Australia's Most Ambitious Ferry Terminal Opens Entirely Over Port Phillip Bay

After 10 years of planning and a $30 million self-funded investment, Searoad Ferries will open its new Sorrento Ferry Terminal to the public on Friday 6 March, 2026.

Landmark Project
- Opens to the public on Friday, 6 March 2026 after 10 years of planning and a $30 million self-funded investment.
- One of the most complex marine builds in Victoria, constructed entirely on pylons above Port Phillip Bay.
- Designed by F2 Architecture and delivered by Maben Group, making it one of Australia’s only permanent buildings fully over water.

Architectural & Experiential Features
- Glass observatory floor and iconic spiral staircase.
- ONDA restaurant: A coastal Mediterranean dining space with 150 seats (100 indoors, 50 on deck), offering unobstructed bay views.
- Sculptural design inspired by Sorrento’s coastal setting, engaging with the historic pier.

Strategic Impact
- Transforms the ferry crossing between Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas into a destination experience.
- Provides a smarter alternative to road congestion—40 minutes on the water instead of hours on highways.
- Entirely privately funded, reinforcing Searoad Ferries’ commitment to regional investment and job creation.
- Builds on the success of the Queenscliff Terminal, which won multiple international and national architectural awards in 2024.

Culinary Dimension
- ONDA restaurant, led by chefs Mike Jaques and Toby Marks, focuses on seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and spritzes.
- Dining directly over the bay creates a unique sensory experience, combining food with the sights and sounds of the water.

This project is a striking example of how transport infrastructure is evolving into lifestyle destinations, blending mobility, architecture, and hospitality.