Could Melbourne get a ferry network?

[@peterhoz]

A ferry network needs to be part of the Myki system, and be included in the zone fares just like buses. Once you have to pay an extra fare on top of the other parts of your journey, they are reduced to being a niche option. Public transport fares are capped statewide at around $10/day (indexed annually), a ferry should be no different. You can catch a V-line bus to Mildura yet not a ferry. Even the West Gate Punt is more expensive than a trip to Mildura if you have to catch something else at the other end!

[@sophiewhitehouse6718]

The last time I had a journey that I could take by ferry, the cost for 1 passenger was just too ridiculous! Just took the V-Line instead

[@larsha01]

Yes if it were a part of ptv I'd probably catch the ferry to geelong

[@simonm9964]

Sydney ferries are part of Opal but significantly more expensive than a train or bus, I don't think it would be sustainable at the same fare structure, water vessles are inherently very expensive to run. The government could subsidise this of course.

[@delsonpalomaria7975]

disagree with the zone fares, but not the part where myki should be implemented in ferries too. it is actually more expensive to operate ferries

[@TheProteanGeek]

@@simonm9964 Brisbane's ferry system is included in our Go Card system and the cost is included in our zone system.

[@Dave_Sisson]

I spent years waiting for someone to write a Port Phillip Ferries page on Wikipedia, but in the end I grew tired of waiting, so I wrote it myself. The speed limit in the lower Yarra is still rather low and it adds significantly to journey times. If there is one thing the government could do to make ferries more viable, it would be to increase the speed limit for ferries, even if by only a couple of knots. Ferries used to service the Mornington Peninsula because it was almost impossible to put a direct railway down there. The bayside route was blocked by Olivers Hill, Mt Eliza, Mt Martha, Arthurs Seat, etc. But the ferries were requisitioned for military use during the Second World War and moved to Sydney. After the war, the ferries were in no condition to sail back to Melbourne, so they were replaced by buses, although these days the buses take such a windy and indirect route that they take twice as long to get from Frankston to Sorento as it does by car. Today, there is potential for a ferry to the southern peninsula, *provided* it is semi express and only stops at a couple of places. If it is made to stop at every beachside hamlet, journey times will be so slow that no one will use it.

[@timallardyce1216]

No one does use the buses there It's a wealthier area and people take users. I know because I'm an uber driver and it's INSANELY busy down there on weekends, particularly in sunset msummer

[@BDub2024]

it sounds like there is a need from a tourism perspective mainly.

[@Dave_Sisson]

@@BDub2024 Not necessarily. The Portarlington to Docklands service is faster than driving and it has a cafe and bar on board, so it is both the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the city and it is used by commuters. A similar service with a top speed of around 70 kmh (modern cat ferries are smooth) could possibly service Rosebud and Blairgowrie with a bit of government assistance.

[@BDub2024]

@@Dave_Sisson I assume the price would be the same as train and bus. Because that is critical, it can't be more expensive or more difficult to get to.

[@frednerk5959]

BS .The've let ferries increase their speed recently and I'ts rooting the banks and moored vessels!

[@matthewluke]

Docklands-Mornington would take about 65 minutes (50km at 25 knots) at current speeds. This seems really competitive with current public transport, which takes about 2 hours and requires a bus from Frankston station.

[@thejokingcat783]

A bus from Frankston station, Jesus

[@p1ngerss]

sure, but how many ferries would you need to support enough people to make it viable for mass transit?

[@har234908234]

@@p1ngerss

[@guaxary]

Ferries between South and West would be a game change!

[@cswvna]

Agreed. Why isn't a Frankston to Bellarine Peninsula or Geelong service considered? A short extension of the 901 bus to Frankston Pier would offer the entire east side of Melbourne as potential ridership.

[@TheFinalMB]

@@cswvna Double agreed! Especially with the train line and bus network in Frankston, it seems like it would be a great place to have a ferry port. Could easily have a few ferries going down the peninsula, across the bay, and to the city. The whole place would open up :):)

[@solomonmiesen7662]

St Kilda ferry runs between williamstown, st kilda and port Melbourne and whilst there was attempts for it be more commuter trip for williamstown to port Melbourne it never got funding so now remains more of a weekend holiday ferry. Definitely a great service tho

[@Funkteon]

Basically nobody who lives in Williamstown works in St Kilda or surrounds and vice versa... Hardly anyone would have used it...

