The Gold Coast’s ferry service has proven to be popular with both locals and visitors, carrying a record number of passengers in April.
Hopo Ferry carried 9,259 ferry riders in April, making it their best month yet.
An average of 309 passengers travelled each day during the busy school holiday period, with a mix of locals and interstate visitors using the service.
The privately funded service was launched on the Gold Coast just a few months prior to the pandemic hitting and borders closing, proving a rocky start.
Company Director Anthony Ardern admits it’s been tough, but the service is getting back on course.
“The passenger numbers are tracking in the right direction and we are on the road to recovery,” Mr Ardern says.
“We’ve had a turbulent few years, however, our team weathered the storm, and came out strong thanks to the support of our locals.”
HOPO is even looking to expand its service to Labrador and Runaway Bay.
The timetabled service currently runs 7 days a week, with stops in Surfers Paradise, HOTA – Home of the Arts, Marina Mirage, Broadwater Parklands and Sea World.
Image: Supplied
Fares begin from $4 and there are discounts for locals and concession card holders.
“Our goal is to make water transport affordable and accessible to everyone,” Mr Ardern says.
“You shouldn’t need to own a boat or million dollar superyacht to experience being on the water and a unique and different side to the Gold Coast.”
HOPO’s record numbers follow the Gold Coast Airport reporting the most travellers through the terminal since the pre-pandemic days of January 2020.
Large traveller numbers are thanks largely to consecutive long weekends in April.
