IPART has released our final report on the review of maximum fares for private ferry services in Sydney, the Central Coast and the North Coast.
The NSW Government asked IPART to set maximum fares for the following private ferry routes: Church Point – Scotland Island, Cronulla – Bundeena, Lane Cove – Circular Quay, Palm Beach – Mackerel Beach, Woy Woy – Empire Bay and Yamba – Iluka. We’ve also been asked to recommend fares for the Palm Beach – Ettalong route.
“Private ferries provide important public transport for local communities, and our decisions aim to ensure these services remain accessible and sustainable” said Dr Darryl Biggar.
“We’ve set new maximum fares for each service, effective from 1 January 2026”.
“The Tribunal’s review was informed by extensive consultation, including a public hearing, stakeholder submissions and a passenger survey.
Community feedback made it clear that affordability and service viability matter to passengers and operators. We’ve listened and reflected these concerns in our final decisions.”
Under the Tribunal’s decisions, maximum fares for an adult, single-trip ticket will rise in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for:
- Church Point (Scotland Island and Western Foreshore of Pittwater) (increase from $12.00 in 2025 to $12.30 in 2026)
- Cronulla to Bundeena (increase from $9.10 in 2025 to $9.40 in 2026)
- Yamba to Iluka (increase from $11.60 in 2025 to $11.90 in 2026)
- Woy Woy to Empire Bay (increase from $10.20 in 2025 to $10.50 in 2026).
These prices would also increase by CPI each subsequent year from 2027 to 2030.
The maximum fare for an adult, single-trip ticket for:
- Lane Cove to Circular Quay will decrease from $11.90 in 2025 to $7.90 in 2026 and then increase by CPI each subsequent year from 2027 to 2030.
- Palm Beach to Mackerel Beach will increase from $9.70 in 2025 to $10.80 in 2026 and continue increasing to $16.20 in 2030. We have balanced setting affordable maximum fares that connect communities and the ongoing viability of operators.
We have recommended the fares on the Palm Beach to Ettalong route to increase by CPI (increase from $14.70 in 2025 to $16.70 in 2030).
Private ferry operators may choose to set fares lower than our maximum fares, or to offer discounts.
The Final Report is available on the IPART website.
Media Contact: Mark O’Brien, 0427 105 865, media@ipart.nsw.gov.au.