Northshore Hamilton could gain a new public transport connection to Bulimba under an RACQ proposal to carry buses across the Brisbane River on specially designed barges, with modelling suggesting morning peak journeys could be shortened by up to 25 minutes.
Announced on 20 October 2026, the concept would allow buses to drive onto cross-river ferries, keeping passengers on board throughout the crossing. Transport modelling by Aptura Consulting examined a four-kilometre route between Bulimba and Northshore Hamilton, one of four potential connections assessed across Brisbane.
The proposed service, nicknamed “Berries” for bus and ferries, remains at the concept stage, with the estimated travel savings based on modelling rather than an operating service.
Crossing the river without changing buses
Northshore Hamilton and Bulimba are already connected by the F1 CityCat service, but passengers travelling beyond ferry terminals may need to transfer to other public transport. RACQ’s proposal would allow buses to continue their journeys on the opposite bank, potentially removing transfers for some commuters.
RACQ executive manager of public policy Dr Michael Kane identified peninsula suburbs such as Bulimba as suitable locations for dedicated bus ferries. The organisation argues that carrying buses across the river could offer a lower-cost alternative to building new bridges while helping establish demand for larger transport projects.
Northshore’s residential growth brings transport into focus
The proposal comes as Northshore Hamilton continues its transformation from an industrial and port precinct into a residential, commercial and recreational destination.
The 304-hectare Northshore Hamilton Priority Development Area is governed by an amended development scheme that took effect on 21 November 2025. The scheme guides future development and infrastructure planning across the riverfront precinct.
In September 2026, Economic Development Queensland announced five development partners for approximately 6.1 hectares of land at Northshore, with proposed projects expected to deliver nearly 2,200 homes for around 4,000 residents. The projects form part of the precinct’s continuing residential expansion.
Northshore’s broader transport vision also identifies a possible high-frequency Gold CityGlider bus service to the CBD and an additional CityCat terminal to support more frequent and express river services. Both are future proposals, separate from RACQ’s bus-barge concept.
Hamilton’s river connection dates back to the 1890s
Cross-river transport between Hamilton and Bulimba has a history extending more than a century.
A ferry began operating between Hamilton and Apollo Road in Bulimba during the 1890s. By 1925, the service was reportedly carrying more than 500 people daily, most of them workers. Passengers also raised concerns about fares and the lack of adequate shelter at the landing.
A terminal building was constructed on the Hamilton side in 1926, while a waiting shed and toilet facilities were later provided at Apollo Road. The original ferry operated until 1998, when it was replaced by CityCat services.
Landing sites and funding remain unresolved
RACQ’s bus-barge proposal has not identified confirmed landing sites, service frequencies, infrastructure costs or a delivery timetable in the published material.
The locations where buses would board and leave the barges, and how those facilities would connect with existing roads, remain unspecified. No government commitment to fund the concept has been announced in the material reviewed.
Published 21-Oct-2026
