Ferry fees to top off most expensive trips to The Tip ever
Cape York Adventures
A trip to The Tip at any time is a huge undertaking, but sky high fuel prices - if you can even get it - and an out of action ferry which will return to service as the most expensive ferry in the world for distance covered, makes a 2026 trip to The Tip an impossible adventure for most families.
The Jardine River Ferry remained closed over Easter with a reopening at least another week away… and already the cost of a journey across the crocodile infested river is the talking point of travellers trying to get to The Tip.
With fuel prices, and availability, turning hordes of would be Cape York adventurers away, the hit to the hip pocket to make the crossing is a talking point among would be adventurers. It is tipped to hit $300 for a car and van, $100 for a motorbike and it already is a whopping $1200 for roadtrains carrying critical supplies to the Northern Peninsula which has been cut off by floodwaters for most of 2026.
Northern Peninsula Area Council CEO Dalassa Yorkston issued a notice on February 4 that the ferry was closed due to flood levels. Tropical Cyclone Narelle delivered more flooding and the most reason notice, on April 2, said clearing flood debris and road maintenance would keep the ferry and Jardine Road closed until at least April 13.
To The Cape York And Back Information’s Des Dean has been flooded with responses on the go to Facebook page for intrepid Cape York adventurers after calling for guesses to the 2026 ferry pricing.
Des says all will be revealed on Tuesday but speculation, and requests for alternative paths to the most north point of Australia, have been flowing faster than the Jardine River in flood.
Ian Redpath reckons the Guiness Book of Records needs a call.
“We’ve all gone to the Tip, so we know costs are costs… so it isn’t the expense of the ferry ride, it’s the way-over-the-top cost for the short trip, the old equipment and the lack of alternatives,’’ he said.
“Every business north of the Jardine suffers. Just an opinion. Don’t hang me, call Guiness Book of records and get some publicity if that’s what they want.’’
Francis Namok said it was simple: “If you can’t afford it, don’t come’’.
“It is what it is… that’s the Cape for ya lol. But city folks can always stay and don't travel up north if it’s too much problem or costing,’’ Francis said.
“Like I said, if you can't afford don't come simple as that nothing will happen with a click of a finger and solve all the issues tourists are complaining about.’’
Northern Peninsula Area residents can access the Jardine River Ferry with a car for $10 and on a bike for $5. All pedestrian crossings are free of charge.