Brand Architects successfully delivered Spirit of Tasmania’s new terminal building at Geelong Port in Corio Quay, Geelong in 2022.

The new marine terminal building results in improved vessel operations and turn-around times, along with an enhanced customer experience with spacious lounge areas, a café, and a dedicated play area for children. The new terminal facilities create a comfortable and accessible environment, providing passengers with a welcoming, memorable visitor experience on their journey to and from Tasmania. Open-plan workspaces and offices for staff, meeting rooms, as well as cabin crew accommodation and wellbeing areas were also incorporated within the terminal building.

The project largely comprised alterations and additions to the existing cargo shed at Geelong Port, to transform the old steel framed shed into a state-of-the-art terminal building. The innovative design drew inspiration from the surrounding Victorian and Tasmanian landscapes, with the angled windows and sunshades over the glass façade emulating the jagged contours of Cradle Mountain and the icy waters of Dove Lake. The colour and materials palette were chosen accordingly, with neutral greys and bronze evoking the dolerite peak shrouded by cloud.

Referencing the culture and wildlife unique to the area, Indigenous art and themes are showcased throughout, including an 80-metre mural illustrating the migration journey of the Orange-bellied parrot. Internally, artworks that feature Djilang and Coriayo Bay, as well as Moorpanyul the white crane and Burrunan the dolphin species, can be found.