How the river network is set up
At 9 November 2026, per Brisbane City Council, it operates a fleet of 24 CityCats and 5 KittyCats. Council also describes a network of 22 terminals that stretches from the University of Queensland (UQ) St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton. TransLink lists ferries in Brisbane among the modes its network covers, alongside trains and buses.
These are paid services, not a free sightseeing cruise, and Council sends readers to TransLink for ticketing and fares. For that reason this guide quotes no fares and no departure times. It explains how the services are organised, and the official pages named below hold the current detail.
Three kinds of service
Council lists three kinds of service. At 9 November 2026, per Council’s CityCats and ferries page, the all-stops CityCat, route F1, operates daily between UQ St Lucia and Northshore Hamilton. On the same page the Express CityCat runs only in weekday peak periods, on two routes: Apollo Road to Riverside (F11) and West End to QUT Gardens Point (F12).
The third kind is the cross river ferry. At 9 November 2026, per Council, four routes are operated by a fleet of five KittyCat ferries. They are Bulimba to Teneriffe (F21), Dockside to Sydney Street (F22), Holman Street to Riverside (F23) and Maritime Museum to QUT Gardens Point (F24). Council describes these services as running to a regular all-day frequency.
On how often boats run, Council’s visitor guide says that at 9 November 2026, services during off-peak times usually run every 15 to 30 minutes. That page does not give peak frequencies, so check the route or stop timetable on TransLink for the trip you want.
Reading the map from west to east
Council’s terminal map orders the CityCat, Express CityCat and ferry terminals from west to east. Its visitor guide follows the same direction, and it points to TransLink for the full terminal listings, timetables and service details. The stops below are Council’s own highlights, not the full list of 22.
- Regatta: Council points to the Regatta Hotel, which it says has operated since 1874.
- North Quay: the stop for Queen Street Mall, and for the Brisbane City Markets on Wednesdays, per Council at 9 November 2026.
- South Bank: shaded paths, The Wheel of Brisbane and a swim at Streets Beach.
- Riverside: an access point to eating spots, with Story Bridge views.
- Howard Smith Wharves: Felons Brewing Co. and riverside dining.
- West End: Orleigh Park, close to the terminal, and Guyatt Park both have playgrounds.
- QUT Gardens Point: the City Botanic Gardens and the historic Bunya Walk.
- Maritime Museum: access to The Cliffs boardwalk and the Queensland Maritime Museum.
- Holman Street: a picnic spot at Captain Burke Park, beside the Story Bridge.
- Sydney Street: Merthyr Park and the Officers Mess.
- New Farm Park: the park itself and Brisbane Powerhouse.
- Northshore Hamilton: the final stop, close to Eat Street, with Portside a short walk away.
Council also notes that the Brisbane River Heritage Trail covers 32 places along the river, with easy access from CityCat terminals along the route.
Paying for a trip
At 9 November 2026, per Council, you can tap on and off a CityCat or ferry with a Visa or Mastercard contactless card or a smart device, and go cards and pre-paid paper tickets are still accepted. At the same date Council says concession fares, or a journey that includes a bus leg, still need a go card or paper ticket. You cannot buy paper tickets onboard. Council says they are sold at fare machines at busways, train stations and major interchanges.
At 9 November 2026, TransLink adds that South East Queensland services are currently cashless, so a fare cannot be paid onboard. It also warns that a default fare may be charged if you do not tap on at the start of a trip and tap off at the end.
Seniors
At 9 November 2026, per Council, seniors with a valid go card can travel free during off-peak periods on Council buses, CityCats and ferries. At that date, on CityCats and ferries those times are weekdays 8.30am to 3.30pm and 7pm to 6am, plus Queensland public holidays that fall Monday to Friday. Council’s seniors page states, at 9 November 2026, that free off-peak travel is not available on CityCats and ferries at weekends, where normal off-peak fares apply. The benefit does not apply on Queensland Rail trains, and forgetting to touch on or off leads to a fixed fare.
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Accessibility
Council lists wide access gates and ramps on CityCats, and at 9 November 2026 up to six dedicated wheelchair and mobility scooter areas and augmented hearing loops. The fleet also has onboard toilets and open decks. Council says many ferry terminals are fully accessible and sends readers to TransLink to find out which ones.
Council adds a practical warning that ramp gradients at terminals may fluctuate with the tide, so take care at low tide.
Dogs, bikes and e-mobility devices
At 9 November 2026, per Council, approved assistance animals, dogs, bikes and e-mobility devices travel free on CityCats and ferries. Certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs are allowed, and the handler should have an identity card available. Council also says the dog must be accredited under the Guide Hearing and Assistance Dog Act (2009) and carry a TransLink Assistance Animal Pass or an interstate accreditation.
At 9 November 2026, per Council, pet dogs are allowed only at off-peak times: 8.30am to 3.30pm and 7pm to 6am Monday to Friday, and all day on weekends. Under the same rules a dog must be on a lead and muzzled, or in an enclosed carrier. It must stay outside the cabin, owners must carry waste bags, and the limit is two dogs per person. Ferry staff may ask you to wait for another service because of capacity or operations. TransLink separately states, at 9 November 2026, that pets are not permitted on bus, train and tram services.
At 9 November 2026, per Council, bikes, scooters and e-mobility devices are carried if there is enough space, at the Master’s discretion.
Frequently asked questions
How many CityCat and ferry terminals does Brisbane have?
Brisbane City Council describes a network of 22 terminals from UQ St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton.
Can I pay for a CityCat with a credit card?
Council says you can tap on and off with a Visa or Mastercard contactless card or smart device, and go cards and paper tickets are still accepted. Concession fares need a go card or paper ticket.
Can I take my dog on a CityCat?
Council allows dogs at off-peak times only, on a lead and muzzled or in an enclosed carrier, outside the cabin.
Do seniors travel free on CityCats at weekends?
Council’s seniors page says free off-peak travel is not available on CityCats and ferries on weekends.
