The much-loved MV Queenscliff, the pride of the
Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry fleet, has
undergone a multi million-dollar facelift, and will be
unlike any other ferry in Australia,
creating a new, world-class tourism entity.
The refurbishment of the 18-year old
signals a change in direction for the newly re-branded Searoad
Ferries business. Operating since 1987, it is
Australia's busiest car and passenger route,
with over 700,000 passengers transported per annum. It generates
some $130 million in revenue for the local economy and is a
primary cog in the whole region's tourism experience.
Searoad Ferries links the Great Ocean
Road, The Bellarine,
MorningtonPeninsula,
PhillipIsland and Wilsons
Promontory, providing a unique, continuous coastal tourism
experience in a four-hour journey that has become one of
Victoria's most popular touring
routes.
The refurbishment sees a new lounge with super
comfortable chairs and full 360-degree views. It will
provide a haven for relaxing and reading the complimentary
newspapers, whilst the kids can enjoy a dedicated children's
playground. A new on-board café led by well-known local chef Ken
Wall will offer a grazing menu with drinks and produce sourced from
neighbouring regions. And of course, excellent coffee
from a qualified barista is a mandatory addition.
As if the breathtaking natural scenery, fresh sea air
and seasonal dolphin and whale spotting weren't enough, wine and
beer tastings as well as live music will be regular features.
An interactive showcase will show documentaries,
visitor information and regional travel advice as well
as inform passengers on the history of the area and the sights and
sounds they'll experience en route. And with free WiFi on board,
all passengers can remain connected. On the front of the vessel
there's a new observation area with bar seating and
full-length windows with panoramic views. A brand new
ticketing system now accommodates online bookings. And even
before you board, the new Queenscliff Beach Café is a must
for lovers of great local food and excellent coffee.
Driving these changes and responsible for creating a new
vision for Searoad Ferries is the brand new captain of the
business, General Manager and CEO, Matt
McDonald. Aged just 29, Matt is a veteran of the high seas. A
qualified scuba diver, marine biologist and ship's
captain, he decided early on to commit to his love of
the sea and has clocked up some 50,000 nautical miles, the
equivalent to sailing twice around the world. He has
circumnavigated Tassie in a tall ship and toured pleasure craft
around some of the world's most picturesque and sun-kissed spots.
His most recent role was captain and manager of the luxury yacht
Platinum. A 140ft vessel, it plied Australia
and the South Pacific, creating an absolute luxury cruising
experience attracting superstar passengers the likes of Robbie
Williams and Lily Allen. But with his new role at Searoad Ferries,
he is delighted to come back to earth (so to speak).
"The opportunity to take the reigns at Searoad Ferries
was too good to pass up. It's a business that has so much goodwill
and loads of promise for a reinvigorated future. All of my
experience has come together for this role. It demands I apply my
sea expertise, business management skills and tourism understanding
and that's a wonderful challenge. These days I'm driving a desk
more than a ship, but I still enjoy getting behind the wheel - I
occasionally drive the ferry to work from my home base of Mt Eliza
to Searoad Ferries' Queenscliff headquarters. It's important to me
to remain connected to the full experience," says
Matt.
Today, the new Searoad Ferries is now truly about the
journey, and not just the destination.
Searoad Ferries operates in all weather, seven days a
week, 365 days a year, on the hour, every hour
from 7am until
6pmfrom both Queenscliff and
Sorrento. An extra service at
7pm is available from 26 December
2011 until 9 April 2012. For
fares visit www..searoad.com.au