[@chrisj6321]

The railfare getting cut from 25 ish dollars a day peak to 10 from geelong was a real blow to the ferry. I used it to commute for a while when trains were out of action. Was a great start to a day

[@extraverse]

Yeah I reckon that pretty much killed off the Geelong commuter service. I use the Portarlington service at least a couple of times a month and it's really convenient and comfortable, but only any sort of good value if you have a multi-pass.

[@deanbritton7436]

They need to come to Mornington as it'd be a lot easier to get to and from the city. It's a pain the proverbial to drive in and even worse to try and catch public transport.

[@alecclews]

There is discussion about providing ferry mooring at Mornington (see engage.vic.gov.au/mornington-harbour-local-port-area-plan-project). I can currently commute from Mount Martha/Mornington boundary (so better bus service) to city in 2h.10m So it would need to beat that. But lack of decent bus services feeding into Mornington ferry (it's a 15m walk from the bus interchange to the pier) would need changes

[@tasmanianmapping]

Now can we have a video on Hobart's new and developing ferry network?

[@BigBlueMan118]

Agree this is much more relevant, as is Perth ferry network.

[@Spacemonkeymojo]

@@BigBlueMan118 Of course they are much more relevant and pertinent, but this guy [video maker] is obviously a recent arrival and thinks he knows what's best for this country. They are all the same; they see Australia as a paradise where you get given free stuff all the time then they come here, act like they know what's best and expect their ideas to be implemented over the ideas of locals. We will need ferries in every city eventually due to our population explosion that's only occurring as a result reckless and stupid amounts of immigration.

[@BDub2024]

@@BigBlueMan118 Perth's one could further grow. But there is an election in 4 months, so we will see if they're just trying to win votes. The main exciting prospect in Perth is Canning Bridge to UWA/hospital. I'm not sure if Perth CBD to Crawley is required though.

[@BDub2024]

And Perth. I can't see that Melbourne needs it. The rails and trams are plenty and direct.

[@AndroidZero-Nine]

we can't because Hobart isn't real

[@SnapDash]

In my opinion, the key to a successful ferry service is having good transit service to the ferry terminal, particularly at the non-CBD side, ideally without having to pay two separate fares.

[@DXPetti]

Taking cars off the road of the Mornington Peninsula is a underrated need. Tourism is huge there, especially during summer months. Workers that still need to travel to the city would supplement during the winter months. Plenty on the Peninsula don't use the Frankston line because a) perceived personal safety (especially at night) b) people prefer one mode of transport versus many. Just look at the numbers the Peninsula Link -> Eastlink does M-F

[@hazptmedia]

They should integrate the Westgate Punt & Port Phillip Ferries system into PTV with the same fare caps etc, as well as increase the frequencies. Also, a ferry service does run between Williamstown & St Kilda but it’s very expensive for what you get, and “cruise” services on the Yarra and Williamstown-City

[@i_like_trainsyt]

I believe a good use of Ferry's could be to create a service that travels from one part of Melbourne to the other across the bay such as the former (i think) Williamstown to Beaumaris ferry that could also supply a somewhat orbital connection with public transport.

[@prowler6435]

It would be a great solution to take some pressure off the West Gate Bridge, without having to double-train through the city loop.

[@jontysherson]

Hobsonville point ferry in New Zealand is a great example of build it, they come.

[@davenewington1096]

I commute from Portarlington to dock lands a few times a week. Hopefully will get cheaper as more ppl mode to the Bellarine, but it is way better than trains

[@jeffreywhitehead9386]

I remember the ill-fated hovercraft that's not in your vid. "One forgotten futuristic vessel that literally did get off the ground was a hovercraft known as the Courier. This hovercraft commenced operation between Port Melbourne, Rosebud, Frankston and Portarlington in 1987." Otherwise thank you for another great vid and I very much enjoyed watching it here in Frankston

[@andrewl3655]

There was also a high-speed hovercraft serving Melbourne from the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas in the 1980s. It failed to strongly capture either the commuting or tourist markets.

[@nikaxstrophotography]

It was extremely expensive

[@Sagealeena]

I looked into this last year and the biggest improvement would be to integrate ferries with PTV. If the state government committed to providing myki infrastructure to the ferries (not myki prices) in return for the private companies sharing their timetables with PTV so it can calculated into suggested journeys etc. and ideally maintaining year-round service. This would make ferry journeys more seamless without a lot of upfront investment. Next would be to build ferry stops that all companies can use.

