Somerville and Western Port
A diesel train every 90 minutes or so
The Stony Point line is the only diesel service on Melbourne's metropolitan network, and on its single track trains typically run every 90 to 120 minutes. With gaps like that, a car that won't start is a bigger problem here than closer in.
Boats on Western Port
Yaringa Marina, east of the township, gives boat access to Western Port. Backing a trailer into salt water soaks its wheel bearings and brakes, so rinse them with fresh water after each launch and retrieve, and have them checked before a long tow.
An orchard town that's growing
Somerville began as an orchard town. It had 11,336 people at the 2016 census and an estimated 19,370 by May 2025, with new housing spreading around the shops.
Neighbours on the bay
It's part of an urban enclave on Western Port with Hastings, Bittern, Crib Point and Tyabb, and a bus runs to Frankston.
The jobs towing brings
Towing is the job that sets Somerville cars apart: a boat for Western Port, a camper for the holidays. A car that tows needs its cooling system, brakes and transmission in good order, and its towbar and trailer wiring checked. Many service books list a towing schedule; ask the mechanic to follow it.
Big four-wheel drives and diesel tow vehicles suit a mechanic who knows them: diesel and 4WD mechanics in Melbourne. For the town up the road, see mechanics in Frankston.
What we'd do
Before the boating season, we'd have the tow vehicle serviced and the trailer's bearings, brakes and lights checked at the same visit. A bearing that's been through salt water can fail on the road, and it's a much smaller job caught early.