You do not need to book your seat on the ferry. Simply wait for the next arriving ferry with your ticket, or purchase a ticket onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We have answers!
Where can I catch the ferry?
Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf
Appel Park – 10 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Home of the Arts Ferry Wharf
Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Marina Mirage Ferry Wharf
Marina Mirage Shopping Centre, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217
Southport Ferry Wharf
Southport Pier, Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215
Sea World Ferry Wharf
Sea World Cruises Terminal, 130 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
Where can I buy a ticket?
All tickets can be purchased onboard the ferries or at the customer service desks. Value passes can only be purchased online and from most hotels and tour desks.
How much does it cost?
Fares start from as little as $5.00, with the 10 Trip Multi-Saver pass.
The popular Day Pass is $45 for unlimited travel across one calendar day.
The full range of ticketing options can be found here.
Please note: Hopo is a privately-run service, and receives no fare subsidy from government.
Where can I find the timetable?
The Hopo Timetable can be found here
How do I know if the ferry is running on time?
Hopo has a high-reliability record. However, the ferries may run late on rare occasions due to unforeseen circumstances. Delays and disruptions to the service of ten minutes or longer are published on our website. See LIVE Service Announcements.
How often does the ferry stop?
The ferry stops every hour with increased service frequency during peak periods.
Can I take my bike or surfboard on the ferry?
Yes, we are happy to take bikes, surfboards, and any other reasonable sports equipment on the ferry.
Is the ferry wheelchair friendly?
Yes, the ferry and all piers are equipped with ramps and wheelchair friendly areas to assist you throughout your trip.
There is no toilet onboard, accessible toilets are located at each stop.
Further accessibility information is available here.
What is the journey time and route?
The route includes two zones from the Nerang River (south) to the Broadwater (north).
You can travel the entire route (approximately 1 hour one-way) or hop on hop off at any stop.
Our flexible fares are based on travel time e.g. Short Hop, Long Hop, 2 Hr Sightseeing Cruise or Day Pass:
Short Hop – travel time is less than 20 minutes, within one zone
Long Hop – travel time is more than 20 minutes, within two zones
Day Pass – unlimited travel within any zone
2 Hour Sightseeing Pass – the time to complete the full loop
The two zones are located at either end of the route:
Zone A includes southern stops at Surfers Paradise (Appel Park) and HOTA, Home of the Arts.
Zone B includes northern stops at the Broadwater Parklands (Southport), Marina Mirage and Sea World.
For further assistance visit the Customer Service Desks at Surfers Paradise or Sea World Cruises terminal.
What happens if I lose my ticket?
Please ensure you keep your ticket in a safe place as we cannot replace lost tickets. In the unfortunate case you do misplace your ticket, you will need to purchase another one.
What days does the ferry operate?
Everyday except Christmas Day.
Can I bring or purchase food and beverages on the ferries?
No food please
Food cannot be consumed onboard for safetey and hygiene reasons. However, a wide range of picnic spots and dining options are available at all destinations.
Drinks are ok
Passengers can bring non-alcoholic drinks onboard. There are also drinks available to purchase onboard e.g. water, soft drinks, beer and wine. Alcoholic drink purchases are limited to two per person.
Is there a toilet onboard?
Onboard toilets are for emergency use only. There are fully accessible toilets at each stop. However, please note the full loop journey is 2 hours and the ferry departs swiftly from each stop.
Can I pay with my translink Go Card or Go Explore card?
Unfortunately, you can not pay with your Go Card. Hopo is privately funded public transport, and is not part of the Queensland government funded Go Card network.
Do you accept concession or companion cards?
Absolutely! Hopo accepts all Australian concession cards and companion cards. Companions travel for free with the purchase of a ticket by the cardholder, click here for accessibility information.
Concession cardholders receive discounted tickets, the following cards are accepted:
- Student Card (or wearing school uniform)
- Seniors Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Veterans Card
- Health Care Card
- Low Income Income Healthcare Card
- Foster Child Health Care Card
- Ex-Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card
- Carers Business Discount Card