Taking a vehicle on the ferry: what to know first

If you live on the Island, on the Sunshine Coast or on any of the smaller islands, the ferry is not a holiday thing. It is a Tuesday thing, and it shapes which vehicle makes sense.

Reservations change the day

On the busy routes, travelling without a reservation in summer or on a long weekend can mean waiting for multiple sailings.

Book ahead where you can. It costs a little and it removes the entire problem.

Height and length are charged, and they are measured

Fares step up once a vehicle passes certain length and height thresholds. A roof box, a bike rack, a canopy or a lift kit can push a vehicle over a line it would otherwise sit under.

If you cross regularly, that difference adds up quickly across a year. It is worth knowing where the thresholds sit before you buy something tall, and worth taking the roof box off when you are not using it.

Trailers are measured as part of the overall length, so towing changes the fare as well as the booking.

What it means for your choice of vehicle

For frequent sailings, a vehicle that stays under the standard thresholds is meaningfully cheaper to run over time, and easier to park on a full deck.

If you tow to the Island regularly, factor that fare into the running cost the same way you would fuel.

Practical things that catch people

Arrive with time. The check-in cut-off is earlier than people expect and missing it means the next sailing.

You cannot stay in an enclosed vehicle deck during the crossing, so anything you want with you needs to come up with you.

Pets and propane both have their own rules. If either applies to you, check before you turn up rather than at the booth.

Fuel up before you cross where you can. Prices on the smaller islands are usually higher, and options are fewer.

Check the current sailings and rules

Schedules, fares and vehicle size thresholds change. Check the operator directly before travelling rather than relying on what was true last summer, including this article.