[@reez1728]

Unfortunately the state government is more interested in language policing and trampling civil rights of protesters than actually doing something for ratepayers.

[@darylhood5832]

Love your videos! Your voice is mesmeric. Great work!

[@normandiebryant6989]

At 2:23, you say that those old paddle-steamers operating to Queenscliff and Mornington "were pretty slow" but, in fact, they were among the fastest paddlesteamers in the world! The Hygeia could do 21knots! However, they were only excursion steamers and would only do a lap of the bay on weekends; they weren't a regular commuter service. Also, you never mentioned the Hovercraft that operated between Frankston and the City for a few months in 1988. My parents said it was terribly loud and were relieved when it went fizzled out. I think it ran a Portarlington route first, from 1987, then also the east-side Rosebud, Frankston & Port Melbourne.

[@Secretlyanothername]

Hydrofoils are cool. I can't wait for them to come back

[@boabdownunder]

This would be incredible and make Geelong , Werribee, Frankston, The Belarine and the Mornington Peninsula way more accessible to commuters and tourism. Sydney has an incredible and great value network.

[@james8902]

Great video! It's a good point about them being more for scenic/tourist-type journeys. If you do the calculations, driving from suburban Melbourne to Portarlington is cheaper than taking the ferry-so for work commutes, it would quickly add up! It would be great to have some ferry services to the Mornington Peninsula, though the only issue is that you are bound to the bayside towns/burbs if you don't have a car.

[@coujo65]

Fantastic job on your presentation @CityMoose! Keep up the great work!

[@jonberg]

One route you didn't mention was the Maribyrnong River. Curious about the possibility of a Docklands-Fisherman's Bend-Footscray-Racecourse/Showgrounds-Edgewater-Highpoint-Aberfeldie-Defence Site-Essendon West ferry route. There's a lot of current and future density around there which is currently very poorly served by public transport.

[@Secretlyanothername]

It's mostly park along the river, and low density and industrial. A Williamstown stop makes more sense for me, as it's already on the route

[@ArchieGrover-d2j]

I'm From Frankston Melbourne Region thankyou for making video about this ❤

[@bobbyphillips8732]

Since moving to Melbourne about 5 years ago. I’ve always wondered why there were no ferry service to places that is annoying to commuter to and from. And when we had that massive rail shut down, we had to rely on buses that gets stuck in peak hour traffic. A ferry service would have help going to key hub like Footscray and Williamstown. Also a ferry to cross from Williamstown to St. Kilda would be amazing. And another route from Docklands to say… Sorrento would be so good and not having to worry about driving or taking train/bus services

[@mickmckpng3153]

Port Phillip Ferries is run by Paul Little, ex Toll. The group has a tonne of cash and PTV has been subsidising the service to the tune of $3-4mm per annum since inception and continues to do so. The tender is available on Google and it essentially covers their diesel bill. Paul Little also bought the Portarlington Hotel and few other local businesses and does a roaring middle of the day trade in bringing over various groups to explore The Bellarine and frequent his hotel, so the ferry is not just moored in Docklands all day costing money. Ticket price isn't that important to most users living in that region since the Geelong trains have been utter shit since they were rerouted through the urban dumps of Tarneit and Wyndham Vale.....and the ferry has wifi and a bar.....

[@rowanjones3476]

The answer I received to ‘did you consider future ferry usage in the design’ to someone involved in the new St Kilda Pier project was : yes

[@m31tdown]

I think they need to have the ferries terminate at Williamstown instead of Docklands. There's a high frequency train service that would get to the city faster than the ferry, and it would give the line a far greater level of patronage

[@timallardyce1216]

Isn't the Williamstown line only every 20 min?

[@m31tdown]

@timallardyce1216 still more frequent than the ferries and vline

[@timallardyce1216]

@m31tdown hardly 'high frequency' though. Obviously there's plenty of capacity to add more though How far is the station from any docks? From memory is a bit of a walk

[@Shad0wHunt3r24]

Would need to build a pier close one of the stations suitable tho

[@Shad0wHunt3r24]

@@timallardyce1216yea both stations is a bit of a walk looking at the map tho and no suitable pier nearby

[@Ben_Jamin_85]

I wish they’d use the Geelong to Queenscliffe rail as a V/Line service. Also wish they’d extend the Metro system from Frankston along the old line to Baxter, Moorooduc and then Mornington. Then perhaps a V/Line branch from Baxter along the freeway to Rosebud!

