CityCat Ferry Ride Brisbane
Glide along the Brisbane River on the CityCat ferry, a scenic and affordable way to explore the city's landmarks and vibrant precincts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
CityCat Ferry Ride Brisbane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
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.
"The crew made a big effort to help people and have genuine conversations. I was so grateful and impressed."
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. :ferry:
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. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
Brisbane River
Experience the full length of the CityCat route, showcasing diverse riverfronts from leafy suburbs to the university.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the CityCat: Your Ticket to Brisbane
Timing Your Scenic River Cruise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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. :ferry:
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. :ticket: +1
Full Loop for Views
Ride the CityCat end-to-end for a comprehensive river tour; it can take over 2 hours! :clock1:
Dusk Bat Watching
Catch amazing views of bats streaming out over the river at dusk near Indooroopilly. :bat:
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. :ferry:
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. :ticket: +1
Full Loop for Views
Ride the CityCat end-to-end for a comprehensive river tour; it can take over 2 hours! :clock1:
Dusk Bat Watching
Catch amazing views of bats streaming out over the river at dusk near Indooroopilly. :bat:
Family-Friendly Stops
Consider New Farm Park for a great playground stop, perfect for families with young children. :child:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Yes, your Go Card is the primary way to pay for CityCat travel. Ensure it has sufficient credit before boarding. +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.
Yes, there are several CityCat terminals conveniently located in the CBD and surrounding areas, including Howard Smith Wharves and Riverside.
🎫 🎫 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. +1
No, tickets are not sold on the ferry. You must have a valid Go Card or use the free City Hopper service. +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. +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.
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. +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. +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.
Most CityCat terminals and ferries are designed to be accessible. Check the Translink website for specific accessibility information for each terminal.
Ferries are generally clean and offer seating. Some may have outdoor viewing areas. The crew often provides friendly commentary on stops.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Key spots include the Story Bridge, the Brisbane skyline from South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves, and the leafy riverfronts of Teneriffe and New Farm.
Yes, many ferries have large windows, and some offer outdoor viewing areas. Be mindful of reflections on the glass if shooting from inside.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Date Nights
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The CityCat vs. City Hopper: Which Ferry is for You?
The City Hopper, on the other hand, is a free ferry service that runs on a more limited route, primarily focusing on the inner-city areas. It's perfect for shorter, scenic trips and for those who want to experience the river without the cost. Many travelers recommend the City Hopper for a quick taste of river travel or for specific hops between popular spots like South Bank and Howard Smith Wharves.
When choosing, consider your itinerary and budget. If you're looking for an all-encompassing river tour or need to travel further afield, the CityCat is your best bet. For a budget-friendly, scenic cruise within the city center, the City Hopper is an excellent choice. Both offer fantastic views and a unique perspective of Brisbane.
Mastering CityCat Ticketing: Tips from Travelers
Several users have shared experiences of tourists being confused or even denied boarding due to a lack of a Go Card. While some have reported being allowed to travel for free in certain situations, this is not a reliable strategy. The free City Hopper service is a great alternative if you don't have a Go Card and are looking for a short, scenic ride. For those planning extensive travel on the CityCat, purchasing and topping up a Go Card at a newsagent or train station beforehand is highly recommended.
There's a recurring sentiment that Brisbane's public transport ticketing could be more tourist-friendly, with suggestions for tap-and-go payment options or more accessible ticket machines at ferry stops. Until these changes are implemented, being prepared with a Go Card is the key to a smooth CityCat experience.
Scenic Routes and Must-See Stops on the CityCat
For families, the route to New Farm Park is a highlight, offering a fantastic playground and ample green space to explore.
Don't miss the chance to witness the bat exodus at dusk near Indooroopilly, a natural spectacle best viewed from the ferry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit