Free ferry fares launched for community to enjoy HOTA experience

The Gold Coast’s locally owned and operated on-water, sight-seeing cruise, the ‘Hopo Ferry’ has launched ‘Free Fare Sunday’ between Surfers Paradise and Home of the Arts (HOTA).

A direct reflection of HOTA’s mission towards connecting culture and lifestyle, the partnership will see two grassroots businesses come together to invest in local offers and initiatives, while celebrating its waterways, landscape and local artists through the Art Gallery.

In addition to its Sunday Markets, HOTA is also home to a sculpture walk, adventure trail, swimming lake, and art gallery which showcases the work of local talents.

Meeting the demand for increased accessibility to the local hive of activity at HOTA during the popular Sunday markets, the early-bird free fares will be available between the peak visitation periods of 7am - 10am, from Sunday 27th October - Sunday 29th December 2024.

“As a locally owned business, we fall outside the governmental initiative of 50 cent public transport fares, so this is our way of giving back to the community in partnership with HOTA; the Home of the Arts,” Jody Veitch, Business Support Manager advised.

“The offer will fall alongside our range of community initiatives, in our endeavours to make scenic public transport options possible for every Gold Coast local and visitor alike; including our Senior’s Special and the newly released Local’s Loyalty Pass.”

Hopo showcases the best of the region, traversing the world’s largest canal system, whilst the Gold Coast skyline falls backdrop to the hop on, hop off ferry.

“The best thing about Hopo is that every person has the opportunity to beat the traffic, kick back and relax, and experience the Gold Coast in ease right at their fingertips. With day passes, single use tickets, and 2-hour sightseeing cruises available to purchase, there is an option for everyone,” Veitch added.

Yarmila Alfonzetti, Experience Gold Coast Head of Arts and Culture advised “HOTA is where it's at every Sunday, and what better way to start the day than with a beautiful short boat ride from Surfers Paradise to HOTA.

“Come and enjoy the local farm fresh produce at the markets, explore our local contemporary art exhibition, Here and Now in the HOTA Gallery, and kick back to live entertainment around the lake.”

“Whether it's your first visit to HOTA or your 100th, there really is something for everyone here each Sunday; it's yours to experience."

More about Hopo and the local offers currently available

The HOTA express route will depart from Surfers Paradise and HOTA exclusively every 15-minutes, between 7am - 10am, with the second Hopo ferry operating as per the standard timetable from Surfers Paradise at 9.15am. View the full timetable