the water.”
“Ensuring you can find a park and head out at a range of tides are fundamental elements to an enjoyable day’s boating, which is why we continue to invest your licence and registration fees to improve facilities across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Corangamite Libby Coker
“These upgrades are a real win for local boaters and families who love getting out on the water – better parking, safer access, and more reliable facilities mean less time waiting and more time enjoying the bay.”
“Investing in our local boating infrastructure not only benefits the recreational community – it helps support tourism, small business, and jobs right across the Bellarine.”
Quotes attributable to Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
“We were pleased to partner with the state and federal government to deliver the car-trailer park at the Clifton Springs boat ramp, and I know this will be an extremely valuable asset for the fishing and boating community for years to come.”
