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Port Phillip Ferries is dedicated to making your experience inclusive and accessible. Please find a detailed description of our accessibility and services that may help outline what to expect. If you would like to discuss accessibility needs further please email: info@portphillipferries.com.au or phone: (03) 9514 8959.
Alternatively, if you need assistance on board/ during your trip ask one of our friendly staff/ crew.
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Click here to open up a new browser window and view the virtual tour. Once open simply click and drag your way around the inside of the Melbourne Ferry Terminal and on board the ferry itself > Virtual Tour
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Yes, we accept companion cards.
We suggest calling our Customer Care line on 03 95148959 or emailing info@portphillipferries.com.au to add a companion traveller to an existing booking. Some details that the customer experience team member will require includes the following;- Booking reference number
- Companion card holder name and number
- Companions name and contact number
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Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome on board our vessels provided your assistance animal carries the appropriate and valid accreditation to travel.
For details on what is deemed a valid accreditation visit Public Transport Victoria or click here:
Assistance Animal Pass – Public Transport Victoria
Other Pets and Animals are not permitted on board. Our Vessel does not have the space or facilities to cater to animals, and the decision is made for the comfort and safety of the pets and other passengers. We appreciate your understanding.
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Port Phillip Ferries is proud to be partnering with Travellers Aid to support people who face barriers to access. If you have a mobility impairment, or disability or would like a companion to attend a day out, Travellers Aid can help. Our ferry terminal in Docklands is only a short distance from Southern Cross Station. A trained volunteer from Travellers Aid can be with you on your journey to assist you with buggy assistance to navigate Southern Cross Station, assistance with getting across to the ferry terminal and you also have the option of booking a companion for the day.
After you have secured a Travellers Aid companion, please make your Port Phillip Ferries booking directly by either booking on our website or by calling our Customer Care line on (03) 9514 8959.
To add Travellers Aid free companion to your booking please advise at the time of booking (online in the comments field or with our customer team member on (03) 9514 8959).
For existing Port Phillip Ferries bookings please email: info@portphillipferries.com.au or call (03) 9514 8959 and advise;
- The Port Phillip Ferries booking reference
- If you would like to add a Travellers Aid companion to your booking.
Please note: Port Phillip Ferries crew will verify Travellers Aid details at the time of boarding. Travellers Aid must be pre-booked (where possible at least 72 hours prior to sailing).
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We facilitate wheelchair and mobility aid access on board our vessels. This provides access to our cafe, bathrooms and views on the lower deck (Level 1 only). We use ramp access to board the vessel and our crew are there to assist. Maximum weight restriction to 450kg and mobility aids of 800mm width. Our associated facilities at Portarlington, Geelong and Docklands are also accessible.
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Geelong
The closest option to the ferry berth is Cunningham Pier Parking click here for details. Alternatively, you can head here for some information on parking options in Central Geelong.
For accessible parking there are two accessible spaces at Cunningham pier out from of the accessible toilet block. To access the ferry terminal from here it requires crossing the pier and descending to the right. This requires navigation across a short section of wooden planked surface.
Four other accessible parking spaces are available at the end of Cuningham pier, closest to the restaurants. To access the ferry terminal from here it requires crossing the pier and travelling along the sheltered edge of the pier and descending to the terminal. This option also requires navigation across a short section of wooden planked surface.
Portarlington
There is ample all-day parking within close proximity to where we depart at Portarlington Pier. This parking is all free. For commuters wanting to park all day, we recommend parking in Henderson’s Reserve in front of the bowls club.
There is an accessible park located next to the pier entry. The journey to the Ferry itself is level and sealed, excluding the planked ramp to the ferry from the pier path.
Docklands
Paid parking is available at Marvel Stadium and District Docklands East Car Park. Accessible parking can be found along the esplanade (across the road) form the ferry terminal, however this is limited to a 2hr window. To find an accessible par that is suitable for you, checkout Parkopedia, which provides a range of local parking locations click here.
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Yes, we offer priority seating. On board these seats are red and highlighted with appropriate signage. You can also use the Access map below to familiarise where they are on our ship map.
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The ferry is equipped with an accessible bathroom which can be used on board, during your journey.
Geelong
Both and accessible bathroom and an ambulant toilet can be found at Cunningham pier on the left hand side before the gate entry. These bathrooms are located conveniently close to two accessible parking spaces.
Docklands
The Docklands terminal space has an accessible bathroom and café open to patrons.
Portarlington
Currently Portarlington have accessible toilets, and a changing place facility located a couple hundred metres from both the pier entrance and accessible parking space. To access the toilets, it is required to cross the road and navigate a section of unsealed gravel path.
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The ferry has a hearing loop for the benefit of customers with hearing aids. You can access this to assist with announced information including departure and arrival times and safety information.
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Plan your visit and familiarise yourself with this accessibility map highlighting features including bathrooms, priority seating and ship entry.
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A café is available onboard the ferry > Click here to view the menu.
Please note: this is just an example of what is available onboard, seasonal items may change and pricing is also subject to change a different times of year.
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A safety video will be shown onboard the vessel at the start of or just before departure. To understand our safety procedures, you can watch the video below.
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Onboard the boat there can be different sensory stimuli.
Noise can come from the boat engine, bathrooms (and hand dryers), other people, music and when docked; cars, construction and trams outside. On board, the front of the ferry (inside) is the quietest place from the engine, this is also the sturdiest place to sit if there is any wind or swell. Opposingly the back left side (outside) and lower deck can be noisiest, where the upper deck can experience more movement and exposure to wind.
Noise can also come from announcements about the trip details and safety. There is also a horn that sounds twice before departure (at 20 minutes prior and 3 minutes prior) of the ferry as a reminder of boarding.
Smells can come from food on the ship and although there may be some engine fumes when you are outside, it is very little due to the design of the barge.
Due to most trips on the ferry being during the day, most lighting is natural and lights are less noticeable.
Movement of the ferry is natural, the amount depends on the wind and swell. We provide sea sick bags, however, encourage you to bring your own sea sick preventers and headphones to support your journey onboard.
Please see out visual script below that may outline further information about your trip on board.
