City Cat Ferry

Gliding along the Brisbane River on a City Cat ferry is one of the city's quintessential experiences. These sleek, fast catamarans connect key riverside precincts, offering a front-row seat to Brisbane's evolving skyline, historic bridges, and subtropical greenery. More than just public transport, the City Cat is a moving vantage point that reveals the city's character from the water.

Highlights & What to See

• River Cruise Views: Sit on the open rear deck for panoramic vistas of the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point cliffs, and the glass towers of the CBD.
• Stop at South Bank: Hop off at South Bank 3 for the cultural precinct, Streets Beach, and the Wheel of Brisbane — a perfect picnic spot.
• New Farm Park: Alight at Sydney Street terminal to explore this heritage-listed park with its rose gardens, riverfront walking paths, and weekend farmers' market.
• University of Queensland: The St Lucia terminal drops you at the university's leafy campus, ideal for a stroll along the river or a coffee at the UQ Art Museum.
• Dockside Dining: For a sunset drink, get off at Eagle Street Pier or Howard Smith Wharves, where riverside bars and restaurants buzz with locals.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 1–2 hours for a round trip from the CBD to the University of Queensland and back, with stops. For a full experience, plan a half-day: ride from North Quay through to New Farm, then walk across the Goodwill Bridge to South Bank. The ferries run frequently (every 15–30 minutes), so you can easily hop on and off to explore.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• South Bank: A cultural hub with museums, galleries, and the man-made beach — just steps from the South Bank ferry terminal.
• Story Bridge Adventure Climb: For a different perspective, climb the historic bridge and see the river snaking through the city.
• Howard Smith Wharves: A lively riverside precinct with craft breweries, restaurants, and live music under the bridge.
• New Farm & Fortitude Valley: Explore boutique shops, leafy streets, and Brisbane's nightlife strip, all a short walk from the ferry.
• Kangaroo Point Cliffs: Pack a picnic and watch the city lights from the cliffs, accessible via the Holman Street ferry terminal.

Please check official sources for current details.