Brisbane City Council's CityHopper is a free inner-city ferry service on the Brisbane River. You can hop on and off the CityHopper at seven stops between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm.

In Brisbane, the CityHopper is a 100% free ferry service that allows both locals and tourists to explore the inner city via the Brisbane River. Running every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM until midnight, the CityHopper stops at eight key terminals, including North Quay, South Bank, and Sydney Street in New Farm. It is a smaller, slower vessel than the famous blue "CityCats," making it perfect for sightseeing. It is important to distinguish the free CityHopper from the CityCat and Cross-River ferries, which are paid services. For the paid ferries in 2026, you must use a "Go Card" or a contactless payment method (like a credit card or phone), as cash is no longer accepted on board. The free CityHopper is easily identified by its distinctive red and white branding. It remains one of the best "budget hacks" for visitors, providing a scenic cruise through the heart of the city past the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point cliffs without costing a single cent.