Introduction

We Ferryman Cruises are incorporated in Australia carrying on business as Ferryman Cruises and we are committed to protecting any data that we collect concerning you.  By using our services you agree to the use of the data that we collect in accordance with this Privacy Policy. We are committed to protecting your privacy. We collect the minimum amount of information about you that is commensurate with providing you with a satisfactory service. This Policy indicates the type of processes that may result in data being collected about you. Your use of this website gives us the right to collect that information.

Information Collected

We may collect any or all of the information that you give us depending on the type of transaction you enter into, including your name, address, telephone number, fax number and email address, together with data about your use of the website.  Other information that may be needed from time to time to process a request may also be collected as indicated on the website.

[Data in relation to credit card payments is processed by Paypal on a secure website linked to ours and they have their own privacy policy.]

Information Use

We use the information collected primarily to process the task for which you visited the website. All reasonable precautions are taken to prevent unauthorised access to this information. This safeguard may require you to provide additional forms of identity should you wish to obtain information about your account details.

Cookies

Your Internet browser has the in-built facility for storing small files- “cookies” – that hold information which allows a website to recognise your account.  Our website takes advantage of this facility to enhance your experience. You have the ability to prevent your computer from accepting cookies but, if you do, certain functionality on the website may be impaired.

Disclosing Information

We do not disclose any personal information obtained about you from this website to third parties except when we need to do so in order to complete the transaction – e.g. Paypal payment gateway.  We may also use the information to keep in contact with you and inform you of developments associated with our business. You will be given the opportunity to remove yourself from any mailing list or similar device. If at any time in the future we should wish to disclose information collected on this website to any third party, it would only be with your knowledge and consent. We may from time to time provide information of a general nature to third parties – for example, the number of individuals visiting our website or completing a registration form, but we will not use any information that could identify those individuals.

Changes to this Policy

Any changes to our Privacy Policy will be placed here and will supersede this version of our Policy. We will take reasonable steps to draw your attention to any changes in our Policy. However, to be on the safe side, we suggest that you read this document each time you use the website to ensure that it still meets with your approval.

Contacting Us

If you have any questions about our Privacy Policy, or if you want to know what information we have collected about you, please email us at ferryman@ferryman.com.au.  You can also correct any factual errors in that information or require us to remove your details from any list under our control.
Privacy Policy written by www.ContractStore.com.

Pumicestone Passage is located between Caloundra in the North, Bribie Island in the East and Deception Bay in the South.

It is a narrowing passage of tidal salt water lying between the mainland towns of Ningi, Toorbul and Donnybrook, and Bribie Island.

The island is accessible in the South by a 1.8km traffic bridge built in 1963.

The Pumicestone Passage Marine Park, located just over 1 hours’ drive north of Brisbane, is accessed from Bribie Island Road over a bridge that spans Pumicestone Passage onto Bribie Island.

The Pumicestone Passage is a narrow, shallow estuary with a meandering system of channels, sand banks and islands between Bribie Island and the mainland extending from Caloundra in the north to Deception Bay in the south.
It is 35 kilometres long and has a surface area of 63sq kilometres. The marine park has 24 islands and is bounded by 240 kilometres of shoreline. The passage is recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its significant environmental values.
Habitats within and adjoining the passage includes:

• Mangroves and salt marshes
• Sand flats and mud flats
• Coastal dunes
• Sea grass meadows

Many aquatic and terrestrial species inhabit one or a number of these communities including significant species like turtles, dugongs and migratory birds.

Protected by International Agreements, it is an environment of great significance and interesting history.

Pumicestone Passage Significance:

The Pumicestone Passage provides a sheltered water way for water activities such as swimming, boating and fishing, and is home to a significant number of exotic and native species, including some endangered species.

Current studies are being done to clarify the relationship between the local dugong population of Pumicestone Passage (last count about 9-13) and the Moreton Bay dugongs herds.

Throughout our cruises commentary is provided that relates to the environmental significance of the area, its relationship to the catchment as well as the Aboriginal and European history and the scene as it is today.

Further information about the Pumicestone Marine Park catchment go to www.pumicestone.com.au

The Pumicestone Passage Marine Park area is preserved through the gazettal of Marine Parks, Environmental Parks and National Parks. 
The extensive intertidal wetlands has brought about the inclusion of this area on three international environmental treaties, CAMBA the Chinese migratory bird agreement, JAMBA the Japanese migratory bird agreement but the most important agreement of all is the RAMSAR Convention. The RAMSAR Convention is an international treaty signed by over 100 hundred countries with its strategy aimed at preserving intertidal feeding banks in both hemispheres and along the flyways of migratory bird species.

The international RAMSAR standing committee visited the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park in September 1995 and approximately 100 international delegates cruised the waterway in March 1996, comments received at the time was that this area was of truly international importance.

