The Direct Ferry Service between the Bay Islands and North Stradbroke Island will continue with some adjustments.
The service has been started by The Friendly Bay Islander with an initial three-month trial which was completed with the running of the December 17 service.
The three trial cruises were to ‘test’ the market in the knowledge that some future changes may have to be made.
From a Bay Islands point of view, the service has been an outstanding success.
For each of the three trials the ferry from the Bay Islands have been near capacity.
It has not been the case for the return journeys from North Stradbroke Island.
That was partly expected because of the differences in permanent population at each of the destinations.
Overall, that means the entire service has been operating at 55% occupancy.
The purpose of the trials were to see if a more permanent service is possible and, at this stage, we have decided to continue, but with some adjustments.
In January we are going to run a Sunday cruise on January 29. This was originally set for 15th, but has been changed.
Unfortunately, hiring the ferry from Bay Island Transport on weekends and Sundays means increased rates, due to weekend payment regulations that exist.
So, it has been necessary to adjust the pricing slightly.
The adult rate is to be increased to $35 per person and the seniors rate to $25 per person.
Other adjustments and frequency of service may be trialled at future times.
On Sunday January 29, the Bay Island Transit vessel will pick up from ALL BAY ISLANDS!.
The journey to Straddie will start at 8.15am picking up the Russell Island passengers and will proceed to pick up on Karragarra Island at 8.30am and then Macleay Island at 8.35am and finally Lamb Island at 8.40am and then direct to Dunwich for arrival at approx 9.10am in time to meet the NSI 9.20 bus service.
The ferry service will then pick up the returning morning Straddie visitors to the Bay Islands departing at approx 9.30am for the return journey to the Bay Islands dropping off at Lamb, Macleay, Karragarra and finally Russell Island at approx 10.25am
The Straddie visitors will return to Dunwich leaving Russell Island at 3.20pm with pickups on Karragarra at 3.35, Macleay 3.40, and Lamb Island at 3.45 for arrival at Dunwich at approx 4.00pm
The Bay Island visitors on Straddie will catch the return journey to the Bay Islands at 4.15pm with stop offs at all the Bay Islands Lamb, Macleay, Karragarra and finally Russell Island at approx 5.10pm
Efforts are being made to increase visitation to the Bay Islands from North Stradbroke Island.
The North Stradbroke Island hopes to bring a group of golfers to play golf at the Bay Islands Golf Club.
The Bay Island Golf Club is offering Straddie golfing visitors a round of golf for just $10 for that Sunday. Further adjustments will continue to be made.
We are hoping that some Straddie holidaymakers may wish to make the return journey.
Other clubs, groups and organisations have also been contacted for their support and interest.
Tickets for Sunday January 29 are now available at:
• RUSSELL ISLAND: Russell Island Post Office
• MACLEAY ISLAND: Auto Marine, Seaside Terrace (rear Spar car park)
• NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND: Straddie News, Casket and Gifts, 5 Below Rd, Dunwich.
FARES RETURN: Adult $35, Children (under 12) $15, Seniors (card holders) $25
FURTHER INFORMATION: Email: thebayislander@bigpond.com Phone 0423229739
The February trip will be on Saturday, the 25th.
• The December 17 ferry to Straddie group!
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