Daintree Ferry fixed and back in business

It failed a safety inspection last week but the Daintree Ferry is back in business. Here’s how the old workhorse returned to the water.

Daintree residents and tourists are relieved following the ferry reopening on Monday following an inspection and repairs to a rusty hull.

Douglas Shire Council staff and contractors worked around the clock to ensure the

vessel could return to the water as quickly as possible.

The Daintree Ferry has reopened following last week’s safety inspection and repairs. Picture: Douglas Shire Council.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has renewed the vessel’s

operating certificate following repairs and maintenance.

The ferry, which was grounded all of last week, was successfully floated yesterday and test runs were completed.

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said ensuring safety for locals and visitors was

paramount.

“The community has been incredibly patient during the past few days while Council

completed vital repairs to ensure a safe river crossing and I personally would like to

thank them,” he said.

“As one of the last cable vehicle ferries in tropical Australia, the Daintree Ferry is a

unique service that transports about 230,000 vehicle movements between the

southern bank of the river and the world’s oldest rainforest each year and will remain

to do so.

“Council will continue to invest in the iconic river crossing which is a fundamental

aspect of the tourism economy of this region. We need to ensure this necessary

transport link maintains long term reliability, high level of service, improved travellers’

experience, enhances local community, and importantly complies with relevant

safety requirements.”

Originally published as Daintree Ferry fixed and back in business