Overview
In August 2022, Council resolved to replace the existing ferry with a new, larger four-lane ferry capable of carrying more vehicles each trip. The aim is to significantly reduce wait times, improve service for residents and businesses, and provide a better tourism experience.
The ferry tender process closed on 9 April 2025. In August 2025, Council approved the recommendation to award the design, construction, and operation contract. The ferry will be built by Birdon in Port Macquarie and towed to the Daintree River in 2027. Delivery is scheduled by December 2027, with commissioning coordinated alongside the new ramp works.
Updates
Updates on both the landside infrastructure and ferry replacement projects have been provided at Council meetings and will continue to be shared through:
- Council’s website and project page
- Media releases
- Council newsletters and the Daintree Ferry Reference Group
Media Releases and Community Updates
- October 2024 – New Daintree River Ferry to Reduce Waiting Times with Larger Vessel
- October 2023 – Search For New Ferry Supplier/ Operator Underway
- August 2022 – Council Endorses Daintree Ferry Replacement Project
- August 2022 – Daintree Ferry Crossing Solution – click here
- June 2022 – Daintree Ferry Northern Ramp Replacement
- September 2021 – Daintree River Ferry Probity Report – click here
- May 2021 – Daintree River Ferry Service Contract – click here
- May 2021 – Daintree Ferry Purchase – click here
- November 2020 – Compass Research Report – Bridge/Ferry Survey – click here
- November 2020 – Bridge Or Ferry Submissions – click here
- August 2020 – Daintree River Crossing Options Assessment Report – click here
Council Meeting Reports
Photo’s & Concept Drawings
Concept Design Gallery: Use the arrow below to change image
Statistics
Council has been collecting data on the usage of the Daintree Ferry since 2004. Below you’ll find graphs depicting total annual ticket sales of one-way and return traffic for the two most popular vehicle types using the ferry.
Council also records data for a variety of other vehicle types, concessional travel and multi-day tickets.