[@robvegas9354]

A fast boat service from frankston for commuters to the city would be an instant winner. bizarre that it has not happened yet.

[@debbieanne7962]

All parking around Frankston beach is 2 hours only. Would probably need to build more parking

[@adrianpalladino3388]

Why would you suggest a "bizzare" idea when there already is a train service? Many of the peak services run express Cheltenham-Caulfield-Richmond VV, plus serve 5 city stations. A ferry service can only serve 1 or 2 locations on the outer fringes of the CBD, which no government would fund a silly idea. A ferry from Mornington is justified since there's no efficient public transport to the city.

[@johnd8892]

The Frankston to Port Melbourne high speed hovercraft lasted about a week or so. Barely remembered. The concrete landing pad may still exist in Frankston. Back then lots of people were deluding themselves that it would be highly used. The delusions continue today.

[@michaelirish1445]

@@adrianpalladino3388 I have already made plans with the City of Frankston council for a ferry service and you Adrian Palladino will not be permitted to board. You can have all the hissy fits you like but your not getting on.

[@michaelirish1445]

Yes I agree. Given the ferries can now go around 40 knots and its obviously a direct root with no stops it should easily beat the train in...We arn't interested in your thoughts Mr Panlladio:)

[@edsmith4160]

Could you do one on the Moreton Bay City Council's proposal for a service of Baycats between Bribie Island, Redcliffe to Brisbane and include the case for expanding to link to the Sunshine Coast?

[@jamesmilham9491]

And also talk about the current ferry route on the Gold Coast and other possible routes

[@caseous69]

The bayside suburbs already took most of the funding with level crossing removal project and the metro tunnel (which specifically excluded the inner east by bypassing South Yarra). The rest of us need some infrastructure funding too! Instead of buying ferries, use the money to get rid of the Burnley level crossing, and speed up the airport link construction with the money!

[@Melbournelost66]

Melbourne should have high speed hydrofoils. That's the answer for a large bay. Hydrofoil technology upgraded is the answer. Sydney had them decades ago.

[@joshanderson9391]

And they also got rid of them decades ago because they weren’t very good. The last service was in 1991. The new jetboat ferries are what should be used now

[@RoBot9491]

Dont work in rough water. PPB gets VERY rough at times.

[@lokicarbis]

One possibility for ferry services not explored in your video is the Maribyrnong River. It's relatively wide and calm, and above Footscray would have few if any issues with other vehicles - and it could potentially serve a region of Melbourne that is traditionally under-served by non-bus public transport. The big factor would be the point upstream beyond which the river is no longer navigable.

[@davidsidwell]

I live in Williamstown. I too am interested in the "cross bay ferry from here" idea. Probably tourist. We haven't long had the Frankston Williamstown train. But, when the new rail tunnel opens, I understand we'll lose that. So...a ferry from Nelson place, Williamstown to Morpen (Frankston etc)?

[@gurok2]

It would be interesting to see a deep dive from you on the Queenscliff rail line and the issues surrounding it. I'm aware that there have been several attempts to get rail back up and running between Geelong and the Bellarine peninsula. However, the gauge doesn't match and due to disuse, most of the track isn't in the right condition. More recently, I think there was also a push was for light rail. There's also part of the track that's been leased to the Bellarine tourist railway, and that would pose difficulties if it were to be reconnected. But I'd love to see your analysis of a "what if" rail design for that area.

[@pauls8456]

My guess is most comments come from people who have never been on a boat on Port Phillip Bay. It can get VERY rough, it’s a very shallow (it was a swamp 10K years ago) and is in a high wind zone. Waves are often 1.5m + high. They tried a hovercraft and it couldn’t cope. The former steamers were huge and sometimes sank…. They were too slow and arrival times were variable. I used to commute a short distance by ferry on nearby Westernport Bay, the service was sometimes cancelled due to weather leaving you stranded on one side or the other….. look at the size of the Sorrento Ferry, I have been on the car deck with waves coming in with people unable to stand up without hanging on to the overhead beams.

