What is the Brisbane CityCat?
The CityCat is a fast catamaran ferry service on the Brisbane River in Queensland. Introduced in 1996, the sleek blue and white ferries are a popular way for both commuters and tourists to travel through Brisbane.
The CityCat route runs along much of the river, linking the University of Queensland at St Lucia with Northshore Hamilton. Stops include South Bank, North Quay, Riverside, New Farm Park and Bulimba.
The ferries are operated for Translink, the public transport network of southeast Queensland. Passengers can use the same go card and fares as on buses and trains, which makes the service part of everyday travel.
Seeing the city from the river
For visitors, the CityCat is one of the cheapest ways to see Brisbane. The boats pass under the Story Bridge, past the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the South Bank parklands and riverside mansions.
The service has faced challenges from floods. During the 2011 and 2022 floods, ferry terminals were damaged and services were suspended for weeks, and the network was later rebuilt with stronger terminals.
Brisbane also runs smaller cross-river ferries and a free CityHopper service on the inner river, which gives visitors a relaxing way to explore.
Did You Know?
Each CityCat ferry is given an Aboriginal name for a place or concept connected to the region.