A Ferry Good Team

The Burns Point Ferry arrived in Ballina 30 years ago. Some of our ferry drivers have been at the helm for more than 20 of those years, transporting people to and from South Ballina from 5.30am to 12.30am every day ... rain, hail or shine.

Many of our ferry drivers are former fisherman who have worked on ocean prawn trawlers and along the Richmond River. Ferry Team Leader, Daryl Holmes, started as a casual driver in 2006. He now leads a team of seven staff, to maintain the daily ferry operations.

“It is an interesting office with an amazing view,” he says. “When people say it’s the best job in council we say it is, but there’s also a lot responsibility that comes with transporting people.”

There are hazards on the water, from sailing boats to jet skis and kayaks, as well as occasional broken down vessels.

Bad weather is another challenge. During storms and periods of heavy rainfall there are added hazards in the river, like logs and floating debris to avoid. And at night, rain on the cabin can make visibility extremely difficult.

Then there’s the very busy days.

“Christmas time is the busiest but the weekends are getting busier too, especially when the weather is really good,” says Daryl.

On a recent “quiet” sunny Sunday the ferry transported more than 400 cars. A busy day in the Christmas period can see double that number using the ferry.

With the ferry in operation 19 hours every day of the week, it can be challenging for Council’s workshop team to carry out repairs and fix breakdowns while minimising the impacts on the ferry service.

“The ferry has quite a lot of moving parts and it’s always in the elements, so there are times when it has to be fixed,” says Daryl.

The ferry undergoes weekly and monthly maintenance checks plus a major service once a year where it goes into the slip for mechanical and welding repairs, along with a spruce up and repaint.

Next time you’re using the ferry why not say hello to one of our friendly staff: Daryl, Brock, Joe, Sam, John, Mario, and Peter

FERRY MAINTENANCE DATES FOR 2021

The Burns Point Ferry closes for scheduled maintenance on the second Tuesday of each month, from 9am to 12noon. This maintenance is important to ensure a reliable ferry service.

Scheduled maintenance for 2021 will occur on the following dates:

Tuesday 13 April

Tuesday 11 May

Tuesday 8 June

Tuesday 13 July

Tuesday 10 August

Tuesday 14 September

Tuesday 12 October

Tuesday 9 November

Tuesday 14 December

Customers are requested to either postpone travel or use the Pacific Highway and River Drive, Wardell, at these times.

For updates on the ferry status and road closure information visit myroadinfo.com.au The Burns Point Ferry operates continuously from 5.30am to 12.30am daily.

For ticket information visit ballina.nsw.gov.au