Daintree Ferry to re-open

The Daintree Ferry will be able to re-open today at 10:30am after a successful mandatory inspection and the extra repair works at the weekend.

Douglas Shire Council staff and contractors worked around the clock to ensure the vessel could return to the water as quickly as possible.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has renewed the vessel’s operating certificate and the vessel is safely running across the Daintree River.

During the inspection crews were also able to complete various maintenance tasks on the vessel to ensure continuity of access for locals and visitors.

The ferry was successfully floated yesterday, and test runs were successfully completed.

We would like to thank the contractors and Council staff for their hard work in making this happen as quick as humanely possible and acknowledge the community for their patience and resilience while these important works were undertaken.

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.”