Road-trippers travelling to Tasmania can now bypass Melbourne. In October last year, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry moved its mainland base of 37 years from historic Station Pier in Port Melbourne to the regional city of Geelong. The move means passengers travelling from regional Victoria and interstate can avoid driving through the big smoke. But if you live in Melbourne or are transiting through the city, as many eastcoast holidaymakers do, be prepared for a longer journey.
While Geelong is only 70km south-west of the CBD, the Princes Highway traffic snarls are notorious, especially crossing the West Gate Bridge. In theory, the journey should take just under an hour but, in reality, it can be much more as the popular (and most frequent) overnight sailings often coincide with morning and afternoon peak hour.
That said, the boarding and disembarkation process at the new Spirit of Tasmania Quay, in north Geelong, is infinitely more efficient. The $135 million terminal handles passenger vehicles and freight in a way the 168-year-old city facility never could. I sailed from Station Pier with a 22-foot caravan in January 2022 and the queues were monstrous. We sat stationary for
