Gold Coast ferry: Public transport service launches this weekend after 20-year wait

A new ferry service is finally launching on the Gold Coast after a near 20-year wait. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Gold Coast’s long-awaited ferry service will launch this weekend after a near 20-year wait.

The ceremonial first journey will be held tomorrow afternoon when Mayor Tom Tate and Transport Minister Mark Bailey will journey across the Broadwater to attend the Mayor’s Christmas Carols.

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The Hopo ferry will launch this weekend. (AAP Image/Supplied by City of Gold Coast Council)

Regular services begin Sunday morning for the two-year trial, which will see the vessels travelling the Coast’s waterways 13 hours a day, seven days a week, excluding Christmas.

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The ferry’s route.

MAJOR BOOST FOR FERRY

Its first five stops will be Surfers Paradise’s Appel Park, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Sea World and the Broadwater Parklands.

Further stops are set to be added early next year.

Passengers will be able to bring their surfboards and bikes aboard for journeys.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate this morning said he was excited for the launch.

“HOPO is quintessential Gold Coast and I love it. It has been mooted for decades and we finally are starting modestly with five stops,” he said.

“It will be wonderful to see it keep extending perhaps all the way to Palm Beach.

“I will catch the ferry from Sea World and arrived that mayor’s Christmas carols. It is a wonderful thing to feature.”