VISIT DOCKLANDS, MELBOURNE, BOATS, SAILING SHIPS & COW TREE
Docklands, Melbourne
Early Saturday morning solo drive of several hours for a 9am Portarlington ferry departure. Before dawn, avoided hopping kangaroo's on the empty Western Freeway in the vicinity of Beaufort. 160 km west of Melbourne. Over two hours of driving still to go to reach Portarlington. A small bayside town. To reach Portarlington meant driving through the large city of Geelong. Both are on Port Phillip Bay. Geelong to Portarlington is 30 km by road.
On the Ferry
Passage onboard Port Phillip Ferries across Port Phillip Bay to Docklands Melbourne. Melbourne city skyline skyscrapers clearly visible across the greater than forty km ferry route. Preferred the seating in the open air stern of the ferry. Experiencing the stiff sea breeze, sights and sounds of the bay. Eleven large freighter ships were counted anchored in the bay. A ferry crew member explained ships have a one nautical mile separation awaiting a dock in port. Portarlington jetty to Docklands is seventy minutes by ferry.
Docklands Waterfront
The waterfront of Melbourne CBD offers a picturesque setting with a bustling café located conveniently next to the ferry dock. This café not only serves delicious food and drinks but also provides comfortable seating for those waiting to board or meet the ferry. Visitors can enjoy the serene views of the water and boats while relaxing in this inviting atmosphere.
Adjacent to the ferry berth and main jetty stands a unique and intriguing piece of art known as "The cow in the tree." This art installation adds a touch of creativity and wonder to the surrounding area, sparking curiosity and conversation among passersby.
During the visit to the waterfront, I had the opportunity to explore the Boat Show and learn about the Alma Doepel restoration project. I decided to support the cause by making a donation at the Alma Doepel dockside sausage sizzle and purchasing some merchandise items to contribute to the restoration efforts. Additionally, I was fortunate to receive a personal tour of the restoration site, gaining insights into the historical significance of the Alma Doepel and the meticulous work being done to preserve it for future generations. Perhaps restoration works and sea trials will be completed as planned in 2025 allowing members of the public to once again sail on the Alma Doepel in 2026.
For those looking to embark on a full day scenic return journey, the morning ferry departs from either Geelong or Portarlington, offering a delightful way to experience the beauty of the Melbourne waterfront and its surroundings. The ferry return trip takes place in the early evening, providing a relaxing and enjoyable way to conclude a day of exploration and discovery along the waterfront of Melbourne CBD.
Traveldriven
ALMA DOEPEL VLOG POST PAGE
MELBOURNE FIVE DAY FORECAST
PORT PHILLIP BAY 58 KM BY 41 KM
245 metres wide 'the rip' entrance
PRE-BOARDING PORTARLINGTON
PASSENGERS ONLY ON CATAMARAN
NO VEHICLE ACCESS
FREIGHTER APPEARS SMALL
ON PORT PHILLIP BAY
UNDERNEATH WESTGATE BRIDGE
DOCKLANDS WATERFRONT
COW IN THE TREE
VISIT TO ALMA DOEPEL
RESTORATION PROJECT
SAIL PAST PORT MELBOURNE & STATION PIER
BOAT SHOW MELBOURNE 2023
THE ENTERPRIZE SAIL SHIP
MOORED IN DOCKLANDS
PREPARATIONS FOR SAILING TO
KING ISLAND, BASS STRAIGHT
MOORED UNDERNEATH
THE BOLTE BRIDGE, DOCKLANDS
MENDING A SHIP FLAG ON THE ENTERPRIZE
BELOW DECK DOWN A STEEP LADDER
GALLEY, LIVING QUARTERS & BUNKS
FISHING FOR SNAPPER IN
PORT PHILLIP BAY
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