The Allan Labor Government is continuing to support the Docklands to Portarlington ferry in a boost for locals and tourism on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today announced that ferry services between Portarlington and Docklands will continue for a further two years.

Since 2017, the Portarlington service has become an integral part of the town and region – carrying around 120,000 passengers annually, including regular commuters travelling to Melbourne for work and visitors to the Bellarine Peninsula.

More than 15,000 passengers travelled on the ferry in the January summer peak and service still attracts thousands of passengers during the colder months, taking more cars off the road and offering an alternative to road travel.

According to the most recent data from Tourism Research Australia, in the year ending December 2024, 677,000 visitors flocked to Portarlington – an increase of 36 per cent from the previous year.

Portarlington recently received a Bronze award in the 2025 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards and Port Phillip Ferries, the operator of the Portarlington service, was named the Best Major Tour & Transport Operator in Victoria at the 2024 Victorian Tourism Awards.

In 2022, the Labor Government completed a $10 million upgrade to Portarlington Pier. This included an all-weather access from the foreshore to the ferry service, a strengthened pier head to enable vehicle access for the aquaculture industry and emergency response, and a more accessible low landing for improved water access.

The Government has invested more than $23 million in infrastructure to support the operations of the ferry including the Portarlington Safe Harbour, pier, walkway and reef. 

Ongoing services for a further two years will mean the ferry continues to boost local business and jobs in Portarlington bringing people to the area to live, work and visit.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams

“Through cheaper V/Line fares and our investment in train, bus and ferry services, we’re supporting regional tourism and communities in the Bellarine Peninsula.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos

“The Portarlington ferry is helping bring more visitors to the Bellarine, boosting local businesses and jobs while showcasing one of Victoria’s most popular coastal destinations.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“The Bellarine Peninsula is a great place to live and visit, recently coming 3rd at the Victorian Tourism Council Awards for Best Small Tourism Town.”

“The Portarlington Ferry plays an important part of the tourism economy for the Bellarine, as well making the Peninsula a more accessible place to live and commute to Melbourne for work.”