City Cat
4.5
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- LollyW27Adelaide, Australia101 contributionsVery relaxing way to get aroundOne of the ferry stops is conveniently located about a 10 minute walk along the river from our hotel. We started out with the intention of sightseeing, getting off and on again at various places along the way. As it turned out, we were so relaxed and comfortable that we stayed on for the whole round trip of Zone 1, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of ride for this initial trip. We purchased a Translink Go Card which is much better value than single tickets and there is no set time to complete the journey.Visited April 2023Written April 18, 2023
- springbanktraveller872 contributionsLeisurely trip down the Brisbane RiverAn ideal way to see the signs of Brisbane from the River,; the Botanic Gardens, iconic Storey Bridge, million dollar homes, Customs House, new developments. You can hop on or hop off the ferry as it winds it way along the river. You can use a Go card to use on the City Cat or Kitty Cat, trains and buses around Brisbane. It is a great tourist attraction and very affordable for all ages. Seating inside and a small area outside which catches the pleasant breezes on a hot dday. Return trip available from east or west terminusVisited March 2023Written August 18, 2023
- clairebi6284 contributionsAmazing value, great way to see the cityThe City Cat is a catamaran that takes you up and down the river in Brisbane, it’s part of the infrastructure of the city taking people up and down the river for work, social activity and leisure. We bought ourselves a GoPass and loaded it up with $20 and boarded the boat - initially we did the full tour all the way up the river then all the way down. We saw the city from the river, it took 3 hours and was such a relaxing and enjoyable trip. It cost under $4 - incredible value! We used the City Cat several times to travel to various parts of the city - Eat Street market, the FIFA fan park and Riverside. Exceptional value for money and a really cool way to get around a really beautiful city. They also have a Kitty Cat, a smaller version that covers a smaller area and it’s Free! Brisbane, what a wonderful city.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 20, 2023
- TommoMelbourne, Australia50,435 contributionsExcellent water transportationTheres something about water transportation at a slow pace that is relaxing and is a scenic way to travel. I couldn't be bothered walking from Southbank to my hotel in Elizabeth Street so I decided to go the short distance on the ferry to North Quay. From there is was only minutes back from my hotel. If I had more time I would just jump on the ferry and do a round trip as a scenic ride. Excellent and reliable service.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten September 20, 2023
- Jess S12 contributionsGet the GO Card as soon as you get to Brisbane so you can enjoy this beautiful experience!!Just a great system, 24 City & Kitty Cats are so frequent it’s the best way to see Brisbane. So clean, drivers and boat staff are obviously well oiled. Toilets on board are clean. Terminals are well spread throughout the 2hour journey from start to end. Get your GO Card from Southbank Train Station and we loaded it with $15 each (plus the purchase of the cards in the beginning of $10 each) which eat of our journeys we’re about $2-3 each so did us for the five days we were there.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 22, 2023
- ItchyFeetCamarillo, California7,752 contributionsNice boat rideWe got on the City Cat in South Bank and wrote it up to Hamilton turnaround and back during sunset. Lots of commuters and some tourists riding the river. You do need to get a pass since they will not take payment on the boat; if you do not get a pass you will get a ticket that’s $300 per person! We enjoyed riding at dusk and seeing the sunset. Right at sunset we saw thousands of bats flying across the river to settle in for the night.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
7,223 reviews
Excellent
5,072
Very good
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165
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37
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31
Resty Ross
Philippines25 contributions
Nov 2019
This one is different from cityhopper (free service). City cat offers boat transfer at a cheap price and it helped get to different places in brisbane. It is a good way to do the river cruise as well/
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
waynebooth50
Brisbane, Australia223 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
One River cat called the City Hopper is free, The larger vessels need a so called Go card. Difficult for the tourist to get these cards & some smaller So called Kitty cats are free or you need a Go card.
Confusion for tourists on the waterways.
One thing to note the Ferry customer service @ the Riverside dock can't top up your card with credit's with them. Great system.
A great service spoilt by beaucracy..
Confusion for tourists on the waterways.
One thing to note the Ferry customer service @ the Riverside dock can't top up your card with credit's with them. Great system.
A great service spoilt by beaucracy..
