Fishermans Bend’s best kept transport secret

Working in Fishermans Bend, people always want to talk to me about the status and future of public transport. Whilst I don’t know any secrets there, I can share from my own experiences that the best kept (or often forgotten) secret in terms of transport is The Westgate Punt.

I caught the punt twice last week, on a cold mid-week morning and a sunny Saturday afternoon - and both experiences were delightful. Every direction I looked it reminded me about the unique character of this area - it’s rich maritime history and present-day busy working Port, the gateway from the West for commuters, a place of leisure and active transport, the biodiversity and natural environment on the fringes, and a sense of community. Especially on the mid-week voyage, it was clear the Punt driver knew everyone (including spotting that I was not a regular), chatting to commuters on their way to work at Boeing and others working the area.

While the Westgate Punt appears minuscule when you see it alongside the gigantic containers ships as they pass under the West Gate Bridge - it is certainly not small terms of experience. If you commute from Melbourne’s West, it really is the most spectacular way to arrive to Fishermans Bend and a unique way to travel not often found in a busy city like Melbourne.