[@alanw1994]

A ferry from the Yarra River by Flinders Street Station to the end of Fisherman's bend would be such an easy money gain. The 237 bus is always packed during the morning and afternoon commute

[@Muush]

I think it is most useful connecting the peninsulas with the center of melbourne, since geelong is already considering increased frequency of available train transport and future high speed rail (not for a good 5 years though). However for events it is very useful if more widely known. (pls bring back the footy ferries, lmao)

[@David-xk6xq]

Port Phillip Bay also had a Hovercraft service in the late 80s I’m pretty sure the concrete landing pad for Frankston was between the pier and Kananook Creek entry, wouldn’t be surprised if it’s still there, just covered with a lot of sand 😮

[@archmcdonald6170]

Port Philip bay can get too rough to provide a constant service

[@adrienneclarke3953]

That was my first thought. The train ride may be long, but they run consistently, link up to all the other routes and I wont feel seasick on any day. Have travelled on ferries in Sydney and I wouldnt want to do it everyday to work.🤢

[@mickmckpng3153]

It gets cancelled just a few times a year .....if you commute on it you get used to it.

[@EmperorJake]

Huh, didn't know the Spirit of Tasmania leaves from Geelong now. Last time I caught it it went directly from Melbourne

[@peterhoz]

Was changed a few years ago

[@Shad0wHunt3r24]

Have a whole new purpose built facility there too. Much better for station pier and the spirit with this arrangement

[@tonydarcy7475]

It moved to Geelong a few years ago because Melbourne jacked up the port fees and they wanted bigger ships.

[@TheMelbournelad]

Cross bay ferries be awesome. If in Geelong but work in Frankston , save time in commute and stress

[@858493]

There were earlier attempts on ferries from Geelong, Werribee Sth etc using Hover Craft.. not sure who operated this but it was very large similar to those that operated in the English Channel. , l think early 80s but don't quote me might be worth a look to complete the story. thanks for sharing regards Doc

[@johnd8892]

Frankston to Port Melbourne hovercraft just ran a week or so. The only hovercraft running. Costs exceeded revenue by ridiculous amounts.

[@berenscott8999]

A few problems, Melbourne isn't dense along the bay. Any ferry stops wouldn't be well integrated with any other public transport. Each ferry route would be duplicating a rail route. Ferries are mostly slow, they don't carry enough people.

[@Secretlyanothername]

Hydrofoil ferries can easily do 70km/h, so can cover the area more easily

[@berenscott8999]

@@Secretlyanothername trains travel 100km/h or so, carry 1200 or so people, can run every 3 minutes if need be. Aren't competing for shared finite space on the water. And I'm pretty sure a train on rails can slow down faster then a boat on water, but please feel free to educate me.

[@JamesHawkeYouTube]

Cool I could get to Dandenong from Werribee without sitting in a train that smells like vomit.

[@theunbeliever7394]

I lived in the broader Wyndham area in 2016 and I never heard about the existence of the ferry! If they’d more broadly circulated knowledge of its existence, I think it would have had plenty of passengers wishing to escape traffic and the PT crush.

[@policyexplained7030]

Super interesting video, the idea of a ferry network in melbourne is super interesting. Unfortuantely looks like ferrys are too slow :(

[@vt1940]

Not Princess Bridge - Is Princes Bridge. (Was Originally Prince's Bridge but changed to Princes Bridge) Also known as Lennox Bridge after Builder - 1st completed 1850 - 1885 then Rebuilt and named Prince's Bridge.

[@Spacemonkeymojo]

Give him a break he's a gimmegrant.

[@flamingfrancis]

@@Spacemonkeymojo That's fair enough but he should know his differences between his Princes and Princesses....

[@Spacemonkeymojo]

@@flamingfrancis in this day and age sex and gender seems to no longer matter anymore. Men are women and women are men. We live in a clown world. That’s why immigration is so high and it’s also why a video like this is made by an immigrant.

[@chrismckellar9350]

With the rollout of the 'open loop' upgrade to Myki 'tap & travel' payment system from 2025, would allow for a good ferry network to be added to Melbourne's public transport network

[@clayauslewis4236]

Great idea. Which would get over the line first? The ferry system or the airport railway link?

[@peterpanda5069]

Westgate punt is GREAT, so many other bayside trips could benefit from regular services

[@mwansam2659]

A ferry would work well in Werribee South - sure it’s got a smaller population but Wyndham has a large population that’s only growing. It would also make access to the open range zoo and Werribee mansion easier for those wanting to visit

[@gormster]

Honestly, station pier needs to be the hub of the port Phillip bay ferry network. It’s a ten minute tram to the city compared to an extra 25 minutes crawling past the docks. Overall, besides Myki integration which is the obvious first step, Melbourne needs to think beyond trips to and from the city. Williamstown - Station Pier - St Kilda would be a great start. That journey currently takes over an hour by public transport - a ferry could do it in about 15 minutes.

