cruising the river by day on the CityCat
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CityCat Ferry Ride Brisbane

4.2
·73 reviews·South Brisbane, Australia

Glide along the Brisbane River on the CityCat ferry, a scenic and affordable way to explore the city's landmarks and vibrant precincts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, great light

CrowdLow
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cruising the river by day on the CityCat

CityCat Ferry Ride Brisbane

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, great light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Glide along the Brisbane River on the CityCat ferry, a scenic and affordable way to explore the city's landmarks and vibrant precincts.

4.2
(73 reviews)

"The crew made a big effort to help people and have genuine conversations. I was so grateful and impressed."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free City Hopper Option

Opt for the free City Hopper for a shorter, scenic cruise if you don't need to travel the full CityCat route. ⛴️

Go Card is Key

Always have a Go Card or check for the free City Hopper. Ticketing can be tricky, and cash isn't accepted on board. 🎟️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.2 · 73 reviews

Type

Ferry Terminal

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

City Hopper Free Ferry

City Hopper Free Ferry

Brisbane River

Glide along the Brisbane River on this free ferry service, offering scenic views of the city skyline and landmarks.

South Bank to New Farm Park

South Bank to New Farm Park

Brisbane River

A popular route for families, offering a playground at New Farm Park and great city views along the way.

Teneriffe to UQ Lakes

Teneriffe to UQ Lakes

Brisbane River

Experience the full length of the CityCat route, showcasing diverse riverfronts from leafy suburbs to the university.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the CityCat: Your Ticket to Brisbane

The CityCat ferry is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to see Brisbane. While many TikToks highlight its affordability, Reddit users warn about ticketing hassles. Ensure you have a Go Card or check for the free City Hopper service before you board to avoid frustration. Reddit+1

Timing Your Scenic River Cruise

For the best views and a more relaxed experience, consider riding the CityCat during off-peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer stunning light, and avoiding peak commute times means fewer crowds. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, great light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
City lights sparkle
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Your complete guide to Brisbane ✨ #foryoupage #brisbane #guide #thingstodo #tourism #tourists #brisbanecity #tourguide
@jon.wyeth
13.3K likes • 226.1K views

Free City Hopper Option

Opt for the free City Hopper for a shorter, scenic cruise if you don't need to travel the full CityCat route. ⛴️ TikTokReddit

Go Card is Key

Always have a Go Card or check for the free City Hopper. Ticketing can be tricky, and cash isn't accepted on board. 🎟️ Reddit+1

50 cent ferry…perfect activity for the family, date night or even just a ride around the city ✨😍 #fyp #foryou #fypage #brisbane #brisbaneactivities #brisbanethingstodo #thingstodo #thingstodoinbrisbane #datenight #datenightideas #ferry #ferryride #citycat #polytiktok #australia #CapCut
@cherelle.fuamatu
10.7K likes • 120.9K views
Did you know there’s a free City Hopper ferry (aka the KittyCat)? It’ll take you all around the city, hop on and off and make sure to take the boat ride back in the dark so you see the whole city light up ✨ You can also hop on to one of the paid CityCat ferries. All public transport is currently only $0.50 and you can tap on with a contactless bank card or a Go Card! #brisbane #australia #free...
stsbackpackers
38 likes • 1.6K views

Full Loop for Views

Ride the CityCat end-to-end for a comprehensive river tour; it can take over 2 hours! :clock1: Reddit

Dusk Bat Watching

Catch amazing views of bats streaming out over the river at dusk near Indooroopilly. :bat: Reddit

DID you know you can go for a FREE ferry ride on the Brisbane River? 🤗 Yes, a FREE ride🎉 You just need to catch the Kitty Cat (the small ferry) and make sure it’s the one with the red banner that says ‘City Hopper’, like in my video 🚩 Enjoy your free ride from North Quay, Brisbane City to Sydney Street, New Farm 🛥️ Tag me if you go for a ride on the City Hopper 👍🏼 #ladybrisbane #thingstodoinbr...
lady_brisbane
2.9K likes • 98.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free City Hopper Option

Opt for the free City Hopper for a shorter, scenic cruise if you don't need to travel the full CityCat route. ⛴️ TikTokReddit

Go Card is Key

Always have a Go Card or check for the free City Hopper. Ticketing can be tricky, and cash isn't accepted on board. 🎟️ Reddit+1

Full Loop for Views

Ride the CityCat end-to-end for a comprehensive river tour; it can take over 2 hours! :clock1: Reddit

Dusk Bat Watching

Catch amazing views of bats streaming out over the river at dusk near Indooroopilly. :bat: Reddit

Family-Friendly Stops

Consider New Farm Park for a great playground stop, perfect for families with young children. :child: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(73 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Travelers rave about the CityCat's affordability and the friendly, engaging crew who often add a personal touch to the journey. The scenic views of Brisbane's riverfront are a consistent highlight. However, some visitors express frustration with the ticketing system, particularly the lack of easy payment options for tourists.

