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Douglas Card

Don’t Pay the Ferryman!

Far North Queensland locals travel free on the Daintree Ferry from 1 November 2026 to 28 February 2027 with a Douglas Card.

If you live anywhere from Cardwell to Cooktown, including the Atherton Tablelands, the Douglas Card is your invitation to rediscover the Daintree. Card holders get unlimited free crossings on the Daintree River Ferry, plus two free adult shuttle bus passes at Mossman Gorge. Apply once and your card is valid for life.

Summer is a magical time in the rainforest. The forest is lush, the waterfalls are flowing and the wildlife is busy. Walk among some of the oldest rainforest on Earth, look for cassowaries, cruise the Daintree River, cool off in a rainforest swimming hole and watch the sunset at Cape Tribulation.

Download the application formHow to apply

What You Get

  • Unlimited free ferry crossings from 1 November to 28 February
  • Two free adult shuttle bus passes at Mossman Gorge
  • Save around $93. A return car fare is normally $57, and the two Mossman Gorge passes are worth $36.40.
  • Valid for life. Apply once and use your card every summer, year after year.

Free travel covers private cars and utes, motorbikes, bicycles, passengers and pedestrians only.

Who Can Apply?

Residents and ratepayers of these council areas:

  • Douglas Shire
  • Cairns Region
  • Cassowary Coast Region
  • Tablelands Region
  • Mareeba Shire
  • Cook Shire
  • Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire
  • Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire
  • Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire

How to Apply

Applying is free. Cards can’t be issued at the ferry, so please apply well before your trip.

  1. Download the application form from Douglas Shire Council: DF02 – Douglas Card Application Form (PDF).
  2. Gather your ID. You’ll need your driver licence (both sides). If your licence doesn’t show an address in an eligible area, also include a rates notice, phone bill or electricity bill.
  3. Send it in using one of these options:
    • By post (free): Douglas Shire Council, Reply Paid 86176, Mossman QLD 4873. Include photocopies of your ID, and allow at least 14 days for your card to arrive.
    • By email: Scan your completed form and both sides of your driver licence, and email them to enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au. Your licence must show your residential address. Your card will be posted to you, so allow at least 14 days for it to arrive.
    • In person: Bring your ID to either:
      • Mossman Administration Building, 64–66 Front Street, Mossman
      • The Hub, 13–29 Mowbray Street, Port Douglas

Questions? Contact Douglas Shire Council on 07 4099 9444 or enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au.

Download the application form

Already Have a Douglas Card?

You don’t need to reapply. Douglas Cards are valid for life, so your existing card still works. Just pop it in the glovebox before you head north.

Using Your Card at the Ferry

  • Show your card to ferry staff before or when you travel. Without it, the standard fare applies.
  • The Daintree Ferry runs daily from 5am to midnight, including Christmas Day.
  • Queues can build during school holidays, so allow a little extra time.
Watching the sunset from the beach at Cape Tribulation

Make a Day of It

Every visit makes a difference to the small, locally owned businesses north of the river. When you cross the ferry, stay a night, book a tour or grab lunch, you help keep the Daintree tourism community strong through the quieter months.

Bring your visiting friends and family, and share your favourite Daintree moments with us.

Things to doE
Where to stayE
Places to eat and shopE
Plan your tripE

Douglas Card FAQs

When can I travel free?
From 1 November 2026 to 28 February 2027.

Can I get a card at the ferry?
No. Ferry staff can’t issue Douglas Cards, so apply before you travel.

How long does it take?
If you apply in person, it’s quick. By email or post, allow at least 14 days for your card to arrive.

Does it cover caravans, trailers or commercial vehicles?
No. Free travel is for private cars and utes, motorbikes, bicycles, passengers and pedestrians only. Other vehicles pay the standard fare.

How long is the card valid?
For life. Whether you got your card years ago or apply this season, it works every summer.

I applied in a previous year. Do I need a new card?
No. Your existing Douglas Card is still valid.

The Douglas Card is a Douglas Shire Council initiative. Card conditions are set by Council and may change. Check douglas.qld.gov.au/douglas-card for the latest details.