Ferry to set sail to city

Geelong to Melbourne trials begin

FERRY trials between Geelong and Melbourne will begin tomorrow with more than 200 people booking a place on the first 100-minute journey to Docklands.

Free travel will be offered between Geelong and Melbourne tomorrow and on July 31, with the first ferry leaving the Geelong waterfront at 6.15am and the return journey pulling out of Victoria Harbour at 5.30pm.

Port Phillip Ferries will also operate an 8.30am Docklands to Geelong service, and a 3.15pm Geelong to Docklands ferry during trial days.

Port Phillip Ferries chief executive officer Murray Rance said there had been an overwhelming response to the Geelong commuter trial and only limited spots remained on each 300-seat service.

“We are certainly very interested in looking at (the Geelong to Melbourne ferry) as a viable commuter service,” Mr Rance said.

“An ongoing ferry service would not only be great for commuters, it would provide a huge boost for tourism, events and doing business in Geelong.

“We now extend the invitation to Melbourne residents, encouraging them to spend a day exploring Geelong’s spectacular waterfront, along with the city’s many galleries, restaurants, cafes and shops — many of which are located within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal.”

The company has told commuters it will investigate “permanent parking and other logistics” if a Geelong-toMelbourne service becomes permanent.

EMC Group managing director Gillian Costa said a permanent ferry service between Geelong and Melbourne would be a valuable addition to Geelong’s visitor economy.

“Our rapidly expanding food and cultural scene makes a ferry trip from Melbourne the perfect excuse to enjoy some quality time in Geelong,” Ms Costa said earlier this month.

The success of the Geelong trial services will determine if Port Phillip Ferries operates permanent services between Geelong and Melbourne.

It follows the success of footy ferries announced earlier this year for fans travelling to Cats games in Melbourne.

Bike racks, fold-out work tables, free Wi-Fi and charging stations for electronic devices will be available on board, making for an enjoyable commute.

More than 17,000 Geelong commuters travel to Melbourne every day.

More than 12,000 of those travel by road and about 5000 choose the train, according to the Committee for Geelong.

A one-hour midday cruise around Corio Bay will be run on July 31.