Written January 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Golf N
Brisbane, Australia17 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Love the city cat, it’s clean, attractive and smooth sailing. Every time I use it is like a tour , it’s particularly nice to see the city lights at night. It’s part of the transit system of buses and trains for the same fare and you tap on and off for your trip. Highly recommended! One of my favourite things about Brisbane.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia7,494 contributions
Nov 2021
We had used the ferry service between Riverside and South Bank and decided to complete the full circular journey on the river. As concession card holders, the cost was less than $10 each for a wonderful relaxing cruise on the Brisbane River with brief stops at all the ferry terminals. Part of the cruise covered sections of the river sighted on our Rived City Cruise but really interesting and enjoyable to view the buildings and other edifices again. The weather was pleasant enough to allow us be seated at the front of the boat, great for photographs and unobstructed viewing. On a practical note, it provides an outstanding service for commuters that do not wish to brave the vehicular traffic and is complimented in the Central Brisbane river area by the Kitty Cat. All staff pleasant and helpful.
Written November 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warner D
Brisbane, Australia122 contributions
Jan 2020
We had friends over from the UK and met in the city for a meal. We were down in the Creek Street area, and when someone asked what we could do next, Tricia suggested a ferry ride to Hamilton.
Being in the proximity of calm water on a sunny day has always been relaxing, especially when you're on it, not just looking at it, so we walked to the Riverside Jetty and caught the first ferry that came along, first ascertaining that we could stay on it to return to the same stop.
Even as someone who has lived in Brisbane for many, many years it is not usual for me to see the city and suburbs from the river, and the opportunity to feel envy of those lucky enough to live on the river banks is a pleasant and inexpensive way to spend an hour or more, provided you keep the envy under control.
The deck hands and ticket people of the ferries seem to be trained to make the journey pleasant and relaxed for all the passengers, as if they are dealing only with pleasure seeking tourists, which introduced a nice vibe on the ferries.
Next time you're in the city with an hour to spare, try a river trip.
Being in the proximity of calm water on a sunny day has always been relaxing, especially when you're on it, not just looking at it, so we walked to the Riverside Jetty and caught the first ferry that came along, first ascertaining that we could stay on it to return to the same stop.
Even as someone who has lived in Brisbane for many, many years it is not usual for me to see the city and suburbs from the river, and the opportunity to feel envy of those lucky enough to live on the river banks is a pleasant and inexpensive way to spend an hour or more, provided you keep the envy under control.
The deck hands and ticket people of the ferries seem to be trained to make the journey pleasant and relaxed for all the passengers, as if they are dealing only with pleasure seeking tourists, which introduced a nice vibe on the ferries.
Next time you're in the city with an hour to spare, try a river trip.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah R
15 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
Exillerating journey down the Brisbane River is a must.Stand up the front outside to catch the breeze as you travel down observing all the activity on both sides of this river.
Dont forget to get a Go Card from train stations, or 711 stores and travel cheaply on the water, buses or trains to get the full benefit.
Dont forget to get a Go Card from train stations, or 711 stores and travel cheaply on the water, buses or trains to get the full benefit.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen A
Brisbane, Australia130 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Ive lives in Brisbane for 30 years, been to the city millions of times, but seeing Brisbane from the Citycat is a definite MUST. I think we paid about $9 each and we went from North Harbour where EatStreet is to one stop past Sout Bank and back. Just remember to take a hat and sunscreen. Awesome cruise.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RockyBoy11
Coolum Beach, Australia11 contributions
Jul 2021
One of Brisbane's best value activities. With a go card and going off peak, we spent over 2 hours on the City Cat cruising the River between Hamilton and St Lucia and return for $2.70.
We started and finished at North Quay wharf. A great way to see riverside homes and the river
We started and finished at North Quay wharf. A great way to see riverside homes and the river
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
000CruisinSusan
Brisbane, Australia13 contributions
Oct 2020
The city cat is definitely the best and cheapest way for a traveller to see a lot of the city in a relaxing way. I always suggest to visitors that they take a round trip on the cat, getting off at some of the many places of interest that the cat stops at. When I need to go to the city I always take the cat even though there is a bus stop directly over the road from me.
