Ferry Information

  

First Ferry: 9.00am            Last Ferry: 1.00pm

Each year the ferry crossings continue to provide us with one of the major logistical challenges for the event. 

It is crucial on the day that you listen carefully and follow instructions from the Volunteer Ferry Loading Team.

We privately charter a number of ferries in addition to the regular Sorrento and Queenscliff ferries, which operate 365 days a year.  The regular ferries leave from Sorrento and Queenscliff on the hour every hour, with a capacity of up to 650 riders per ferry.  The privately chartered ferries can carry between 210 to 250 per ferry.  Refreshments are available to purchase on these ferries, however no refreshments are available on the privately chartered ferries.

 

Please note the following in relation to ferry transport:

• You will receive your ferry ticket when you receive your lunch.  You will not be allocated a ferry ticket without presenting the tear off portion from your rider identification bib.
• Ferries depart roughly on the hour and every half hour between 9.00am and 1.00pm. After 1.00pm, the regular ferries will resume back to their hourly timetable and normal rates apply for yourself and your bike.
• Riders in the 100km may catch the 7.00am ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento, however you will need to pay the normal rate for yourself and your bike.  We do not recommend that you catch a later ferry, as you will miss the official start time, and you may be refused entry from 9.00am onwards. This is because Bicycle Victoria has exclusive use of these ferries for bike riders between 9.00am and 1.00pm.
• You must ride in the direction you entered, which is printed on your bib.  You will not be permitted to board the ferry if you are going in the wrong direction.
• For riders who were allocated the non-ferry option, you will be riding down to either Sorrento or Queenscliff and back to Melbourne.  You will not be permitted to board the ferries.

While we endeavour to provide the fastest possible service, it is inevitable that some people will experience delays in boarding the ferries.  There are a lot a variable that we cannot control such as weather conditions - head winds, hot and cold weather and possible mechanical breakdowns that can affect the arrival times at the ferry terminals.  Despite these factors, a lot of planning goes into this area and we look forward to providing the best possible experience for you on the day.