About Hopo Ferry
Hopo Ferry is fun, safe and accessible for everyone. The objective of Gold Coast’s only dedicated ferry service is to partner with the key destinations to offer a fully accessible service to all visitors, and members of the Gold Coast community.
Ferry Stop Pontoons and Facilities
The ferry stop pontoons are compliant with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 part of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
For a Google map of each stop, click here.
There is also a handy online (PDF) guidebook to help plan your Hopo journey and day out exploring the waterways. Access the Hopo Handbook by clicking here to read online, or download to read with assistive technology on your device etc.
There are wide gangways to the ferry stop pontoons and wide ramps onto the boat suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Sheltered waiting areas, tacticle ground indicators and handrails are also provided at each stop.
The customer service teams at Surfers Paradise and Sea World ferry stops, can provide assistance as required. The other ferry stops do not have a team member waiting on the pontoon before boarding. However, the Ferry crew can assist as required to board or disembark vessels.
Public Pontoons
The following Council pontoons are shared public use, and have been modified to allow for independent access for wheelchair users or mobility devices:
Surfers Paradise – Appel Park Pontoon – 10 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise.
Facilities include an accessible toilet (unisex) located in Appel Park. Parking is not available onsite, the nearest is Bruce Bishop Car Park or Circle of Cavill precinct, see mobility maps below.
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, see mobility maps below.
For more information on accessibility around the Gold Coast and mobility maps for Southport and Surfers Paradise, go to link: goldcoast.qld.gov.au
Private Pontoons
The following private pontoons have been modified to be wheelchair-friendly, passengers can be assisted by the Ferry crew for boarding and disembarking.
Marina Mirage – 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Facilities include an 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 an accessible toilet (unisex) located on the ground level. Accessible parking is available onsite, in the first row facing the Theme Park.
Public Transport
The iconic destinations visited by the Gold Coast Ferry service are well connected with other transport networks, e.g.:
- Surfers Paradise tram stop is located 250m from Surfers Paradise – Appel Park Pontoon
- Southport tram stop is located approximately 500m from Broadwater Parklands – Southport Pier Pontoon
- Surfside buses also have routes and stops that reach each destination
- Gold Coast Cabs are available on 13 10 08
For public transport and ferry connections, go to Translink Journey Planner link.
Public parking is available nearby or onsite at each of the locations, see section above.
Carers and companion animals
Hopo Ferry is proud to welcome your registered companion animals onboard. Small dogs are also allowed under 7kgs, click here.
Concession cardholders receive discounted travel, click for fare information.
National companion cardholders who purchase a ticket can receive admission for their companion at no extra charge.
Onboard the Ferries
Boarding and disembarking the vessels 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. The crew will ensure you are safely onboard and your mobility aid is securely parked in the designated area before departing.
Note: please ensure that your mobility aid conforms with the manoeuvrability assumptions of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002
Safety
Please wait for your service in a safe place away from the wharf edge. Park your mobility aid secured and sideways, rather than facing the water.
Hold handrails when standing, and be seated when docking the vessel.
The crew will advise when it is safe to board or disembark the vessel.
Emergency
Hopo has excellent safety management systems in place. You can advise the crew if you have a disability to consider in the event of an emergency e.g. hearing impairment.
In the event of an unlikely emergency situation onboard, the crew will provide special assistance.