"I was on the city cat on the way to the rugby
The lady who announced the stops was amazing, with phrases like my gorgeous people, my lovies
The world would be a better place if we all took a leaf out of her book
Be nice it's free"

Clive Marks

"We were in Brisbane for medical reasons and had had a rough few days. Catching the City Cat was just what we needed. Joseph in particular was incredibly kind and funny and brightened our day. The crew made a big effort to help people and have genuine conversations. I was so grateful and impressed.
If you’re like me and think “I’ll wing it and do the whole loop” be aware it’s really long and goes for more than 2 hours!!"

Queen K

"What an amazing customer focused crew. I left my bag behind on one of the ferries and the crew organised retrieval within 1/2 hour. Must be a great job, as every crew member was happy, talkative and so polite. Gavin from Southbank stop was delightful to all customers, making them laugh and enjoy their experience. Well done City Cat."

WENDY BODEY

What People Like

Affordable river travel
Friendly and funny crew
Scenic city views

What People Dislike

Ticketing system issues
No onboard ticket sales

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

CityCat terminals are conveniently located along the Brisbane River. Many are accessible via public transport, including buses and trains. Popular starting points like South Bank and Teneriffe are well-connected. TikTokReddit

Parking availability varies by terminal. Some terminals have limited street parking, while others are near paid parking stations. It's often easier to use public transport to reach the terminals. TikTok

Yes, your Go Card is the primary way to pay for CityCat travel. Ensure it has sufficient credit before boarding. Reddit+1

The CityCat is a paid service that travels the full length of the river, while the City Hopper is a free service with a more limited route, perfect for shorter scenic trips. TikTokReddit

Yes, there are several CityCat terminals conveniently located in the CBD and surrounding areas, including Howard Smith Wharves and Riverside. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

CityCat fares are zone-based and depend on your journey. Using a Go Card is the most cost-effective method. The City Hopper service is completely free. Reddit+1

No, tickets are not sold on the ferry. You must have a valid Go Card or use the free City Hopper service. Reddit+1

Go Cards can be purchased and topped up at various retailers, including newsagents and train stations. Some ferry terminals may have limited top-up facilities. Reddit+1

Children aged 6 and under travel free. Child Go Cards are available for older children. Concessions may apply for seniors with a valid concession Go Card. Reddit

If you don't have a Go Card and are not using the free City Hopper, you may be denied boarding or face penalties. It's crucial to have your fare sorted before boarding. Reddit+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

For comprehensive views, take the full loop from UQ Lakes to Northshore/Hamilton. Popular routes include South Bank to New Farm Park and Teneriffe to UQ Lakes for diverse scenery. Reddit+1

A complete CityCat journey from one end of the line to the other and back can take over two hours, offering an extended river tour experience. Reddit

Most CityCat terminals and ferries are designed to be accessible. Check the Translink website for specific accessibility information for each terminal. TikTok

Ferries are generally clean and offer seating. Some may have outdoor viewing areas. The crew often provides friendly commentary on stops. Reddit

Yes, you can hop on and off at various terminals along the route with a valid Go Card, allowing you to explore different precincts like South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves, and Teneriffe. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for capturing the city skyline and river. Evenings provide stunning views of the illuminated city. TikTokReddit

Key spots include the Story Bridge, the Brisbane skyline from South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves, and the leafy riverfronts of Teneriffe and New Farm. TikTokReddit

Yes, many ferries have large windows, and some offer outdoor viewing areas. Be mindful of reflections on the glass if shooting from inside. TikTok

Keep an eye out for the iconic Brisbane sign at South Bank, the architectural marvel of the Story Bridge, and the vibrant street art in areas like Fish Lane. TikTok

For daytime, a polarizing filter can reduce glare on the water. In low light, use a tripod or a higher ISO setting to capture city lights effectively. TikTok

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