Client
Searoad Ferries
Overview
The Queenscliff Marina precinct is the gateway to the historical tourist destination of Queenscliff. Here, ferry travellers are welcomed by a mix of retail and dining options lining the picturesque shoreline of a bustling harbour.
The Queenscliff Ferry Terminal project is the result of Tract’s commitment to transform the area back in 2004, when they introduced a master plan intended to activate and renew the historically significant attraction
By engaging with a variety of community representatives, including retailers, administrators, transport engineers, council and residents, a sense of ownership and involvement was fostered within the community.
Together they formulated a vision to increase tourism potential and stimulate the local economy, while balancing the needs of a working harbour.
The initial master plan has effectively connected the precinct to the broader township. Access within the site has been improved by replacing hard barriers with more attractive alternatives, such as boardwalks and grade changes, to guide pedestrian movement.
The addition of landscape elements such as seating and shade trees to compliment outdoor dining and specialist shopping encourages visitors to take their time passing through.
The thoughtful design ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the precinct and turns the area into more than just a thoroughfare.
Later works have seen Tract improve the shoreline of the vehicle assembly area by adding seating nodes nestled amongst a sculpture garden featuring coastal plantings.
More recently Tract was engaged to provide the landscaping for a major terminal upgrade, with a focus on integrating the built form with the surrounding coastal landscape.
The design includes a pedestrian plaza, raised planters and extra seating nodes to create a connection to the ground plane. An elevated promenade extends over the breakwater into the sea. Dune-shaped mounds stabilised with salt-tolerant plant species have been introduced to soften the built form.
Through this subtle approach, Tract has drawn attention to the surrounding seascape and views while providing features that encourage interaction and appreciation of nature from both near and far.
