Daintree Ferry Landside Infrastructure and Ferry Replacement Projects

• Daintree River Ferry Landside Infrastructure
• Daintree River Ferry Report March 2025
• Daintree River Ferry Report February 2025
• Daintree River Ferry Update January 2025 

• Daintree River Ferry Update December 2024
• Notice of Motion – Daintree Ferry Monthly Reports – December
• Daintree Ferry Operating Model – Special Council Meeting – October 2024

• January – click here to view quarterly report
• April – click here to view quarterly report
• July – click here to view quarterly report

November – click here to view quarterly report.

• Approved Designs (will be uploaded when available)

Council is upgrading the roads and ferry ramps on both sides of the Daintree River to prepare for a new, higher-capacity ferry. These works will reduce wait times, improve traffic flow, and support local residents, services, tourism, and school travel.

Extensive community engagement and traffic modelling were carried out across several stages. Of the 3,409 survey responses, 66% preferred an improved ferry service while 33% preferred a bridge. The outcome showed that a larger, dual-loading ferry with landside upgrades was the most practical and widely supported option.

Landside works will start after the 2026 wet season (expected May 2026), with the ferry ramp replacement and new ferry commissioning planned for late 2027.

Yes. The ferry will continue to operate throughout the project, except during a planned closure period of approximately 10-14 days in late 2027 for concrete ramp removals and reconstruction of larger concrete ramps and ferry commissioning.

The vehicle ferry service will be offline for a minimum of 10 days. This timeframe includes ramp removal, pylon checks, new ramp installation, ferry positioning, and river trials. Engineering efficiencies have significantly reduced what would have been a potential 40-day closure.

Yes. A free pedestrian ferry will run continuously during daylight hours. Council will also provide shuttle services to and from designated car parks on both sides of the river, with managed parking to support both locals and visitors.  Parking and shuttle locations will be confirmed closer to the closure period.

The new ferry will have dual loading and unloading lanes, reducing queuing times. It will also support a new priority lane system on both the south and north side of the river for locals and concession card holders and improved traffic management for tourism vehicles and services.

South side: New lanes, relocated ticket booths, and better queuing for all vehicles.

North side: New priority lanes, extended disembark areas, and a designated bus collection zone.

No. Under Queensland law, Council cannot make a profit from ferry fees. All funds from ticket sales must be used to operate and improve the ferry service and associated infrastructure.

Council reviews pricing annually in line with CPI and operating costs. Any changes are part of this regular review process and must reflect service delivery costs.

Yes. The new ferry and service have been modelled over a 20-year period, factoring in projected usage, CPI increases, and minor ticket pricing adjustments. This modelling indicates the service will be sustainable over the long term.

Yes. A small number of trees will be removed for the south approach road realignment and on the northern approach to create a locals’ priority lane. No trees will be removed for the new ramps, which will be in the same location as the existing ones.

No. The ferry will continue to operate in the same location, and no mangroves or other marine plants will be disturbed during the ramp works or ferry replacement.

The new ferry is being designed and built by Birdon Pty Ltd in Port Macquarie, with construction expected to take up to two years. It will then be towed to the Daintree River over seven days (weather permitting), with delivery scheduled by the end of 2027.

Yes. Community updates and engagement are a priority. A Daintree Ferry Landside Infrastructure Reference Group is being formed, and Council will share progress updates, timelines, and closure dates well in advance. A full communication program will support locals and businesses throughout.

No. Existing car parking at the boat ramp will be retained as part of the project.

Priority lanes will operate on both sides of the river and will be clearly identified through signage and road markings. Lane markings will comply with road regulations and include additional guidance to help all drivers, including visitors, use the correct lanes safely.

The design includes traffic calming, improved entry and exit points, bus parking and lane configuration to address long-standing safety and congestion concerns.  Bus movements and turning areas are being reviewed as part of the design to improve safety and traffic flow on the northern side.

When roads are flooded, access to the ferry is not possible. The new works improve efficiency in normal conditions but do not change flood constraints.  The ferry does not operate during extreme weather events and flooding.

Safety will always come first. The ferry must be secured during daylight hours before river conditions deteriorate. Early communication will continue, and residents are encouraged to activate their own cyclone plans early.

The ferry will continue to operate on the same scheduled days as the current service, excluding emergency events.

AMSA surveys are required every five years. While some pre-survey work will occur in water, the ferry must be hauled out to meet regulatory requirements.  The ferry will be offline for approximately 14 days to complete the mandatory survey.

The first survey will be schedule 5 years from the date of commencement of the new ferry (around 2032). Surveys can be scheduled up to two years in advance, allowing at least 24 months’ notice where possible.

Designs will be shared after regulatory approval, noting some drawings may not be released due to intellectual property considerations.

No significant increase in dredging is required. Although the new ferry is wider and heavier, it will have a similar draft to the existing ferry, so additional weight does not automatically mean deeper dredging is needed.  Some initial dredging will be required to accommodate the wider vessel.  All required approvals are being progressed through the State Assessment and Referral Agency in consultation with relevant State Government agencies.

All dredging works are managed in accordance with State approvals and will continue to be overseen by Council operations staff in accordance with conditions.

The new ferry includes acoustic insulation and modern engines, which are typically quieter. PA announcements are mandated for safety but will be reviewed and minimised where possible.

The ferry does not have independent propulsion.  The movement of the vessel if a cable breaks will depend if it’s the cable on the drive wheel side.

Ramp design accounts for maximum loading requirements and dual loading/unloading operations.

Up to 189 vehicles can queue beyond the ticket booths. With a 36-vehicle ferry, ticketing will not delay loading.

No ticket booth is planned, but spare conduit is being installed for future flexibility.

A full closure of approximately 10–14 days is expected. Both ramps will be replaced at the same time, with passenger ferry and shuttle services provided throughout the closure.

The new ferry will be pre-positioned before ramp works begin. Existing ramps will not be removed until the ferry arrives.

Nightly inspections, locally sourced and stored spare parts and Birdon’s backup shipyards will reduce the risk of breakdowns.

Birdon is developing a communications plan including website, email, SMS and other tools for areas with limited coverage.

Staff shelter and heat protection are being incorporated into the ferry design.

Works will generally occur under single-lane closures with traffic management. Limited night works may be considered if noise impacts can be managed.

Traffic modelling assumes approximately 1% annual growth supported by the upgraded ferry and infrastructure.

Contractual revenue arrangements are commercial in confidence.

Ferry revenue is managed through Council’s consolidated revenue and considered as part of annual budget processes.

• Phone:  4099 9444
• Email: enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au
• Web: Daintree Ferry Infrastructure & Replacement Project – Douglas Shire Council

• Project updates on Council’s web page
• Direct emails and SMS
• Social media updates
• Reference Group discussions and community meetings and drop-in sessions
• Signage on site and along ferry approaches