CityCat

Brisbane's CityCat ferries are more than just public transport — they're your ticket to the city's best riverfront sights. These sleek catamarans zip along the Brisbane River, offering a front-row seat to the skyline, Story Bridge, and lush parklands. For travellers, it's an affordable, scenic way to explore the city's cultural hubs and neighbourhoods without the hassle of traffic.

Highlights & What to See

• River Cruising: Hop on at any of the 23 terminals from the University of Queensland to Northshore Hamilton. The 75-minute round trip is a moving postcard of Brisbane's landmarks.
• South Bank: Alight at South Bank 1 or 2 to explore the man-made Streets Beach, Queensland Art Gallery, and the lush South Bank Parklands. Perfect for a picnic or a swim.
• Story Bridge: Glide beneath this iconic steel bridge, especially stunning at sunset when it's lit up. For a thrill, combine your CityCat ride with a Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
• New Farm & Howard Smith Wharves: Disembark at New Farm Park (home to a weekend farmers market) or Howard Smith Wharves for riverside dining, craft beer, and live music. The latter is a revitalised heritage precinct with a buzzing atmosphere.
• Kangaroo Point Cliffs: From the ferry, spot the dramatic cliffs that rise from the river's edge. You can alight at Thornton Street for a walk along the boardwalk or try rock climbing on the cliffs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 90 minutes for a full round trip from the University of Queensland to Northshore Hamilton and back. For a more relaxed experience, plan half a day: take the ferry to South Bank, explore the parklands and galleries, then catch another CityCat to New Farm for lunch. If you're short on time, a quick 20-minute hop from the CBD to South Bank gives you a taste of the river life. The ferries run every 15-30 minutes, so you can easily hop on and off as you please.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• South Bank: A cultural precinct with museums, galleries, and a lagoon-style beach — just steps from the South Bank ferry terminal.
• Story Bridge: Walk across the bridge or book an adventure climb for panoramic views. The bridge is a short walk from the CityCat's Eagle Street Pier stop.
• New Farm Park & Powerhouse: A sprawling park with a rose garden and the Brisbane Powerhouse arts centre, hosting markets, theatre, and live music.
• Howard Smith Wharves: A lively riverside dining and drinking precinct under the Story Bridge, easily reached from the CityCat's Howard Smith Wharves stop.
• Kangaroo Point: A riverside suburb with cliffs for climbing, a historic ferry terminal, and great views of the city skyline. Combine with a CityCat ride for a full river experience.

Please check official sources for current details.