Free Daintree River boat and bus service up and running for locals
Shire weather
A Daintree River passenger boat and bus service has started operating from 6am today, with the ferry not expected to be back in service for at least two more weeks.
State Government Emergency Management Minister Ann Leahy has announced that the region will receive state and federal disaster recovery funding following last Friday’s flood event that swept away both the ferry and a wharf with crocodile-tour boats still attached.
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“At this stage, the ferry is expected to remain out of service for at least 14 days,” a Douglas Shire Council bulletin states.
“Passenger ferry transfers and bus services will operate from 6am to 6pm starting from Wednesday, 11 March.
“This service is free for locals.”
Council workers have been cleaning debris off the ferry this week and have been slowly moving it back to shore so a full assessment of the damage can be made.
A new cable will be installed in coming days to replace the one broken by Friday’s flood event.
Daintree Rainforest businesses are hoping the ferry will be up-and-running before Easter, when the crucial school holiday tourist season kicks off.
The river rose to close to 14m last Thursday night following heavy upstream rain.
View the passenger boat and bus timetable HERE.