[@cabbagepatch8947]

To be more like Sydney surely look at ferries across the bay first like Williamstown to St Kilda. Not a tourist ferry at great cost on weekends but a continuous service like in Sydney.

[@BDub2024]

The govt in WA has been talking about ferries too (an election). It helps if the routes by ferry are direct and yet the routes by road, rail or track are indirect. In Perth that largely doesn't occur as the rivers is bendy and and roads/rail very direct. Until recently there hasn't been any high density living near the river really. Ferries not needed apart from maybe Applecross to UWA avoiding the city (and current S Perth to city). I look forward to what Melb is planning, though. I would have thought their rail/tram usage would be really direct.

[@neilchisholm797]

A hydrofoil or catamaran ferry service on the eastern shore of the bay has great potential. Equally it would from Werribee South if the Ferry Company went into collaboration with developers to build houses near the ferry terminal. Maybe in time this could be extended further down the bay with other development collaborations. It worked very well for Metroland in NW London in the 1930, the principle would work well here too. The critical factors are speed, frequency, reliability and capacity. The ferries need to be faster than existing public transport or by car. They need to be turn up and go ie ideally 15 mins between departures for commuter traffic, less frequent for tourist traffic. They need to be reliable in all weather conditions except of course if it’s unsafe, even the Sydney ferries stop for seriously inclement weather. Finally capacity, there could be different size hydrofoils/catamarans for different times. High capacity for commuter traffic, lower capacity and potentially slower and less frequent sailings for tourist traffic. Yes there is most definitely a place for ferries in Melbourne both suburb to city but also from east bay coast to west bay coast eg Brighton to Williamstown or Frankston, Portarlington to Geelong. The east west ferries could be tourist attractions and be modern versions of paddle steamers that are faster than the old type. Lots of ideas.

[@Secretlyanothername]

A hydrofoil that maintains consistency above 60km/h would be a game changer. Sydney's ferries are mostly affected by the storm swells coming off the Pacific through the heads. The bay is less affected by this kind of sea - anything above 2m is rare

[@ghostinplainsight4803]

There is a shit farm in Werribee South. My dad used to live there. You haven't lived until you smell the entirety of Melbournes shit on a hot 40 degree summer day.

[@JaydenMillard-k9q]

I just need to know that you understand that though your name is CityMoose, your display picture is not of a moose but a caribou, or reindeer.

[@linus1703]

As others have said the fact it is not part of Myki is a real problem. Even if the costs were different we just don't want to buy a separate ticket. I personally don't travel that far from where I live but I can totally see it being a great addition to us. If the gov wanted to push this they would have a free ferry day.

[@aquacactuscheeseburger]

A barge service also exists between French Island and Corinella, it is the only vehicle access to the island.

[@wilsonchan4554]

another problem is port phillip is very wide. 50km plus. Melbourne is a very windy city. morning wind from south, afternoon from north. the bay out the middle is actually rough

[@NathanSmith-cs3yi]

I think it would be great to see a growing ferry system with Station Pier as Melbourne's 'Circular Quay'. You could then have an express bus to the CBD with strategic stops around the city. You're right though, it would be more beneficial for tourists, but is that a bad thing.

[@neilchisholm797]

If you wish to use Station Pier as Melbournes Circular Quay you are going to have to convince the Melb City Council to build a designated Cruise terminal which is should so do. Station Pier is such an embarrassment as an embarkation point or Destination for cruise ships. Melbourne is a world city of over 5 million yet our cruise terminal is like a third world, converted USAF airbase departure point. The Sydney terminals are world class and I believe that Brisbane’s is too. It no small wonder that for the 2024-25 season many cruise lines are avoiding Melbourne. Cruises that terminate at Melbourne are becoming less and less frequent purely due to the fact the terminus is not in the city like Sydney and Auckland but also because there is no rail connection from the city to the airport. Planners don’t seem to realise that public transport is a spiderweb and one failing will fail the entire system. Docklands is about to undergo a further overhaul and revamp. A circular Quay there would be much more appropriate. Maybe even a cruise terminal too. There are great connections to the CBD from there and it could be a huge win for the city.