Written December 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart B
Brisbane, Australia237 contributions
Oct 2020
This is a MUST DO in Brisbane for all visitors . Travel from the University all the way to North Shore beyond the old cruise terminal - So many lovely houses to oggle. For a special treat do it at night - Its cheep - free for Qld Pensioners in off peak times and weekends
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim K
Brisbane, Australia1 contribution
What is round trip adult fare hamilton to st lucia this evening?
DTrainTravels
Marion, Australia496 contributions
Best to go on their website and you can calculate journeys.
Hi,
Can I pay with cash on the city cat now?
Jan D
Main Beach, Australia6 contributions
You couldn't when we used it due to COVID. You had to either wise your Translink card to tap on & off or purchase tickets before boarding. I imagine the Web site has locations for ticket purchasing.
What are kids prices for city cat
Wapiti53
Vernon, Canada73 contributions
Don't know. We used the card tap on and tap off. Saves money and their public transport is great and better than searching for parking downtown. Works for bus train and city cat.
sdrbcasa
San Diego, CA6 contributions
Our cruise ship will be docking at Portside Wharf (Hamilton). Can we catch a City Cat there? If not how can we find the closest one? (Our final destination is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary ... I understand we need to take a taxi from the City Cat Southbank port to Lone Pine, which is fine.) We don't know how to get to the City Cat from the ship. Thanks for any advice.
PeterRAA
Brisbane Region, Australia188 contributions
Gday, welcome to Brisbane.
the cruise terminal is only a few hundred metres from the citycat terminal and it is an easy walk with several cafes etc close nearby. (we Aussies love our espresso coffee so they are everywhere).
The CityCat is a fast catamaran and the trip along the river is spectacular. If you can take the round trip from the city to Qld Uni and then downstream back to Hamilton and your ship. Do that trip at night and you will never forget it, One of the world's most wonderful river cruises. Ferry fee is dirt cheap as it was originally supposed to be a commuter boat, but is really a sightseeing trip. The links are to Google maps and to the Ferry home page.
There are cruises on the Mirramar and bus and train to Lone Pine for about $5-7. Have a great time and watch out for the DropBears at Lone Pine.
Peter
Rita K
Whitley Bay United Kingdom264 contributions
How much is the City Cat? Can you get to the Koala Sanctuary by City Cat? Where else can you get to of interest? We arrive in Brisban 20th Feb. We are staying at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Leichhardt Street where do we get the City Cat? Thank you.
JED
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK92 contributions
the CityCat is under the same transport as their buses and trains, so you can purchase a $10 GoCard and travel across all transports. You get a discounted rate as opposed to paying cash each time. Weekend and off peak fares are less. Peak travel a little more. It’s charged in zones, so if you continue to travel in the same zone within an hour of tapping on, you don’t pay again. It’s very fairly capped and priced, most journeys cost around $2.5-4 one way depending on the time of day. For lone pine, look online for tickets, you can get them around $10 cheaper on A website called Klook (that’s where I got mine). You can get ones inclusive of transport. However you can get a bus from the city centre directly to the gates of the sanctuary too. Or a short drive! Hope this helps a bit. Enjoy!
just to do a day out trip
cameocc
Inverleigh, Australia26 contributions
Used the City Cats for a day trip and also for several smaller trips to get to specific places. Keep your eye out for the "Red "Hoppers" because they also cruise the river and are free, ie no charge.
4 seniors want to do the round trip up and down the river ... what to catch from Balmoral or Hamilton. 2 are NSW residents....all info needed please
LynetteMin
Sydney, Australia387 contributions
I used a NSW Seniors card for a discount on the City Cat.
How much for a round trip
CazH01
Albury, Australia102 contributions
It’s approx $2.80 off peak and I think $1 more when it’s rush hour. A plastic GO charge which you can recharge is $10 plus whatever you put on it..
Or u can pay cash as you go @ the counter in the boat.
Chris L
Launceston, Australia8 contributions
How much does it cost
KatMJ
Melbourne, Australia113 contributions
It’s quite cheap. We got a 2 hour ticket and Seniors’ Concession and it cost less than $5 for the two of us (I think). It’s about the same as rail or bus travel. Note that our trip wasn’t a tour, just the usual commuter trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions about City Cat
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