Thing to do
Howard Smith Wharves
Heritage-listed 1930s wharves beneath the Story Bridge, reopened in 2018 as a riverside precinct of restaurants, bars, a brewery and the bridge climb.
CityCat River Ferry Ride
Brisbane's fast public catamarans run along the river from UQ St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton, giving one of the cheapest scenic views of the city.
At a glance
- Type
- River ferry and sightseeing
- Area
- Brisbane River, Brisbane, Australia
- Official site
- brisbane.qld.gov.au
Good to know
- Open decks
- Wheelchair and pram access
- Onboard toilets
- Contactless payment
Why we recommend it
The CityCat is Brisbane's high-speed public ferry service, and riding it end to end is one of the simplest ways to see the city. The catamarans were introduced in November 1996 and now form part of the Translink public transport network. Most vessels are named after Aboriginal place names for parts of the Brisbane River and nearby areas, while one, Spirit of Brisbane, honours the volunteers who helped the city recover from the 2011 floods.
The all-stops CityCat route, known as F1, runs every day between The University of Queensland at St Lucia in the west and Northshore Hamilton in the east. Along the way it calls at stops including West End, Milton, Regatta, North Quay, South Bank, QUT Gardens Point, New Farm Park, Teneriffe and Bretts Wharf, with services every 15 to 30 minutes on the stretch past New Farm. The open decks give the clearest views.
Riding the full route takes you from the university campus at St Lucia, past the CBD towers and on to the eastern suburbs, so it doubles as an inexpensive sightseeing cruise. Express CityCats run only in weekday peak periods and skip stops, so for sightseeing stay on the F1. Cross River ferries, operated by smaller KittyCat vessels, link points such as Holman Street and Riverside, and the Maritime Museum and QUT Gardens Point.
Fares are paid by tapping on and off with a contactless Visa or Mastercard, a smart device or a go card, and paper tickets cannot be bought on board. The vessels have wheelchair and pram access and toilets, and bikes and scooters can travel when there is space. Check the Translink journey planner for timetables, and note that individual terminals sometimes close for maintenance; Bulimba terminal is closed from 9 November until mid-December 2026.
A CityCat ride suits every type of visitor and is a practical way to reach places such as Eat Street Northshore, New Farm Park and the Brisbane Powerhouse, or Howard Smith Wharves. A good plan is to board at South Bank in the late afternoon, ride east to Northshore Hamilton for dinner, and return after dark to see the city and the Story Bridge lit up.
CityCat River Ferry Ride FAQs
Where does the CityCat go?
The all-stops CityCat runs daily between UQ St Lucia and Northshore Hamilton, calling at South Bank, QUT Gardens Point, New Farm Park and other terminals.
How do you pay for the CityCat?
Tap on and off with a contactless Visa or Mastercard, a smart device or a go card. Paper tickets cannot be bought on board.
Is the CityCat free?
No. CityCat and ferry services are paid fares on the Translink network.
Should I take the Express CityCat?
Express services run only at weekday peak times and skip stops, so the all-stops F1 is better for sightseeing.
Is the CityCat accessible?
Yes. The fleet has wheelchair and pram access and onboard toilets.
Can I bring a bike?
Bikes, scooters and e-mobility devices are allowed when there is space, at the master's discretion.
When did the CityCat start?
Services began in November 1996.
Where can I find timetables?
Use the Translink website or journey planner.