Live in Melbourne? Why haven't you done this yet?! It took me a couple of years to finally get around to taking the Williamstown Ferry service, and boy, am I ever glad I did. It ranks up there as one of my all-time favourite outings with my boyfriend in Melbs.
What's so great about it? It's just an overpriced ferry, right? Wrong, my friends, wrong. The ferry is so special because it shows you a completely and utterly different view of the city than you'd normally get. Sure, you may have been to Ponyfish Island a zillion times; you might even has ponyed up (see what I did there?) and gone paddle-boarding or canoeing on the Yarra. But there's nothing quite like gliding by the whole of Southbank in your very own boat. (Well, one with other passengers on it, mind.)
Past the glorious views of Eureka Tower and the Immigration Museum, past Scienceworks, towards Williamstown... You'll zoom by people cycling along the river, past expensive condos and stacked containers alike, heading for the open sea (or close enough), dodging tugboats and watching enormous ships pulling in to dock. The Yarra's maritime life is alive and well, and you'll get to see all of it.
Alighting in Williamstown, you couldn't be in a more convenient place to enjoy a gelato and a wander in the sunshine (time it for their market, or hope the Sea Shepherd boats are docked so you can take a gander).
Back on the train to the CBD, or back on the ferry home? I know what I'd choose. read more