Noosa North Shore Ferry

Noosa North Shore Ferry – Gateway to Wilderness & Heritage

The Noosa North Shore Ferry is the only vehicle ferry operating across the Noosa River, connecting Moorindil Street in Tewantin with Maximillion Road on Noosa North Shore. It runs 365 days a year, with departures approximately every 10 minutes.(Noosa Shire Council)
In July 2024, the Entrada Travel Group (formerly InterCity Group) took over operations under a 20-year contract—bringing modern features such as online ticketing, card payments, and two new ferries (one carrying 27 vehicles, another 12 vehicles)(Wikipedia).

The ferry started in the early 1960s as a basic timber barge serving local needs. It formalized into a pontoon-style ferry by 1968(Big 4 Noosa North Shore Retreat).
The service was vital long before roads were improved; Tewantin relied on river transport until the 1929 opening of bridges across Lake Doonella and Weyba Creek, which shifted regional access dynamics(heritage.noosa.qld.gov.au).
Since 1999, Noosa North Shore Ferries (pre-Entrada) managed the service reliably until the handover in July 2024(Wikipedia).

Essential Access: The ferry is the only practical route to Noosa North Shore for residents, 4WD enthusiasts, campers, and site-seers heading to Teewah Beach, Double Island Point, Rainbow Beach, or the Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park(Laguna Noosa Holidays).
Natural Conservation: Council has consistently opposed building a bridge, to preserve the “natural wilderness experience” of the North Shore(Sunshine Coast News).

Operations: The ferry operates daily, roughly from 5:30 am to 10:20 pm, extending to 12:20 am on Fridays and Saturdays, with after-hours callouts available at a fee(Noosa Shire Council).
Ticketing: Fares include options for online pre-purchase or onboard payments by cash or card. Concessions exist and locals may access discounted cards(noosa-northshoreferries.com.au).

The Noosa North Shore Ferry is more than a river crossing:

Economic Engine: It enables tourism, 4WD exploration, camping, fishing, and access to pristine coastal areas.
Cultural Continuity: From its humble barge origins to today’s modern service, the ferry mirrors Noosa’s transition from logging and port activity to eco-tourism and sustainable access.
Environmental Stewardship: Its continued existence helps preserve the wilderness values of Noosa North Shore, aligning with broader biosphere and conservation goals.