Port Phillip Ferries sails to back-to-back Gold at Victorian Tourism Awards

Port Phillip Ferries has reaffirmed its place as one of Victoria’s leading transport operators, taking home Gold for Major Tour & Transport Operator for the second consecutive year at the 2025 Victorian Tourism Awards.

The win places the Docklands-based operator – which runs daily passenger services from its Yanonung Quay terminal to Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula – among the state’s most celebrated tourism and transport providers. The awards were presented in late November at CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park before an audience of more than 900 industry leaders.

For Port Phillip Ferries, the accolade is recognition of a service that has rapidly become a favourite for commuters, day-trippers and regional travellers, while strengthening the connection between Docklands and Victoria’s coastal destinations.

General manager Jamie Ruscoe said the repeat win reflected the company’s culture and the dedication of staff across every part of the business.

“We’re incredibly proud to take out Gold for Major Tour & Transport Operator for the second year in a row,” Mr Ruscoe said. “It’s a real reflection of the dedication of our whole team, from our onboard crew and masters to our engineers, customer support and office staff.”

Port Phillip Ferries has become a key transport link since launching its Docklands services, offering an alternative to road and rail and helping bring new visitors into the waterfront precinct. Its vessels depart from the terminal at Yanonung Quay, where rising numbers of residents, workers and tourists are choosing to travel by water.

“Everything we do centres on giving our passengers the best experience possible across to the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong,” Mr Ruscoe said. “We’re grateful to our loyal passengers and industry partners for their ongoing support, and we’re excited to carry this momentum into 2026.”

As a Gold winner, Port Phillip Ferries will now represent Victoria at the 2025 Australian Tourism Awards, to be held at Fremantle Prison in Western Australia on March 6, 2026.