IPART has released draft maximum fares for private ferry services in Sydney, the Central Coast and the North Coast.
Tribunal member Dr Darryl Biggar said the NSW Government asked IPART to set appropriate maximum fares for services run by Central Coast Ferries, Church Point Ferry Service, Clarence River Ferries, Captain Cook Cruises, Cronulla and National Park Ferry Service, and Palm Beach Ferries.
“The Tribunal recognises that private ferries provide an important service to these local communities.” said Dr Darryl Biggar.
“We have now released draft maximum fares for each service and we are encouraging passengers, private ferry operators and the community to review these prices and provide any further feedback to us before we set the final prices which will take effect from 1 January 2026. Earlier this year we sought feedback on the issues central to this review and we would like to thank the more than 600 community members who made a submission or completed a survey.”
Under the draft decisions, maximum fares for an adult, single-trip ticket would only rise in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for:
- Scotland Island and Western Foreshore of Pittwater (increase from $12.00 to $12.30 in 2026)
- Cronulla to Bundeena (increase from $9.10 to $9.40 in 2026)
- Yamba to Iluka (increase from $11.60 to $11.90 in 2026)
- Woy Woy to Empire Bay (increase from $10.20 to $10.50 in 2026)
These prices would also increase by CPI each subsequent year from 2027 to 2030.
The maximum fare for:
- Circular Quay to Lane Cove would decrease from $11.90 to $7.90 in 2026 and would also increase by CPI each subsequent year from 2027 to 2030.
- Palm beach to Mackerel Beach would increase steadily from $9.70 to $10.80 in 2026, up to $16.30 in 2030
We have not set draft maximum fares for the Brooklyn to Dangar Island route, as the service has now been integrated into the Opal network.
Private ferry operators may choose to set fares lower than our maximum fares, or to offer discounts.
“The Tribunal’s view is that the draft prices balance affordability concerns of passengers with enabling operators to sustain their business over the long term,” Dr Biggar said.
“The full Draft Report is available from our website. Passengers, private ferry operators and community members can provide feedback by lodging a submission or attending our public hearing.”
Submissions are welcome until 20 October 2025. The Draft Report is available at IPART website.
Media Contact: Hannah Short, 0427 105 865, media@ipart.nsw.gov.au