Overview
Ferry Replacement
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.
Landside Infrastructure Upgrades
To go along with the new ferry, Douglas Shire Council is upgrading the approach roads and ramps on both sides of the Daintree River. These works will complement the new vessel by improving traffic flow, safety, and efficiency for all ferry users.
The upgrades will:
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Provide additional lanes and improved queuing areas
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Create a dedicated priority lane for local residents and cardholders
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Improve access for tour operators and boat ramp users
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Include new dual-loading ramps to support the four-lane ferry
Construction is planned to start after the 2026 wet season, with the new infrastructure completed in time for the ferry’s arrival at the end of 2027.
Updates
Updates on both the landside infrastructure and ferry replacement projects will continue to be shared through:
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- Council’s website and project pages
- 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
Concept Plans
- Approved Designs (will be uploaded when available)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this project about?
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.
Why did Council choose a ferry over a bridge?
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.
When will construction begin?
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.
Will the ferry still operate during construction?
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.
How long will the ferry service be interrupted?
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.
Will there be a replacement service during the 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.
What improvements will the new ferry deliver?
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.
What road changes are being made?
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.
Will Council profit from the new ferry?
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.
Will the ferry price change?
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.
Is the new ferry service financially sustainable?
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.
Will any trees be removed for this project?
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.
Will any mangroves or marine plants be removed?
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.
How long will the new ferry take to build?
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.
Will the community be consulted?
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.
How will Council keep us informed?
- 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
Ferry 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.
