10 Best Ferry Operators in Brisbane

Stradbroke Flyer Gold Cats provides ferry travel from Cleveland towards Straddie, with a crossing described as taking around 20 minutes. The service suits sightseeing, day trips and visitors planning time on the island, including trips for lunch or exploring the destination.

A free bus service can collect passengers from a bus stop, while the kiosk provides timetable and destination guidance. The boats are described as clean, and the service operates as a local family-owned business.

SeaLink North Stradbroke Island runs ferry services from Cleveland to North Stradbroke Island, with passenger and vehicle ferry options and an on-board café. The crossing suits day-trippers, island visitors and families wanting a practical route to Straddie’s beaches and lakes. Indoor and outdoor seating lets passengers choose between sheltered travel and open-air views, while bus connections meet the ferry on the island. The Cleveland terminal also provides a Departure Lounge Cafe for coffee or a snack while waiting to board.

Amity Trader provides passenger ferry and vehicle barge services between Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island. The service suits walk-on passengers, people taking vehicles across and customers needing commercial barges in the Brisbane and Bay Islands area. Vehicle barge spaces are limited and can be booked online, while the website provides passenger and vehicle service-status updates. Marine operators handle island and riverbank landings, and the timetable-based service supports regular trips between the mainland and island. Travellers should distinguish the passenger ferry from the vehicle barge when planning their crossing, as each has different capacity and booking considerations.

North Stradbroke Island Vehicle Ferry provides ferry transport from Cleveland for vehicle and passenger journeys to North Stradbroke Island. The service is organised around scheduled departures, with customers describing an easy process and the ability to change ferry times.

Onboard amenities include a small café, and the crossing offers views during the trip. It can suit visitors taking a vehicle to the island, as well as travellers looking for a straightforward ferry journey with facilities onboard.

Moreton Island Adventures operates the Micat ferry service from the Port of Brisbane to Moreton Island. It suits day visitors, families and travellers taking a boat or trailer across, with crew support during loading and unloading. The wider experience can include island activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding, with equipment available and access to Tangalooma Resort described as part of some trips. It combines ferry transport with an easy base for Moreton Island recreation.

SeaLink South East Qld provides car and passenger ferry transport from Cleveland, including services connecting travellers with North Stradbroke Island. The car ferry suits visitors taking a vehicle across, while the passenger ferry offers a shorter foot-passenger journey, with one reported trip taking about half an hour. The service is useful for island holidays, day trips and local travel where carrying a car or travelling as a passenger changes the best option. Cleveland’s ferry terminal also provides access to a cafe, adding a practical stop around the journey.

SeaLink Bay Islands Vehicle Ferry connects Redland Bay with Russell, Lamb, Macleay and Karragarra islands, carrying vehicles and passengers across the bay. Efficient vehicle loading makes it useful for island trips that require a car, while the crossing provides views across the water. Travellers can pay with a GoCard or bank card rather than cash. Mainland parking is limited and can become busy, so the designated carparks and timetable are practical parts of planning the journey.

Riverside ferry terminal connects passengers with Brisbane ferry travel and offers a scenic way to experience the city. It suits commuters, visitors and families looking for views across the river, particularly around sunset when the skyline and city lights become part of the journey. Ferries serving the area are frequently available, and Kitty Cat ferry services operate through this area. The terminal is also useful for affordable sightseeing as well as everyday transport.

Tangalooma Island Resort Ferry Terminal in Pinkenba provides ferry transfers for trips to Tangalooma Island Resort. The terminal includes toilets and parking options, including paid parking. The crossing suits day visitors and resort guests, with experiences described as including ferry transfers and, for some packages, meals, drinks or activity equipment. A coffee bar and outdoor seating are also noted at the terminal, giving travellers practical places to wait before boarding. The ferry journey is positioned as a straightforward Brisbane departure for an island visit.

City Botanic Gardens River Hub provides access to the Brisbane River for recreational and tourism watercraft. The hub supports tour boats and water taxis, powered vessels including boats and jet skis, and passive craft such as canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It suits visitors planning river activities, short-term launching or pickup and drop-off near the city, with the Botanic Gardens adding a natural setting for a day or evening outing. The wider River Access Network connects eight river and recreation hubs across Brisbane, supporting water-based exploring, fishing, mooring and tourism. A request for mooring can also be made through Council services.