Passengers travelling the full CityCat route from Northshore Hamilton could eventually have the option of buying refreshments onboard, as Brisbane explores licensed bars for some of its river ferries.
The idea emerged on 14 October 2026, with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner reportedly interested in trialling food and alcohol sales aboard the city’s ferries. The proposed service could add another option for passengers taking longer river journeys, although no trial has been approved.
New Farm’s CityCat connections at Sydney Street and New Farm Park already provide access to destinations across Brisbane. The New Farm Park terminal is also close to Brisbane Powerhouse and the surrounding parklands, where ferry travel forms part of the area’s established recreational connections.
Existing service desks could become refreshment counters
Under the reported proposal, existing service desks aboard some CityCats could be converted into counters selling food and alcoholic drinks. Double-decker vessels are among those being considered, with a limited trial proposed before any wider introduction.
Committee for Brisbane chief executive Jen Williams has reportedly welcomed exploring the idea, citing opportunities to build on the popularity of recreational ferry trips and Brisbane’s river tourism. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining safe and reliable public transport.
Council considers bars for 10 CityCats
Brisbane City Council has confirmed it is exploring a pilot involving 10 double-decker CityCats. Cr Andrew Wines said the idea was still in its early stages, with Council interested in offering passengers the option of purchasing food and drinks during their journeys.
Cr Wines added that CityCat patronage was higher than weekday patronage, prompting consideration of ways to improve the experience for passengers. Council is seeking public feedback on the concept, while operating hours and the range of food and beverages remain undecided.
Responding to concerns about alcohol aboard public transport, Cr Wines said any trial would comply with liquor licensing and responsible service of alcohol requirements. He distinguished the proposed offering from a party boat, describing it instead as an opportunity for passengers to enjoy an occasional drink during their journey.
Onboard drinks proposal draws mixed reactions
The possibility of licensed CityCat bars has prompted mixed responses on social media, with some welcoming the prospect of evening drinks on the river and others questioning affordability and alcohol consumption.
In a Lady Brisbane Instagram discussion, one commenter suggested the service could be profitable during evening trips, while another doubted whether ordinary passengers would be able to afford onboard drinks. Others raised concerns about alcohol on public transport or recalled enjoying drinks aboard Sydney ferries.
The discussion also included suggestions that tourists could be among the main customers, although no intended customer market or drinks pricing has been announced.
Sydney ferries already offer drinks onboard
Licensed bars are already part of some Australian ferry services. Sydney’s Manly Fast Ferry, which operates between Circular Quay and Manly, offers onboard alcohol sales during its approximately 18-to-20-minute harbour crossing.
The service provides an existing example of refreshments being sold aboard passenger ferries, although Brisbane’s proposed CityCat arrangements have yet to be determined.
Current ferry rules would need consideration
Translink’s existing Passenger Code of Conduct prohibits consuming food and drinks aboard public transport services. Any CityCat trial would therefore need to address how onboard refreshment sales would operate under the applicable passenger rules.
Queensland’s liquor licensing framework includes provisions for commercial vessels where alcohol sales are secondary to the main business. A licensed CityCat operation would require appropriate approval and compliance with responsible service of alcohol requirements, including applicable staff training and the management of intoxicated patrons.
Further consideration of the proposal is reportedly linked to negotiations involving ferry operator RiverCity Ferries. Details of participating vessels, permitted service hours and food and beverage pricing have not been publicly confirmed.
Published 15-Oct-2026
