Brief

Brisbane council proposes trial to serve alcohol on CityCat ferries

The proposal could see licensed bars on the newer double‑deck CityCats, despite ongoing industrial disputes with ferry operators.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:26:49 GMT

Brisbane City Council is exploring a trial that would allow passengers to purchase beer and wine on select CityCat ferries, according to a council spokeswoman.

The trial would target the 10 new‑generation double‑deck vessels that now make up about half of the fleet serving the Brisbane River. Council officials said the plan would model licensed ferry bars already operating on Sydney’s Manly Fast Ferry service.

Details on staffing for the licensed vessels were not disclosed. The proposal comes amid an industrial dispute between ferry workers and RiverCity Ferries, the operator of the CityCats, which has seen strikes and work bans since late July.

A CityCat completes its full route—from Northshore Hamilton to the University of Queensland—in roughly 80 minutes. Fares of 50 cents have driven a weekend patronage increase of up to 50 percent, according to public‑transport data.

The council noted that Kelsian Group’s RiverCity Ferries already runs a fully licensed café on its North Stradbroke Island ferry, though smaller Moreton Bay Island ferries do not serve food or drink.

Key facts

Brisbane City Council is considering a trial to serve beer and wine on select CityCat ferries. (smh.com.au)
The trial would involve the 10 new‑generation double‑deck CityCats, about half the current fleet. (smh.com.au)
The proposal follows an industrial dispute with RiverCity Ferries that began in late July. (smh.com.au)