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Ferry discounts for Gold Coast residents

Senior man and woman on boat holding basket with green vegetables

HOTA Express from Surfers Paradise

FREE travel every Sunday between 7am to 10am!

Catch the new HOTA Express, with FREE ferry* to the bustling HOTA farmers markets every Sunday from 7am to 10am. The ferry departs every 15-minutes from Surfers Paradise to HOTA, Home of the Arts.

Leave your car at home and bring your baskets to stock up on fresh produce from local farmers. While you’re there, enjoy live music and devour delicious breakfast or brunch options from Gold Coast’s most iconic artisans and food trucks.

Our friends at HOTA will be onboard, with exclusive insights on Gold Coast’s vibrant arts and culture scene. This is the perfect Sunday morning, with a relaxing ferry ride and an array of sensory delights in the beautiful HOTA parklands precinct. Click here for everything on offer at HOTA, including breakfast on the rooftop at Exhibitionist Bar, and an exclusive early opening of HOTA Gallery.

* Free travel is for locals and visitors, and only for the 7am to 10am Sunday express service between Surfers Paradise and HOTA stops. Dates from Sunday 27th October to Sunday 29th December 2024. The northern stops are not included e.g. Southport Broadwater Parklands, Marina Mirage and Sea World.

Hopo Locals Loyalty Pass

Join the club for exclusive discounts for members and your guests

Introducing our new membership program for locals who love Hopo!

The Hopo Locals Loyalty Pass unlocks 50% off fares for Gold Coast residents and their accompanying guests.

Hop onboard for half price, whether you’re heading to HOTA for the latest movies or exhibitions, or showing your visiting friends or relatives the stunning Gold Coast waterways.

Sign up for free at the Hopo Kiosk in Appel Park, Surfers Paradise. Simply bring your proof of Gold Coast address.

For further information, you can fill out the form below and the team will be in contact.

There’s unlimited things to do, check out the Hopo Handbook for tips and inspiration.

Hop onboard our locals loyalty program

Register for your Hopo Locals Loyalty Pass at the Hopo Kiosk Appel Park, Surfers Paradise.  It’s free to join upon presentation of your proof of Gold Coast residency.

For further information please fill out the form below, and the team will contact you as soon as possible.

Please note: there may be some delays in responding to enquiry forms during the festive season. The quickest way to receive your Loyalty Pass is to pop into the Hopo Kiosk.






    Additional Comments

    Concession Cardholders

    Discounted travel for students, seniors, veterans and healthcare cards

    Hopo is proud to be an accessible travel option for the Gold Coast community.  Everyone is welcome on Hopo Ferry including wheelchair/mobility users and assistance animals.

    Concession discounts are available, with free travel for carers upon presentation of a National Companion Card.

    There is also the popular $20 Monday to Friday Day Pass for any Gold Coast local concession cardholder, for example:

    • Student Cards (High School or University)
    • Queensland Senior Cards and Seniors +Go Card
    • Pensioner Concession Cards (including disability)
    • Veterans Card
    • Health Care Card (all types)

    Simply purchase online, onboard or at the customer service desks.

    Bring your Small Dog

    Well behaved fur-babies welcome onboard

    The ferry precincts are surrounded by beautiful parklands, bring your small dogs onboard for free. For pet travel conditions click here.

    Free Ferry Travel

    Complimentary travel for kids under 5 and carers/companions

    Ahoy little captains! Kids under five (0-4 years old) receive ferry travel for free.

    Carers or companions receive free travel upon presentation of a valid companion card, please see accessibility section for more information.

    Free travel for small dogs

    Hopo Ferry is locally-run by a team of passionate Gold Coasters. We are are not subsidised by Local or State Governments. However, the team is committed to sustainable travel and providing benefits to the local community. 

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    Acknowledgement of Country

    Hopo acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters on which we operate and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

    Acknowledgement of Country

    Hopo acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters on which we operate and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.