Famous ferries

Posted 18 June, 2024 John Pedler

To get from A to B, sometimes you have to cross a bridgeless body of water. If you’re keen to take your car, then you’ll need to catch a ferry.

We look at some of Australia’s most iconic ferry crossings.

1. Murray River, South Australia

There are 11 Murray River ferry locations in South Australia, with the state’s first river ferry established in Wellington in 1839. The other locations include Cadell, Lyrup, Mannum, Morgan, Narrung, Purnong, Swan Reach, Tailem Bend, Waikerie and Walker Flat.

These ferries, or punts as they’re also known, operate via cables attached to both sides of the river. To avoid snagging a cable, boats aren’t permitted to cross a ferry’s path when it’s moving.

State Government figures show Mannum is the busiest location, where two vessels operate side-by-side, followed by Waikerie.

Under normal conditions, ferries operate 24/7, seven days a week, and they’re free. Click here for up-to-date information about temporary ferry closures and restrictions.

Main photo: Mannum Ferry – South Australian Tourism Commission/Murray River, Lakes & Coorong

2. Port Phillip Bay, Victoria

Want to visit Mornington Peninsula’s sandy beaches, scenic coastline, hot springs and cool-climate wineries, but not so keen on Melbourne traffic? Searoad Ferries operate between Queenscliff on Bellarine Peninsula and Sorrento on Mornington Peninsula.

The ferries have lounges, a café and bar, and a kids’ playground. With great views along the coast and regular dolphin sightings, the crossing is as much a scenic tour as it is a convenient way to traverse Port Phillip Bay.

3. Cape York Peninsula, Queensland

For outback adventurers, a four-wheel drive expedition to the top of continental Australia is high on the must-do – or already done – list.

Getting there involves a road trip up Cape York Peninsula via Bamaga Road.

Like all worthwhile tropical treks, motorists must traverse a crocodile-infused river. The Jardine River is just 76km from the northern tip of Oz and is crossed by ferry, similar in style to a Murray River punt. Bookings can be made online.

4. Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Spectacular coastal scenery, Ligurian bees, fleeing the mainland – there are many good reasons to cross Investigator Strait to Kangaroo Island.

KI is Australia’s third largest island, losing out on the top spots to Melville Island at number two and Tasmania at number one.

The SeaLink ferry runs between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw, and the crossing takes about 45 minutes. The licenced onboard café has light meals, snacks and hot and cold drinks.

RAA members get 10 per cent off passenger fares.

5. K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), Queensland

At 122km long and 24km wide, World-Heritage listed K’gari is Earth’s largest sand island. Travellers visit this offshore wilderness to experience its sparkling white beaches, ancient rainforest and freshwater lakes, including crystal-clear Lake McKenzie.

There are two ferry operators connecting the mainland to the island.

The Manta Ray Barge travels between the sandy beach at Inskip Point and Hook Point on K’gari, and is only suitable for offroad vehicles. Some motorists have become bogged just getting to the barge.

The trip takes about 10 minutes.

SeaLink runs two ferry services from River Heads, 30km south of Hervey Bay, to K’gari. One travels to Kingfisher Resort and takes about 45 minutes, and the other connects with Wanggoolba Creek and takes about 30 minutes.

RAA members receive a discount on day and two-day K’gari tours, which includes the ferry fare.

6. Bass Strait, Victoria to Tasmania

The big island down south is among the most scenic places in the world. From the picture-postcard east coast to World Heritage-listed Wilderness, and snarly yet adorable devils, Tasmania is home to a vast list of must-sees.

If you choose to take your own vehicle, book a spot on the 194m-long Spirit of Tasmania. The ships travel between Geelong and Devonport nightly and arrive the following morning. Day sailings are available between September and April. The ships have accommodation, a restaurant, bars, cinemas and kids’ activities, and the voyage takes between 9.5-11.5 hours.

And in the spirit of the classic Gerry and the Pacemakers tune, the final leg to Devenport is up the Mersey River.