Welcome to Hopo Ferry, our goal is for everyone to experience the beautiful Gold Coast waterways, aboard the city’s only dedicated hop-on hop-off cruise.
We provide an inclusive and accessible experience for visitors and locals.
Accessibility for Hopo Ferry
Accessibility Overview
The ferry service is proudly compliant with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 part of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
The address and photos of each stop, are available on our where to find us page, click here.
Unfortunately, there are no accessible toilets on the ferry. Toilets are for crew or emergency use only. However, there are accessible toilets at each ferry stop.
The ferry stops have sheltered waiting areas and seating nearby.
There are wide gangways and ramps onto the ferry, which are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Also handrails and tactile ground indicators to assist with boarding.
If you need assistance, our friendly customer service teams are available at the start and end of the journey i.e. Hopo Information Kiosk in Surfers Paradise, and Sea World Cruises Terminal in Main Beach.
Onboard there is room around the entire ferry for wheelchairs, and spacious priority seating in the front row behind the Captain.
Free companion travel is available, with discounts for concession cardholders.
For safety and hygiene reasons, food can not be consumed on the ferries. Passengers are welcome to bring non-alcoholic drinks onboard, and there is a small range of drinks available for purchase.
Ferry Stop Facilities
The address and photos of each stop, are available on our where to find us page, click here.
PUBLIC PONTOONS
The following public pontoons are shared use, and have been modified to allow for independent access for wheelchair users or mobility devices. There are also tactile ground indicators and handrails on the ramps and pontoon.
Surfers Paradise – Appel Park Pontoon – 10 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Facilities include: accessible toilet (unisex) located in Appel Park. Parking is not available onsite, the nearest is Bruce Bishop Car Park or Circle on Cavill precinct.
Home of the Arts (HOTA) – Evandale Pontoon – 135 Bundall Road
Facilities include: an accessible toilet (unisex) located in HOTA complex behind the Outdoor Stage, or within HOTA Central Theatre and Cinema venue. Accessible parking is available onsite.
Broadwater Parklands – Southport Pier – Marine Parade, Southport
Facilities include: accessible toilet (unisex) located in the Pier Pavillion building and throughout the parklands. Accessible parking is available onsite,
PRIVATE PONTOONS
The following private pontoons have been modified to be wheelchair-friendly.
Marina Mirage – 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Facilities include: accessible toilet (unisex) located on the ground level. Ground-level parking is available near the Post Office. Undercover accessible parking is available onsite, with a lift to access the centre.
Sea World Cruises Terminal, 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Facilities include: a cafe, lounge area, accessible toilet (unisex) located on the ground level. Accessible parking is available onsite. Assistance can be provided by the Customer Service team to board or disembark the vessel.
Destination Guide
Hopo is part of a community of businesses that are working towards making the Gold Coast accessible and inclusive to all visitors. The Gold Coast Accessible Visitor Guide has lots of helpful information, click here.
Our friends at HOTA, Home of the Arts warmly welcomes all guests with great inclusive facilities in a comfortable and relaxed environment. To go to their Accessibility Statement which also includes their quiet hour information, click here.
The City of Gold Coast (Council) also has many resources, services and accessible facilities, that can be found on their website, click here.
The Sea World stop is a great option to extend your Gold Coast marine experience. Sea World Cruises operates inclusive Whale Watching experiences from May to November, and Dining Cruises year-round. For the Sea World Cruises Accessibility Statement, click here.
Iconic Sea World Marine Park has detailed Safety and Accessibility information, click here.
Maps
Public Transport
The five destinations visited by the Hopo Gold Coast Ferry are well connected with other transport options, for example:
- Cavill Avenue tram stop is located 250 metres from Surfers Paradise Ferry Pontoon
- Southport tram stop is located approximately 500 metres from Broadwater Parklands, Southport Pier Pontoon
- Surfside buses reach from all areas of the Gold Coast
- 13CABS on 07 5588 12348
For public transport and ferry connections, go to the Translink Journey Planner, click here.
Hopo Handbook
The free Hopo Handbook has lots of helpful information, to plan your day on the waterways.
The handbook has suggested itineraries and ‘must-do’ activities, click here.
It can be read online, or downloaded to your device to use with assistive technology.
A Hopo commentary guide is also available, click here.
Companion Animals
Hopo Ferry is proud to welcome your registered companion animals onboard.
Small pet dogs and cats under 7kg are also allowed with any ticket. For more information, click here..
Accessibility on the Ferry
Boarding and disembarking the ferry will be using a ramp, suitable for devices 800m wide (or less) and combined weight of 350kg.
There is room onboard for wheelchairs, mobility aids and prams etc.
Note: please ensure that your mobility aid conforms with the maneuverability assumptions of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002
Hopo Safety
Please wait for your ferry in a safe place away from the pontoon edge. Park your mobility aid secured and sideways, rather than facing the water.
Hold handrails when standing, and be seated when docking the ferry.
The Captain will advise when it is safe to board or disembark the ferry.
Emergency Procedures
Hopo has excellent safety management systems in place.
Please advise the Captain if you require extra assistance, in the unlikely event of an emergency e.g. hearing impairment.
Sensory Considerations
The ferry has open windows, however the side awnings can be rolled down if required.
The engines are located at the rear of the ferries underneath the flooring. They can make a vibration and noise, which may make commentary hard to hear.
We recommend for any hearing difficulties to sit at the front of the ferries. There is also a commentary guide available, click here.
Whilst we can not guarantee a quiet time, we can recommend considering an afternoon booking, as it is often quieter then.
