Discover Docklands from the water

Melbourne’s award-winning ferry service, Port Phillip Ferries, is offering a unique opportunity to take in our city from the water with their new Docklands Discovery Cruises.

Running Tuesdays from March 5 to 19, between 2.30pm and 3.30pm, the hour-long cruises take passengers through Victoria Harbour, along the Yarra River, and under the Bolte Bridge and Westgate Bridge, accompanied by commentary on the port’s rich maritime history.

“The historical commentary begins with some notable vessels in the harbour such as the Alma Doepel, a century-old tall ship currently being restored at North Wharf,” Port Phillip Ferries marketing manager, Brad Wright, told Docklands News.

“It also goes over the history of Victoria Dock, the Bolte Bridge, info and stats on the Port of Melbourne, Port of Melbourne tugs, Coode Island, European discovery and settlement, the Westgate Bridge, Newport Power Station and Williamstown.”

The cruise includes your choice of afternoon delight, including house wine with cheese and crackers, a beer with mixed nuts, or a coffee or tea with a muffin.

The modern fleet of ferries features multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas, accessible onboard facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations, and are easily accessible for all via our boarding ramps and they comfortably accommodate wheelchairs, motorised mobility scooters, and prams.

“The Melbourne Docklands area we know today surrounds the former Victoria Dock, which opened in 1893 as the second largest single dock in the world,” Mr Wright said. “Built as part of Sir John Coode’s port improvement plans, Victoria Dock formed an integral link with the railway yards at Spencer St. By the early 1900s, Victoria Dock received most of Victoria’s imports.”

“It is important we show and celebrate Melbourne’s deep maritime history, and there are few better ways to do that than from the harbour itself.” •