Citycat Ferry

Gliding along the Brisbane River on a Citycat ferry is the quintessential way to see the city. These sleek, catamaran-style vessels zip between dozens of terminals, offering a front-row seat to Brisbane's evolving skyline, riverside parks, and iconic landmarks. For travellers, it's not just transport—it's a scenic cruise that weaves together urban energy and subtropical greenery.

Highlights & What to See

• South Bank: Hop off at South Bank to explore the artificial beach, lush parklands, and the Queensland Cultural Centre (home to the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Museum).
• Story Bridge: As you pass beneath this historic steel bridge, look up to spot climbers scaling its arches; the bridge lights up beautifully at night.
• Kangaroo Point Cliffs: From the river, you'll see the dramatic cliffs rising from the water's edge—a popular spot for abseiling and sunset picnics.
• New Farm Park & Powerhouse: Disembark at New Farm to stroll through the heritage-listed park and catch a performance or a meal at the Brisbane Powerhouse arts centre.
• Brisbane Botanic Gardens: The Citycat stops near the City Botanic Gardens (at QUT Gardens Point), a serene oasis with century-old trees and riverside walking paths.
• University of Queensland: The St Lucia campus is a stop worth making for its riverside views and sandstone architecture.

Suggested Time to Spend

A full round-trip from North Quay to the University of Queensland and back takes about 1.5–2 hours, but most travellers break it into segments. Plan for a half-day: take the ferry one-way to South Bank or New Farm, explore on foot, then catch it back. For the full experience, ride at golden hour—the light on the river is magical, and the city glows as dusk settles.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• South Bank: A cultural and recreational hub with markets, dining, and the Wheel of Brisbane.
• Story Bridge Adventure Climb: For panoramic views, book a climb on the bridge itself, then reward yourself at a riverside bar.
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Take a Citycat to the University of Queensland stop, then a short bus or taxi to the world's oldest koala sanctuary.
• Queen Street Mall: Brisbane's premier shopping strip, easily reached from the North Quay or Riverside terminals.
• Fortitude Valley: Known for its nightlife and eclectic dining, it's a short walk from the New Farm or Riverside stops.

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