New fast ferry service to Stradbroke Island from Brisbane launches March 1

Lovers of North Stradbroke Island will be able to hop on board a fast ferry from next month without having to trek to Cleveland. SEE THE TIMETABLES, TICKET PRICES

River To Bay's Leatherback vessel. It and the vessel Bottlenose will now offer trips to Stradbroke Island, six days a week, from Hamilton and Manly.

Lovers of North Stradbroke Island will be able to hop on board a fast ferry from next month without having to trek to Cleveland, with a new service departing six days a week from Manly and Hamilton Northshore.

River To Bay, which has run tours of the Brisbane River and over to Straddie since 2019, announced it was now adding a ferry service from March 1 which would run up to five times a day from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Passengers could book one-way tickets or return tickets on different days to allow for an overnight — or longer — stay on the island.

Manager Ilsa Toomey said the service was not intended to compete with existing passenger and vehicle ferries which ran from Cleveland.

It was instead aimed at tourists who wanted a fast, fun and economic way to get to the island.

The trip from William Gunn Jetty at Wyvernleigh Cl in Manly would take just 30 minutes, while the journey from Hamilton Northshore would take an hour.

The first few days were already booked out but from this afternoon, Wednesday February 14, bookings would be able to be made for Manly services starting from March 1.

River To Bay's Leatherback vessel.

The 12m vessel Bottlenose could take up to 28 people on the service from Manly, while Leatherback could take 38 seats on the Hamilton run.

She the high-powered, fast boats were built for fun and could be wet at times.

“They’re for those who want convenience and an action-packed, fun adventure to the beautiful island of Stradbroke,’’ she said.

“We don’t want to compete with the current ferry service running from Cleveland, but rather offer a convenient and time-saving alternative that runs from some ideal locations, Manly and Hamilton Northshore, which opens up accessibility to Stradbroke for all of Brisbane.

“We hope that it will bring community benefits to those who live on Minjerribah (Stradbroke) and support many local businesses and initiatives that are hard for those who live in Brisbane to access.

“This is a tourism initiative and we are trying to attract daytrippers who seek convenience.

River To Bay's Bottlenose vessel at Tangalooma Wrecks.

“If it takes off we will get a bigger boat.

“At the moment if you want to go to Stradbroke you have to leave from Cleveland, which is a problem if you live on the northside or some other parts of Brisbane.

“With the new cultural centre opening in Dunwich in June the timing could not be better.’’

When River To Bay first began it was intended to be a ferry service, but subsequent owners changed tack to focus on tour operations.

New owner Paul Mohokoi, who took over the business in October, announced the passenger services yesterday, Tuesday February 13, on River To Bay’s Facebook page.

River To Bay has run Brisbane River and Stradbroke Island tours since 2019 but is now launching a fast ferry service from Manly and Hamilton to Straddie.

Prices were $88 return ($55 one way) from Hamilton for adults. Children under 12 were $55 return or $33 one way.

Manly tickets were $44 return for adults ($33 one way). Children were $22 return and $15 one way.

Services from Hamilton would leave at 7am, 9am, 2pm and 4pm from Tuesday to Sunday, returning from Dunwich at 8am, 10am, 3pm and 5pm.

Manly services departed at 7am, 8am, 9am, 4pm and 5pm and departed from Dunwich at 7.30am, 8.30am, 9.30am, 4.30pm and 5.30pm.

While bookings were recommended, walk-on passengers were allowed subject to availability with payment on the boat via EFTPOS.

More details at: 3517 4952 or [e-mail] or book here