IPART has published its Final Report on appropriate maximum fares for private ferry services in Sydney, the Central Coast and NSW North Coast.
Under the 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:
- Lane Cove to Circular Quay would decrease from $11.90 to $7.90 in 2026 and would then 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 $16.20 in 2030.
We have not set maximum fares for the Brooklyn to Dangar Island route, as the service has been integrated into the Opal network.
The NSW Government has also asked IPART to recommend fares for ferry services on the Palm Beach to Ettalong route.
Private ferry operators may choose to set fares lower than our maximum fares, or to offer discounts.
Our review was informed by extensive consultation, including a public hearing, stakeholder submissions and a passenger survey. Submissions received in response to the Draft Report are available.
We have also published the recording, agenda and presentation slides from the public hearing held on 16 October 2025.