General News
8 July, 2026
Birdon takes helm of ferry
THE Daintree ferry is now officially being operated by Birdon, the global maritime engineering company tasked with the ferry’s upgrade and operation.
Birdon took over responsibility for the service, on behalf of Douglas Shire Council, on Wednesday 1 July.
The transition marks the next phase of Birdon’s 20-year contract to design, build, operate and maintain the ferry, with a key focus on service reliability, safety and clear communication for the local community.
As part of the transition, the new ferry website is now live, providing a single, reliable source of information for residents, local businesses and visitors, including real-time ferry status updates, current ticket prices and an online ticketing facility.
Ferry operations manager John Gray said Birdon’s immediate priority was ensuring continuity of service and consistent communication throughout the transition.
“We understand how critical the ferry is to everyday life, local businesses, freight and tourism,” he said.
“Our team is in place, local maintenance arrangements are ready and our focus is on safe, reliable operations from day one.
“Clear and timely communication is also a priority and the new website will be the main source of up-to-date information for the community.”
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon welcomed Birdon’s operational role.
“The Daintree ferry is a vital link for our community and an essential service for residents and businesses north and south of the river,” she said.
“Council welcomes Birdon as the new operator and looks forward to continued improvements in reliability, transparency and customer communication as we work together in the interests of the Douglas Shire community.”
While assuming responsibility for current ferry operations, Birdon also continues construction of the new four -lane cable ferry, which will replace the existing vessel that is nearing the end of its service life.
The new ferry is being built at Birdon’s Port Macquarie shipyard in regional New South Wales and is designed to significantly increase capacity and improve reliability for the Daintree River crossing. The vessel is planned to enter service in late 2027, following completion of construction and commissioning.
Birdon has acknowledged that ferry operations sit at the heart of the local community and within an environmentally and culturally significant region. The company has also confirmed that operations will continue to be managed responsibly and transparently, with regular updates provided to ensure the community understands what is happening and where to find accurate information.
Members of the public are encouraged to use the Daintree Ferry website for the latest service updates and travel information via www.cnslocal.s.gy/v47xGH
