Ferries

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Residents and visitors can cross the Hastings River to the North Shore by vehicle ferry in two locations.

Our ferries are operated by Ferrymen and we maintain the ferries and landing points.

Operating times for each ferry vary depending on the day of the week and when the ferries may be serviced. 

Notification of Works - Ferry Approach Upgrades

Earlier this year SafeWork NSW undertook a statewide audit of ferry services. While we were found to be operating within best practice guidelines, we’ll be implementing the below changes to further enhance safety for ferry users.

  • New pavement markings and extensive signage
  • Fencing to provide safe passage for pedestrians
  • Installation of boom gates at each ferry ramp.

These improvements will be made at all four ferry approaches.

Pavement markings, pedestrian walkways and fence installation will start this week with no anticipated disruption to ferry traffic. Boom gate installation is planned for late August/early September 2025.

 We appreciate your patience as we carry out these important safety upgrades.

 

 

Hibbard / Riverside Ferry

Boarding points:

  • Port Macquarie: End of Boundary street
  • Riverside: End of Riverside drive

Operating times – outside of NSW school holidays:

  • There is no set timetable, the ferry runs to demand. Allow approximately 15 minutes wait time.
  • Monday to Friday: 6am - 9.50am and 2pm - 6.50pm
  • Weekends and public holidays*: 8am - 6.50pm
  • CLOSED: Ferry does not run on the 4th Thursday of each month between 10am and 2pm due to servicing.

Operating times – during NSW school holidays:

  • There is no set timetable, the ferry runs to demand. Allow approximately 15 minutes wait time.
  • Runs Monday to Friday: 6am - 6.50pm
  • Weekends and public holidays*: 8am-6.50pm

*Ferry does not run on Christmas Day.

Load limit:

  • Ferry can carry 15 cars per trip.

Settlement Point / North Shore Ferry

Boarding points:

  • Settlement Point: End of Settlement Point road
  • North Shore: Shoreline drive, where it meets North Shore drive

Operating times:

  • Runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except for monthly servicing day.
  • There is no set timetable, the ferry runs to demand. Allow approximately 15 minutes wait time.
  • CLOSED: Ferry does not run on the 4th Wednesday of each month between 9.30am and 3pm due to servicing.

Load limit:

  • Ferry can carry 21 cars per trip.

 

Purchasing tickets and passes

There are a range of ticketing options available for purchase. Some types of tickets and passes can be purchased in advance, while others must be purchased on the ferries.

Find more details about the cost and purchasing process below. Tickets and passes can be purchased using cash or via electronic payment.

Standard fares

Please see below ferry fees for the 2025/26 financial year. Prices are subject to change from 1 July 2026 for the 2026/27 financial year.

Fare type Cost Where to purchase
Single trip – Motorcycle $3.00 Ferry
Single trip – Car $8.00 Ferry
Single trip – Caravan/Trailer (additional fee to car) $8.00 Ferry
Single trip – Truck (>4t GVM) $15.00 Ferry
Single trip – Truck (Semi trailer/Articulated) $26.00 Ferry
Weekly pass – Car $46.00 Ferry
Monthly pass - Car $114.00 Ferry
Pedestrians and Cyclists FREE Ferry

Resident passes, annual passes and concession tickets

Residents of our local government area can purchase a Resident Concession Sticker which allows them to purchase discounted ferry tickets, as outlined below.

Please see below ferry fees for the 2025/26 financial year. Prices are subject to change from 1 July 2026 for the 2026/27 financial year.

Resident Concession Sticker Cost How to purchase

Available to all residents and rate payers in PMHC local government area. Driver's licence and car registration details are required for purchase.

Sticker must be affixed to windscreen of a nominated vehicle. If windscreen or nominated vehicle are replaced a new sticker can be provided at a cost of $60 or $2 if old sticker is presented. Nominated new vehicle registration details must be supplied.

$64 (valid for the current financial year)

Complete the application form(PDF, 154KB) for ferry concession sticker.

Bring completed form to our office at 17 Burrawan St, Port Macquarie, during our business hours.

The following concession ticket prices are only available to holders of a Resident Concession Sticker.

Concession ticket type Cost Where to purchase Details
Annual pass - Cars $400 Purchase at our office at 17BurrawanSt, Port Macquarie, during our business hours. Must be affixed to windscreen of a nominated vehicle.
Monthly pass - Cars $36 Ferry – can only be purchased by a vehicle displaying a Resident Concession Sticker. Can be used by any car once purchased.
Weekly pass - Cars $16 Ferry – can only be purchased by a vehicle displaying a Resident Concession Sticker. Can be used by any car once purchased.
Concession ticket book - Cars $26 for 25 tickets. One trip cost 1 ticket. Towing a caravan or trailer will cost an additional 1 ticket. Ferry Can only be used by a vehicle displaying a Resident Concession Sticker.
Concession ticket book - Motorcycles $26 for 25 tickets. One trip costs ½ ticket. Ferry Can only be used by a vehicle displaying a Resident Concession Sticker.
Concession ticket book - Truck (>4t GVM) $26 for 25 tickets. One trip costs 3 tickets. Ferry Can only be used by a vehicle displaying a Resident Concession Sticker.
Concession ticket books– semi trailer, dog trailer, articulated vehicle $26 for 25 tickets. One trip costs 4 tickets. Ferry Can only be used by a vehicle displaying a Resident Concession Sticker.