Kirk Point boatramp

Project status

 

This project is completed. The boat ramp is open to the public. 

Last updated November 2023

The project

This project was delivered on the country of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

Accessing Port Phillip and Corio bays is now easier thanks to boating upgrades at Kirk Point boat ramp, which has now been renamed Beach Road boat ramp to more accurately reflect its location. Kirk Point previously had a single-lane ramp located east of Avalon Airport in The Spit Wildlife Reserve near Geelong.

The area is popular with fishers as well as bird watchers within the adjoining wildlife reserve who use the facility for parking.

The existing ramp was exposed and did not feature a pontoon or jetty to allow for boats to be tied up, limiting capacity. The upgraded ramp makes launching and retrieving boats much easier.

The project involved upgrading the boat ramp into a two-lane facility, constructing a breakwater to provide shelter from wave action, and 31 car trailer parks.

Project benefits

Visitors

Visitors reap the benefits of easier boat launching and retrieval as well as improved parking improving access to the boat ramp and The Spit Wildlife Reserve.

Environment

This upgrade redirects vehicle access to help protect the sensitive saltmarsh vegetation, which is important to migratory birds.

Community 

The upgraded multi-lane ramp and breakwater makes for a safer and easier boating experience. New cameras and lighting also improve safety at the ramp.

Project funding

The $4m project was funded by licence and registration fees reinvested through the Victorian Government’s Better Boating Fund, allocated in the 2022-23 Victorian Recreational Boating Action Plan.

 

Environment and cultural heritage management

  

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (previously Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) granted key environmental permits and approvals.

Construction was done during the cooler months to limit the potential impact on migratory birds.

Demolition work underway. Credit: Better Boating Victoria

 

Who we worked with?

Parks Victoria worked with Better Boating Victoria to deliver these upgrades, in close consultation with Melbourne Water, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the boating community and local environmental groups.