[@benlever3172]

Ferries are inherently slower than railways, and the speed restrictions on the Yarra just add to that. They make the most sense where they can effectively take a shortcut compared to land-based alternatives - eg the Portarlington-City ferry works so well because it can sail directly across the bay while cars/buses/trains need to go the long way via Geelong. So the best prospects will be routes that play to that strength. The layout of Port Philip and its surrounding towns means that there's not many trips to the CBD that make sense - one from the lower parts of the Mornington Peninsula into the CBD would be a good candidate, but that's probably it. So it's worth looking at non-CBD trips - something like Altona to St Kilda, or Geelong to Frankston, would be way more direct than driving or taking the train. The travel demand/market between these points may be fairly small initially, but the ferry would be so much faster it could attract a large percentage of that market - and over time, the presence of a strong public transport link would help stimulate travel demand between the two places (eg people who work in one place will find it more viable to buy or rent in the other, since they'll know they'll have an easy commute).

[@wilsonchan4554]

i have done. Dockland to Geelong / PortArlington . Beauty service........But, here is the problem.................speed limit once you pass Williamstown is only 5 KN. The rest of port Phillip works

[@The.Midnight.Rambler]

There's no way a regular ferry could get near Dights Falls is there?

[@lachlanmillsteed6825]

absolutely not. they would have to turn around before it, even if they turn around at the Johnston St bridge in Abbotsford

[@Rawkus919]

Portarlington to Docklands is a great trip

[@ghostinplainsight4803]

I'm finna catch the Geelong to Burn City ferry in summer!

[@stussysinglet]

the main issue/ problem is that in general the bay suburbs and areas are not that densely populated but building more mid rise housing in these areas could change that ...

[@davidmann8504]

Do you mean the privately owned ferry service between Melbourne, Portarlington and Geelong presently running? Port Phillip Ferries?

[@jamesgraham8948]

The maribyrnong river runs through a public transport black spot. Seems primed for a ferry down to docklands and/or the fisherman's bend precinct. Rail to the maribyrnong area would cost a fortune and will therefore never happen!

[@neilchisholm797]

The trouble with river ferries is their speed. They can’t travel fast due to erosion of the riverbanks and destruction of wildlife habitat. Although any public transport connection from Maribyrnrong and the city would be advantageous, it still has to be quicker than by car or existing public transport or it won’t be used. There I’m afraid is the real issue, ecology verses commuters, ecology wins every time.

[@Secretlyanothername]

@@neilchisholm797 hydrofoils leave no effective wake

[@rmar127]

And here I was thinking that Punt road was named after a style of football kick 😂😂😂

[@alexiscarlton1355]

Would love a day trip to Mornington Peninsula to visit a friend.

[@RickyPro888]

As far as dense suburbs go, I think a ferry to Beaumaris or Black Rock from Docklands would be very successful but I doubt it ever happens. A lot of nimbys sure, but initial costs would be high. That being said, it would reduce traffic in Mentone, Cheltenham, Brighton and Sandringham. Public transport doesn’t do the job there right now imo.

[@holliswong8519]

Simple fix. Add a station at Port Philip, as part of the city circle

[@tangiers365]

can they do a ferry from king island to sorrento? thats where i live and work

[@RoBot9491]

Im sure they would do it, if you were prepared to pay 1 million bucks a trip!

[@frednerk5959]

What about Williamstown to Port Melbourne car ferry. Went on many times before West Gate bridge!

[@alanwilson4208]

But why not just go express straight to Geelong from Frankston or Mornington? How was this option missed?

[@nathan_warner]

You should do a video on the expanding Hobart ferry network! (Just ignore the Spirit of Tassie fiasco...) Tassie always gets left out of these talks. 😅

[@flamingfrancis]

Melbourne Cup is coming up and I'm fairly sure I have seen river ferries / launches stopping at a wharf nearby on the Maribyrnong River for punters to alight. Might not be the case after their controversial flood wall was consttructed.

[@alec3205]

Hell yeah Melbourne content

[@electro_sykes]

Car ferry from Mornington peninsula to Geelong would be nice

[@Dave_Sisson]

There has been an hourly car ferry for many decades. It goes from Sorento to Queenscliff.

[@Spacemonkeymojo]

Spot the recent arrival.

[@ZeBoy85]

Most people from Werribee would catch V-Line instead as it only takes 22 minutes to get from Tarneit to Southern Cross and is roughly the same distance away as Werribee harbour.

