The Sunshine Coast’s first regular ferry service is about to add another dimension to local transport and tourism.
The Mooloolaba Ferry will start operating on the Mooloolah River and the Kawana Waters Canal within weeks.
The service will essentially be run by Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba.
Co-owner and director Darren Smith looked forward to weighing anchor.
“The ferry will provide an eco-friendly and scenic way to explore the river and will connect some of the most popular waterfront destinations in the region, such as the Wharf Mooloolaba, Pier 33 and the Kawana Hotel,” he said.
“We believe the service will add tremendous value to locals and tourists, making it easier to explore these fantastic venues without the hassle of parking or traffic congestion.”
The service is expected to start on November 1 and could run six or seven times a day.
A full one-way journey is expected to take about 45 minutes.
A timetable is still being finalised but trips are set to run at regular intervals.
Pricing will be released shortly. Options should include one-way tickets, all-day passes and multi-pass options for frequent riders. Passengers will be able to book and pay online through a website or app, as well as at the ferry stops.
The ferry would essentially go from the Wharf Mooloolaba to Pier 33 and then to the Kawana Hotel, before returning via the same route.
Mr Smith said the idea was sparked decades ago.
“The concept first emerged in 2003, when Mooloolaba was still a relatively quiet town,” he said.
“I worked closely with councillors Andrew Champion and Joe Natoli, and we trialled the ferry service, with support from the Maroochy Shire Council and the Caloundra City Council.
“Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba facilitated the vessel for the trial, but after three months we concluded that the region wasn’t quite ready for a permanent ferry service.
“However, we’ve continued to support the local community, particularly at La Balsa, by running a successful cross-river ferry on New Year’s Eve each year, ferrying over 350 passengers in six hours last year.
“Now, given our long-standing history, local knowledge and the region’s growth, we believe the time is right to launch the Mooloolaba Ferry as a permanent service.”
Mr Smith said the area was now a hive of activity and people would benefit from the service.
“The hidden gem of Mooloolaba has truly been discovered by tourists and new locals, especially after the migration north following the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
“With the increased popularity has come traffic congestion and parking challenges. The ferry service offers a scenic, eco-friendly alternative to driving, helping to reduce traffic and parking frustrations.”
The main ferry is Lucinda, a 12m-long vessel with a capacity of 54 passengers.
It was built by Norman Park Boatbuilders in about 1986.
“She was cold moulded, triple diagonal planked, epoxy glued, epoxy fibreglass sheathed with six-ounce E Glass and Epiglass E 90 epoxy resin,” Mr Smith said. “Boats aren’t built with this amount of weaponry any more.”
Lucinda originally operated as a ferry for Brisbane City Council on the Brisbane River.
“She has been custom designed for this type of transport,” Mr Smith said.
“Lucinda recently underwent a major renovation and is fully prepared for daily ferry service. She is more than just a mode of transport: she promises a memorable and scenic experience for all passengers.”
Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba also operates Pacific Star, which is licensed to carry 40 passengers.
“While Lucinda will be the primary ferry, Pacific Star could support the Mooloolaba Ferry service during peak times or for special events if the need arises,” he said.
“This provides us with the flexibility to expand the offering and ensure that passengers have a seamless experience, even during the busiest periods.
“The ferry will be cross-promoted with Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba’s other vessels, which specialise in food and drinks on board.
“However, the ferry stands apart as Mooloolaba’s first service-based transport option, allowing passengers to jump on, jump off at multiple stops along the route.”
Mr Smith said the three stops were perfect fits for the service.
“The Wharf Mooloolaba is a vibrant dining and tourism hub, renowned for its waterfront location and diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The Kawana Hotel is known for its inviting atmosphere, great food and wide selection of drinks. Pier 33 is a premier waterfront venue known for its exceptional food, stunning views of the Mooloolah River and stylish event spaces,” he said.
“Along the route passengers will enjoy viewing stunning canal homes, private and commercial vessels, and views of the Point Cartwright region. The riverfront at La Balsa Park adds a serene natural touch to the journey, showcasing the stunning beauty of the Sunshine Coast.”
There could be another stop on the route, in time.
“We are hopeful that the Sunshine Coast Council will grant access to La Balsa Park in the future,” Mr Smith said.
“This would give locals easy access across the river and offer tourists the chance to explore the park’s natural beauty, including walking trails around the lighthouse and headland.
“If we are granted access, we will need a high use, high impact permit from the council.”
Mr Smith urged locals to get behind the ferry service, which he said could transform local travel.
“Together, we can bring this ferry service to life and make it a valuable part of the Sunshine Coast’s transport network.”
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
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