Queenscliff's new $15.9 million ferry terminal has opened earlier than anticipated to accommodate holiday traffic.
Queenscliff’s new ferry terminal has opened earlier than was planned to help cope with an anticipated massive influx of school holiday visitors.
“Whilst not fully complete, the building has passed all safety and compliance tests to enable customers to utilise the passenger lounges and beachside food offering,” said Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald.
“We are very excited to finally be opening after what has been a challenging three years. The building will be fully completed and officially launched in March 2023. Works to be finished will be the passenger gantry for accessible boarding, a digital immersive experience, and an expanded food offering.”
Built by Kane Constructions, the $15.9 million terminal has been designed by award-winning F2 Architects as a modern interpretation of the town’s original Fishermen’s Pier, demolished in 1960.
Once fully completed it is expected to cater to upwards 950,000 passengers over the next 12 months, rising to more than a million in coming years.
Described by Mr McDonald as a new “jewel of the Bellarine,” the state-of-the-art, two-level building has been funded under Geelong City Deal - a $382.48 million commitment between the Commonwealth and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the city and regional economy. Searoad Ferries contributed $5.9 million towards the build.
The terminal offers improved pedestrian and disability access and a new ground floor food venue, TARRA Queenscliff, which will operate from 7am and will provide a contemporary menu for breakfast and lunch.
A new external boardwalk is also nearing completion.
Searoad Ferries is awaiting Borough of Queenscliffe approval for a revised liquor license, which would lift the number of patrons from to 90 to 540 and extend its operating hours from 9pm to 1am to accommodate more patrons and activities - including night time ferry cruises and training services.
Operating since 1987, the company’s vessels cross the bay upwards of 8,200 annually and carry more than 250,000 vehicles, making it Australia’s busiest vehicle ferry service.
Last year it was recognised at a national level, with a bronze in the category of Best Major Tour and Transport Operator at the Australian Tourism Industry Awards and last month was awarded yet another Victorian Tourism Industry Award.
With a massive influx of tourists anticipated over the next month, foot passengers are being encouraged to pre-book their tickets.
Following its success last year, the company will again offer a shuttle bus service on both sides of the bay, to carry passengers into Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale and Sorrento and Portsea.
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“Whilst not fully complete, the building has passed all safety and compliance tests to enable customers to utilise the passenger lounges and beachside food offering,” said Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald.
“We are very excited to finally be opening after what has been a challenging three years. The building will be fully completed and officially launched in March 2023. Works to be finished will be the passenger gantry for accessible boarding, a digital immersive experience, and an expanded food offering.”
Built by Kane Constructions, the $15.9 million terminal has been designed by award-winning F2 Architects as a modern interpretation of the town’s original Fishermen’s Pier, demolished in 1960.
Once fully completed it is expected to cater to upwards 950,000 passengers over the next 12 months, rising to more than a million in coming years.
Described by Mr McDonald as a new “jewel of the Bellarine,” the state-of-the-art, two-level building has been funded under Geelong City Deal - a $382.48 million commitment between the Commonwealth and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the city and regional economy. Searoad Ferries contributed $5.9 million towards the build.
The terminal offers improved pedestrian and disability access and a new ground floor food venue, TARRA Queenscliff, which will operate from 7am and will provide a contemporary menu for breakfast and lunch.
A new external boardwalk is also nearing completion.
Searoad Ferries is awaiting Borough of Queenscliffe approval for a revised liquor license, which would lift the number of patrons from to 90 to 540 and extend its operating hours from 9pm to 1am to accommodate more patrons and activities - including night time ferry cruises and training services.
Operating since 1987, the company’s vessels cross the bay upwards of 8,200 annually and carry more than 250,000 vehicles, making it Australia’s busiest vehicle ferry service.
Last year it was recognised at a national level, with a bronze in the category of Best Major Tour and Transport Operator at the Australian Tourism Industry Awards and last month was awarded yet another Victorian Tourism Industry Award.
With a massive influx of tourists anticipated over the next month, foot passengers are being encouraged to pre-book their tickets.
Following its success last year, the company will again offer a shuttle bus service on both sides of the bay, to carry passengers into Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale and Sorrento and Portsea.
to edit.
