General News
28 March, 2026
Ferry good start
THE Daintree ferry is due back in full service in time for the Easter long weekend.
On Thursday a fuel truck was transported across the river as part of operational testing of the ferry and will also support the resupply of essential fuel supplies to communities north of the Daintree River.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the test was a positive step on two fronts.
“This approach allows us to keep moving forward with ferry testing and, at the same time, support residents and businesses with much-needed fuel,” she said.
“We understand the pressures local communities and businesses are facing and this delivery will help ease immediate fuel supply concerns.”
The truck transport is part of ongoing sea trials and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) accreditation – a key step in confirming the ferry is ready to return to service after it was dislodged during Tropical Low 29U earlier this month.
With significant repair progress made over recent days, the return to full service at Easter is quicker than originally expected.
A temporary free service is currently in place, with a passenger ferry providing transfers from 6am to 6pm daily and a passenger bus service operating by timetable. After initial assessment, progress on the Daintree ferry repairs has been ongoing with several key repair activities underway or nearing completion.
Apart from the actual repair work to be carried out, initial delays also involved council preparing a request for a temporary operating permit from (AMSA).
This permit will allow the ferry to be used for essential services, including clearing debris from the riverbed and transporting machinery associated with installing the new anchor point on the northern bank, but will not allow the transport of passengers.
“One of our immediate priorities was removing hazards along the ferry’s path and resupplying the community,” Cr Scomazzon said.
“We believe the pontoon gangway is lying to the north of the ferry, along with several large, submerged trees. A long-arm excavator will be deployed on the ferry to safely remove these obstacles, once permitted.”
A major component of the repair effort now is the installation of a northern anchor point.
This will involve excavating a deep pit and burying an anchor tosecure the ferry’s cable system.
Work on this is underway and will be completed this week.
The southern anchor point was completed last Saturday (21 March), while crews also replaced decking, installed refurbished electrical components and fitted key mechanical parts.
A marine surveyor has already inspected the works completed so far.
Sea trials are expected to commence this week, subject to progress on the northern anchor point and weather conditions.
It is anticipated the ferry will be available to carry essential goods, later in the week, before a staged return to services for residents prior to Easter.
“When the ferry does initially become operational again, it will only be taking across fuel and supplies for the community,” Cr Scomazzon said.
The timing for the ferry to return to full operations will become clearer as this week progresses, with regular updates to be provided as progress is made.
Cr Scomazzon said crews had been working tirelessly to restore access for the community.
“Our goal is to have full ferry services operating again for Easter and our teams are doing everything they can to make that happen,” she said.
“We know how important this connection is for residents, businesses and tourism operators.”
