Staying at Dockside Marina puts you in one of the best positions in Brisbane: you’re right on the river, minutes from the CBD, and you can explore the city without worrying about parking or traffic.
Whether you’re heading across to New Farm for a stroll, chasing a riverside dinner, or just want a scenic “mini cruise,” Brisbane’s ferry network makes it ridiculously easy and with 50c fares, it’s also one of the cheapest ways to see the River City.
1) Start here: Dockside Ferry Terminal
Dockside has its own terminal at Kangaroo Point, making it a perfect launch point for quick cross-river trips or connecting onto the wider Brisbane ferry network. If you’re unsure what’s running when you arrive, the easiest move is to check the Dockside terminal page or timetable via TransLink.
2) The best “quick hop” for visitors: the Cross River KittyCat
One of the most useful services for Dockside guests is the Cross River Ferry route:
- F22: Sydney Street ↔ Dockside
This is a simple, practical way to get from Dockside to New Farm (and vice versa), and it links you into a bunch of great riverfront spots nearby.
3) How to pay: tap on, tap off (or use a go card)
You can pay for Brisbane ferries in a couple of easy ways:
- go card
- Contactless tap with a supported bank card or smart device (smart ticketing is available on ferries)
And yes — the 50c flat fare applies to Brisbane City ferries on the TransLink network.
Quick tip: each person needs their own card/device to tap on and off (you can’t “tap for two” on one device).
4) Easy ferry day ideas from Dockside
Here are a few visitor-friendly loops that work brilliantly from Dockside (no planning headache required):
A) Dockside → Sydney Street → New Farm Park stroll
F22 gets you across to Sydney Street Ferry Terminal where you can walk to New Farm Park, grab a coffee, and enjoy one of Brisbane’s best green spaces.
B) Dockside → connect into the CityCat network → explore the river
Once you’re in the ferry network, you can connect onto the longer CityCat routes and use the river like a sightseeing lane passing parks, skylines, bridges and precincts along the way.
C) Dockside → riverside dining + nightlife
Brisbane’s river precincts are set up perfectly for “ferry there, eat, ferry back” especially if you’re travelling with friends or family and want to avoid driving.
5) A few “locals do this” tips
- Sit outside (if available) for the best river views especially late afternoon.
- Allow a little buffer around peak times; services can get busy on weekends or event nights.
- Tap on/off consistently (same card/device) so your fare calculates correctly.
- If you’re unsure, check the timetable list for ferry routes (F22 is the Dockside one).
The best part: it’s genuinely the easiest way to see Brisbane
From Dockside, you can jump on a ferry, watch the city roll by, hop off for a meal or a walk, then cruise back home all without hunting for parking.
If you’re staying with us and want a hand picking the best ferry route for your plans, just ask our team and we’ll point you in the right direction.