The Pumicestone Passage Marine Park was gazetted in January1986, the zoning removed all the commercial netting out of the creeks and placed a sunset clause on all existing license holders, if the license holder was not active, the license would lapse. At the time of zoning the marine park 19 active commercial netting operators were working the Pumicestone Passage. By October 1996 this number had dropped to 10.

On the 20th of October 1996 due to the State Government deciding to accelerate the process all commercial fishing was removed from the waterway and it is now for recreational and amateur activity only.

This marine park has the oldest registered fish habitat in Qld, “TRIPCONEY BIGHT” zoned in 1946. This area also includes the no-take zone for the park. Another very important feature for the marine park is the direct catchment area that is only 680 sq kms and includes 12 creeks.

For our environment:

• Recycle waste
• Plant Trees
• Participate in Clean up Australia Day
• Shop locally
• Use environmentally friendly cleaners & other products if possible

WE ARE A CARBON NEGATIVE / OXYGEN POSITIVE BUSINESS


We have arranged for the local community nursery to propagate
 local large trees (to offset our carbon emissions) and plant these in protected areas on the Island in rehabilitated areas for local wildlife.
We have arranged for more trees than is required
 to be planted on our behalf.

Reporting of Dolphin, and Dugong Sightings – Endangered Species:

We report our dolphin and dugong sightings every three months to various agencies including Moreton Research Station, and University of Queensland.

For dolphins, our information includes the type of dolphin, the pod numbers, where in the Passage they were sighted and what they were doing, and if there were any juveniles sighted with the pod.

For dugongs, our information includes number sighted, where in the Passage and what they were doing, plus again, if any juveniles spotted.

To date, we have seen a mother floating on her back breastfeeding her calf. She was not concerned with us floating past her and she continued to feed her calf for about 20 minutes.

We have also spotted dugongs mating (wouldn’t like to be a female – those bucks get a bit too amorous for safe swimming!!) and in spring we have spotted male dolphins regularly jumping out of the water showing off their bits for all to see!

Reporting of Sick or Injured Sea Life :

Unfortunately we come across sick or injured sea life quite frequently. We report our findings and participate in rescue missions.

January 2008. BAD NEWS- Brook (female turtle rescued in November) euthanised as she was getting worse. She was found to have SEVERE impaction in her gut of rubbish equal to ‘a large concrete block’. This would have been happening over many months and once this was found, it was obvious that absolutely nothing could have been done for her. Her vital organs were also found to be heavily polluted with toxins from the waters. There were many tears shed for beautiful and gentle Brook.

Lots of turtles have been sighted pre-Christmas with quite a few rescues taking place from strandings and boat strikes.

Past Rescues:

November 2007: Recently saved by Dave at Bribie Boat Hire and our Deslie was a large Loggerhead Male turtle which went to The Australian Wildlife Hospital. He was floating near the Bribie Island Bridge and he was christened ‘BIG TED’ and looked to be over 80 years of age. He spent many months being looked after by Lee and the awesome team at TAWH who monitored him daily. Gradually over time he passed the gas and plastics and regained his strength to return to the wild. Well done Dave, Des and TAWH team – may nature smile on your endeavours!!

October 2007, a large turtle (about 1m shell) was also spotted by the Ferryman up near Donnybrook with Floating Sickness. She was reported to The Australian Wildlife Hospital with a team there within 1/2 hour to rescue her. ‘BROOK’ was about 60+ years of age, a breeding Green turtle and was monitored over a couple of months. Unfortunately she only got worse and was unable to pass the plastics & gas and finally died just prior to Christmas. We visited her a couple of times and tears were shed when we found she had gone. We remember how she used to love her back flippers being lightly scratched and her beautiful doe-like trusting eyes as she floated waiting for us to provide a miracle. It was found that ‘the severe impaction of plastics in her gut was about the size of a house brick and there was absolutely no way she would have survived. This would have been happening over many months, and once this was found, it was obvious that absolutely nothing could have been done for her. Her vital organs were also found to be heavily polluted with toxins.
Lots of turtles were sighted pre-Christmas 2007 with quite a few rescues taking place from strandings and boat strikes.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE……DO NOT LEAVE RUBBISH PARTICULARLY PLASTICS AND STYROFOAM – ONCE THIS GETS INTO THE SEA, MARINE ANIMALS MISTAKE IT FOR FOOD AND WHEN EATEN THEY WILL GET FLOATING SICKNESS AND DIE FROM EITHER STARVATION, DROWNING OR BOAT STRIKE!

Looking After Our Own Back Yard:

Each year we actively participate in clean up Australia day. It is amazing how many people come out to help and what we find is really quite shameful! Remember to take your rubbish with you. Too many marine animals and birds in the passage are detrimentally affected by our rubbish.

