A trip to sunny Queensland’s capital city of Brisbane simply wouldn’t be complete without a cruise down the river on a CityCat – the city’s most loved form of public transport. Whether you are catching it to get from A to B or simply killing time cruising down the river, a CityCat journey is a great way to view Brisbane from a different perspective.
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See Brisbane’s Best Sights on Board a CityCat
The Brisbane River or “The Brown Snake” as it’s fondly known by locals, due to its brownish colour and winding shape, is used by thousands of passengers each day.
Many use river transport to escape the hustle and bustle of busy main roads and to see the city sights in the most uniquely Brisbane way. It’s also a brilliant day out with the kids to rediscover all there is to love about visiting Brisbane and stop at some of your favourite destinations.
Whether you’re new to Brisbane, here for a holiday (lucky you!) or a long term resident who hasn’t caught a CityCat in a while, here’s all you need to know about catching the CityCat.
How to Catch a Brisbane River CityCat
The Brisbane River public transport fleet is made up of large catamarans called CityCats and smaller ferries known adorably as KittyCats.
From 2019, the older CityCats have slowly been replaced with the new and modern Generation 4 double-decker CityCats. These vessels feature:
- space for a total of 170 passengers
- an upper deck, with seating for 20 passengers (some with shade sails)
- up to six dedicated wheelchair and mobility scooter areas
- USB device charging ports
- hearing augmentation loops
- toilet facilities
These ferries give passengers a fun, affordable and fast way to travel between UQ St Lucia and Northshore Hamilton with many key stops along the way.
The CityCats are a paid service delivering passengers to most stops on the route, while the smaller vessels perform Cross River ferry services.
Have You Seen the CityDogs – The Bluey Inspired CityCats?
Fans of the hugely popular kids show Bluey will be thrilled to see two ‘CityDogs’ (get it…CityCats – CityDogs) cruising along the river. Two of Council’s standard CityCats were transformed into the loveable Heeler’s, Bluey and Bingo, and will be guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of Bluey fans and visitors.
Bluey CityCat
Timetables are easily accessible on the Translink website and the Journey Planner tool is your best friend when planning a journey on public transport, including the ferry services.
If you’re travelling without access to data or Wi-Fi, then terminals are generally equipped with good old fashioned paper timetables and maps to help send you in the right direction.
As an approximate guide CityCats depart every 15 minutes, and the five Cross River ferries less frequently at roughly every 30 minutes.
Where Does the CityCat Stop?
CityCats traverse the Brisbane River from UQ St Lucia, all the way to the family-friendly Northshore, Hamilton.
Please keep in mind while the CityCats stop at most of the below terminals, the Cross River ferry only service the inner city stops from North Quay to Sydney Street at New Farm.
- UQ St Lucia
- West End
- Guyatt Park
- Regatta (Toowong)
- Milton
- North Quay (Brisbane CBD)
- South Bank
- QUT Gardens Point
- Maritime Museum
- Riverside
- Holman Street (Kangaroo Point)
- Howard Smith Wharves
- Dockside
- Sydney Street
- Mowbray Park
- New Farm Park
- Hawthorne
- Bulimba
- Teneriffe
- Bretts Wharf (Hamilton)
- Apollo Road (Bulimba)
- Northshore Hamilton
The four Cross River ferry routes, operated by the KittyCat ferries include:
- Bulimba – Teneriffe
- Dockside – Sydney Street
- Holman Street – Riverside
- Maritime Museum – QUT Gardens Point.
For more detailed information, please refer to the Translink timetables before departure.
How Do I Pay to Ride a CityCat?
The easiest way to pay for your CityCat ride is with a tap on, tap off style Go Card which can be purchased for a small fee from various locations throughout Brisbane. This card can be used on all forms of public transport including buses and trains while you’re here.
Go Cards can be purchased from selected convenience stores, news agencies, online and from the ticket office or ticket fare machines at trains stations and major bus terminals.
On top of the initial cost, you’ll also be required to load funds onto your Go Card, which will be deducted from your balance each time you touch off at your required destination.
Contactless payment is now also available on all South East Queensland trains, ferries, buses and trams. Users can pay for their travel with contactless Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit or debit cards, including cards in a digital wallet.
How Much Does it Cost to Ride a CityCat?
The great news is all public transport fares (including the CityCats) in Queensland are now 50 cents per journey. It doesn’t matter how far you travel or how you pay, the fare is just 50 cents!
The following persons can travel for FREE, assuming they carry and provide valid proof of their entitlement when asked by Translink staff:
- Children 4 years and younger
- Vision impaired travel pass
- TPI/EDA Veteran travel card
- Translink access pass
- go Access travel trainer card
- One companion/carer travelling with a Companion Card holder who has a valid ticket
It’s important to note that cash is no longer an accepted form of payment on any Brisbane City Council public transport services.
Best Places to Hop Off and Visit
Now we’re through the (shall we say “mundane”) ins and outs of how to catch a CityCat, let’s talk about all the great, kid friendly attractions you can visit along your journey.
South Bank
If you’re travelling from the east, the first ‘must do’ stop would have to be the iconic South Bank with its tropical swimming lagoons, luscious greenery, amazing playgrounds and contemporary cafes.
This is also the best stop for accessing Brisbane’s buzzing cultural scene with the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Museum Kurilpa all within a relatively short walking distance from the ferry terminal.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Further along is the stunning Kangaroo Point cliffs, which serve as a background for Brisbane’s biggest adrenaline junkies and water sports enthusiasts. The cliffs provide an unbeatable view of the city skyline, making them an idyllic picnic spot with picnic shelters, BBQs and public toilets.
Currently the best stop for Kangaroo Point is Holman Street which will land you at the nautical-themed Captain Burke Park playground and right under the historical Story Bridge for some impressive photo opportunities.
New Farm Park
If an epic playground is what you’re after, then you’ll want to hop off at the New Farm Park terminal. Here you’ll find an enormous wooden fortress playground which flows seamlessly between the roots and branches of some magnificent fig trees.
Not only is New Farm Park home to one of Brisbane’s most treasured playgrounds but also the Brisbane Powerhouse arts centre and some of the trendiest cafes and restaurants in town.
Other Important Things You Need to Know About CityCats
It’s important to note that all CityCat ferries are completely wheelchair and pram friendly with accessible toilets on board, however the smaller Cross River ferries are not equipped for wheelchair use and do not have toilets.
All ferry terminals are accessible with the exclusion of Apollo Road, which is partially accessible.
You’re also welcome to bring your bikes or scooters onto a CityCat provided there is capacity on board.
Ferry staff are super helpful and a great source of information so don’t hesitate to ask any questions before boarding to ensure you reach your desired location.
Most importantly, remember to be safe on the water and enjoy Brisbane’s iconic CityCat experience and all the sights the sparkling river city has to offer!
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