By Luke Voogt
Geelong and Portarlington ferries to Melbourne will resume on Saturday following the dismantling of state government’s ‘ring of steel’, the services’ operator has announced.
Port Phillip Ferries on Monday confirmed its twice-daily return services would resume after Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday announced a further easing of restrictions.
“Port Phillip Ferries are excited to once again set sail,” the company’s chief executive officer Murray Rance said.
“We look forward to welcoming those looking for a day trip or weekend escape either in regional Victoria or Melbourne.”
Mr Rance assured potential passengers that safety was Port Phillip Ferries’ “number one priority”.
“With services operating in both directions, we provide a safe and leisurely way of travelling across Port Phillip Bay.
“We have implemented a number of measures to keep passengers safe on-board during this time including pre-booked tickets only, contactless boarding, reduced capacities, social hygiene measures and distanced seating.”
Port Phillip Ferries plans to increase the twice-daily services to four days a week, running Thursdays to Sundays, beginning on December 3.
A cruise on the Geelong Flyer between Steampacket Quay on Geelong waterfront and Docklands, Melbourne, takes about 90 minutes, according to Port Phillip Ferries.
The Bellarine Express takes about 70 minutes to travel to and from Portarlington to Docklands, according to the company.
Port Phillip Ferries on Monday promoted Geelong’s artistic, cultural and dining attractions, along with Bellarine Peninsula wineries, restaurants and nature-based activities in a bid to boost local tourism with Melbourne reopening.
Melburnians can now visit regional Victoria after state government scrapped the 25km travel limit on Monday.
Bookings are essential and only passengers with pre-booked tickets will be allowed to board the ferry.
Each ferry is equipped with 20 bike racks.
Details: portphillipferries.com.au