Via Road:

Bribie Island is located approximately 60 minutes’ drive North of Brisbane along the Bruce Highway. 
At the Caboolture turnoff, take the Bribie Island exit and drive east for about 15-20 minutes. As you drive across the Bribie Island bridge you will see the Ferryman cruise vessel on your left hand side. At the end of the bridge immediately turn sharp left onto Sylvan Beach Esplanade. Follow this for about 350 metres. The road will split into a Vee – KEEP LEFT and continue down this short dead end cul-de-sac which is directly opposite the Bribie Island Hotel. Here you will find parking (including Disabled) as well as a bus turnaround and area for bus parking.(Buses may wish to stop about 200 metres short of this cul-de-sac for their passengers to use the council toilet facilities on the left in the park and then continue to the parking area mentioned above.) A concrete path will take you to the foreshore where a sign indicates where we depart which is a set of 3 stairs straight onto the beach (not a jetty) – the Ferryman cruise boat is designed to load directly from the beach, with a ramp directly up onto the boat for easy passenger boarding.

Wheelchair Friendly:

Wheelchairs and walkers are able to access the Ferryman Cruise vessel easily, with staff available to assist. Please advise if passengers with wheelchairs/walkers are coming aboard to enable us to be ready to assist. If you have a lot of wheelchairs in your group, we can arrange another site more suitable. Please ensure you let us know!

GPS Co-ordinates:

27 degrees, 03.951S
153 degrees, 08.657E

Memorable, Intimate Weddings

Beautifully Simple, yet Simply Beautiful!

Our wedding cruises are perfect for small, intimate gatherings. They are designed to suit and we recommend guest numbers be limited to about 45-50. A range of catering options is available and we create the cruise to suit the sunset and tide on the day.

Why not get married on a sandbank with the sun setting over the Glass House Mountains?

Alternatively, another popular option is to have a private charter on Ferryman Cruises as a PRE-WEDDING ‘ice breaker’ for guests and family to meet each other before the big day. A 2 or 3 hour morning Devonshire Tea, or Sunset Cruise a day or two before is perfect to put everyone in the mood to celebrate your special day.

Our weddings and receptions are known for their relaxed atmosphere where all your guests as well as yourselves can truly relax and celebrate together. We keep these wonderful celebrations as simple and cost effective as possible.

Pricing:

Weddings are priced the same as our private charters, however, if you do want the vessel dressed with our wedding decorations, there is an additional charge which covers the cost of staff to set up for the day, and the maintenance & cleaning of these decorations. So depending on your budget these decorations may not be required – this is totally up to you.

Catering and cruise length is included in our quotes, as well as staff on board for safety and serving, and the use of our red carpet. Items not included are drinks (we are fully licensed and can arrange for any special drinks requested and drinks are generally pub prices rather than restaurant prices) and guests can either purchase their own, or you can arrange a bar tab.

You are able to supply your own cake, however we ask that it come boxed and not require refrigeration. Alternatively we can arrange one for you.

HOW THEY WORK:

Weddings On board:

Once guests are all onboard we head out to the middle of the passage, turn the motors off and float gently while the ceremony is conducted and the signing of the Registry. We then head back to shore to drop the celebrant off and then head up the Passage for the celebrations. Food is served during the cruise and bar is open throughout once we head off. Cake, if supplied, is brought out for cutting and speeches at a pre-arranged time however this is flexible depending on how the cruise is running.

Wedding on Sandbanks:

These need to be timed to suit the tide on the day so require flexibility on the part of the bride and groom with a 4 hour booking being the recommended time required. Once all are on board we head up the passage to a pre-arranged sandbank. All disembark onto this sandbank where we put our small wedding table and chairs out. Ceremony and signing is conducted with guests around the wedding party during this time. Photos can be taken here also however we do need to factor in getting the celebrant back to shore and then once all guests are back on board we head back up the Passage to continue the celebrations and the cruise runs as per the above ceremony on board.

Other local businesses we recommend:

www.momentswithmeaning.com.au – for your celebrant. Fantastic, personal ceremonies created specifically for you both – Talk to Anna – she is very highly recommended!!
www.pc4ubris.com.au – personalised chocolates for your guests. A range of colours/designs for you to choose from. Talk to Kate – she offers a great product!
www.bongareevillage.com/village-deli/ - a wonderful range of finger foods, antipasto or cheese platters, plus sweets for you to choose from. We have worked with them on a number of functions.
The 2 Sisters Delicafe – a new small boutique cafe offering a classy range of upmarket finger food for mains or for sweets. Ph (07) 3408 8485 and talk to Maree or Louise.
Banksia Beach Bakery provides a wonderful range for your wedding cake or why not try beautiful individual cupcakes. Very reasonably priced and again we have worked with them for numerous functions and can pick up your cake for you. Ph (07) 3408 9811 – talk to Tarsh or Jo.

Next Step…

Contact us with some ideas such as the length of cruise, type of catering, number of passengers and some proposed dates – we would love to put something together for you for your special day.

(We try not to schedule weddings in December through to mid-January due to the vessel being outfitted with Christmas Decorations however if you are OK with having Christmas & wedding decorations, we are happy to book your wedding through this time.)