[@EvanM_]

Ferry to Mornington would be fantastic, especially if you could also take a bike on the ferry (not possible on the slow bus ride from Frankston). As an aside, I'm less enthusiastic about Melbourne's tram network than the presenter is. Trams are great for short trips such is in the CBD, but for trips spanning suburbs they are slow and uncomfortable and can't weave through traffic the way buses can (except on the rare stretches where they are given their own fairway).

[@rrocketman]

It's about time!

[@kieranhoare7239]

if we were to develop a ferry network, it would need to be part of myki ticketing, like sydney ferries are. Its ridiculous that PTV shows 'melbourne skybus' are 'public transport' when the ticketing is 5x expensive and you cant use your myki and is absolutely confusing to people who dont use it. Not only would I like to see a mornington ferry (which i think is the most important option for ferries right now) i would be interested in seeing ferries crossing west-east across the bay as geographically it's the bay that is preventing travel between east west south of melbourne, and ferries are the easiest solution. Like you said its not really needed for most of the east or west bank to have a ferry to go into the city due to the train or tram networks so they wouldnt add much to the network, but helping people cross the bay without going all the way into the city? I think that might be fairly useful for people

[@victorcoleiro4298]

Isn't there a ferry from St Kilda to Williamstown?

[@lachlanmillsteed6825]

what needs to be done first is to increase the speed limit along the Yarra - currently it is 10 knots

[@philvaneden]

took me forever but its natalie barr that u remind me of who it turns out is still on sunrise 20 years later and side note appears to have aged not one day in that whole time

[@alimoo8531]

Portarlington mentioned 😭🙏🙏

[@guyb6665]

Avalon airport could benefit from a ferry terminal if it has plans to add more passenger traffic

[@mattyj4852]

You didn’t mention the St Kilda to Williamstown and City to Williamstown ferries. These have been going for ages

[@NicCrouch]

The Wyndham Harbour ferry is hilarious. A slow, expensive, infrequent public transport route to a place no one lives. I wonder why it wasn't successful? 🤔🤔🤔

[@troublesomebirdsong]

A car ferry across the bay from Williamstown to North Rd, Gardenvale could be interesting as a city bypass, if it was fast and frequent enough, but the east side probably wouldn't appreciate the extra traffic it would create. A regular tourist/holiday ferry route from Docklands down the Mornington Peninsula stopping at Port Melbourne, St Kilda, Brighton, Sandringham, Frankston, Mornington, Rosebud and Sorrento would be smart, again if it was frequent enough. Don't know how long that full trip would take, especially stopping that often. The Yarra and the Maribyrnong are too winding and serviced well enough by public transport not to need ferries for anything other than as river tours. Feel like the Geelong ferry should just stop at Portarlington on the way to Melbourne and kill two birds with one stone.

[@阿華-j8f]

Punt Road is the bain of my existence 😂

[@Tank33Hand33]

Sydneys light rail will never get close to Melbourne tram size

[@mjcats2011]

Don't need to be. They are building Metro.

[@MaxS-hn8we]

And it’s not looking to. Sydney is too busy building driverless metro lines.

[@johndwilson6111]

Horses for courses 😊

[@mjcats2011]

@@johndwilson6111 que?

[@Maty69r]

Nor should it, Sydney's geography and road network make it pretty hard for trams to get beyond the cbd Melbourne's tram network is hard to top. It is, of course, the biggest in the world 😅

[@josephj6521]

It’s Melbourne, nothing like Sydney or San Francisco. Just build a bridge between Mornington Peninsula to the Geelong area with rail included. High enough for ships of course.

[@doctorscoot]

Ferries are a great way to sight see. When I lived in Sydney the first thing you’d tell any tourist to do is to catch the manly ferry! Now I’m in Brisbane, a ferry up or down the river is likewise a great way to get a look at the city. At UQ doing my post-grad we’d often take visiting academics or conference attendees down to south bank via the ferry. It’s not super great for commuting though. A bit slow. But much more pleasant than any other mode!

[@pulsecodemodulated]

Given Melbourne's radial layout and existing bayside railway lines, a ferry system would be slow and utterly pointless. Nice for tourists perhaps, but of no value to commuters.

[@clintblack6070]

I catch the Portarlington to Melbourne.

[@tangiers365]

does the ferry to geelong paid for with my myki card?

[@aquacactuscheeseburger]

No, the ferries do not accept myki, you need to pay at the terminal and it is much more expensive than a myki fare