Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicle Barge Online Booking System
Online Bookings coming August 18, 2026
What's changing when the new booking site goes live?
Our new booking site goes live on August 18th. The web address stays the same. The biggest changes are:
- You can now manage your own bookings online — change, cancel or rebook without calling us.
- No more paper tickets! At check-in, the deckhand will scan your digital ticket and/or your vehicle registration number.
- Change and cancellation conditions are now set by how far ahead of departure you are. See our fees and charges table for full details.
These updated terms apply to new bookings. You'll see them to review and accept at checkout each time you book.
Is the old paper ticket system available after the 18th August?
No more paper tickets! At check-in, the deckhand will scan your digital ticket and/or your vehicle registration number.
If you have an old paper ticket for a return journey, please bring your ticket into the Amity Trader office so we can assist you.
I'm used to the old system of booking over the phone. Can I still do that?
The new booking system is smoother and designed to make it easy for you to rebook or change your bookings when it suits you, not just when the office is open. From the home page you pick your barge departure from live availability, add your details and pay. You will be able to see the space availability on each departure before you book, and you can manage the booking yourself afterwards. If you want to continue to book by phone, the office staff will be happy to help.
Making a Booking
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — vehicle spots are now bookable ahead of time through our online system instead of turning up and hoping for space. Barge departures fill quickly during public holidays and on Wednesdays (resident shopping day), so the earlier you book, the better your choice of times.
How do I book a vehicle online?
We will include instructions on how to book online prior to August 18th launch. If you wish to be included in our launch day communication, please ensure the office staff have your email address on file. email us at bookings@amitytrader.com
What if I don't book ahead — can I still just turn up?
Bookings are essential to guarantee your place on your preferred departure.
Customers who arrive without a booking, can still make one at the departure location before the booking cutoff (15 mintues prior to departure) subject to availability.
How is my fare calculated?
From August 18th, fares are calculated based on your vehicle's length and width. Heavy vehicles such as trucks may also attract a higher fare — See our new pricing table for full details.
Why should I create an account in the customer portal?
An account makes everything faster. You can save your vehicle and re-book in seconds, see live availability and change or cancel your own bookings.
Do you offer a multi-trip pass for frequent walk-on travellers?
Yes. The new Multi-Pass will be available for frequent walk-on passengers — buy it once and travel without booking each trip separately. It covers 10 one-way trips and is non-transferable. When you buy it, you receive a QR code that's scanned from your phone each time you board.
Changing or Cancelling a Booking
What are the change and cancellation fees?
These fees apply whether you manage your booking online or over the phone. They're based on how much time remains before your scheduled departure. See our fees and charges table for full details.
What happens if I don't show up?
If you don't board your scheduled barge departure and haven't cancelled in advance, your full fare is forfeited — no refund or credit will be issued. If something genuinely went wrong on the day, get in touch with our office and we'll do what we can to help.
How do travel credits work?
A travel credit is held on your account for 12 months from the date it's issued. To use it, enter your redemption code on the Review Your Cart page when you make your next booking. Credits can be put towards any vehicle barge booking but are not transferable.
What if Amity Trader cancels the service?
You'll receive a full refund with no fees.
Do I need to arrive early?
Yes — check in at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure the vessel can be loaded safely and efficiently.
What happens if I'm late?
If you do not show up 15 minutes prior to departure, there’s a good chance you could lose your spot and forfeit your booking. You will need to rebook a new fare for a later departure.
Fares, Fees and Payments
Is there a card fee?
No. The card processing fee is absorbed by Amity Trader.
When do I pay?
Online and phone bookings are paid in full by card (Visa or Mastercard) at time of booking. You can save your card for faster checkout next time.
My vehicle is a truck/heavy vehicle — does the same pricing apply?
Trucks and heavy vehicles are priced differently to standard vehicles. When you enter your vehicle make and model into the booking system, it will confirm what your charges are. Please refer to our Pricing Table for more information.
Vehicles
How is my vehicle fare worked out?
Your vehicle fare is based on the overall size of your vehicle — the space and load it takes onboard, including anything that adds to its footprint, like a tow bar, bike rack, bull bar or load. When you book, you select your vehicle and the fare is set from there, then confirmed against your vehicle at check-in.
To avoid delays or disappointment, please ensure your vehicle size is entered accurately. Vehicles that exceed the booked dimensions may be refused boarding due to load size restrictions.
If your vehicle is larger or heavier than the category you selected, it may move up a category, and the correct fare applied. If you're unsure, call our office before booking. Please refer to our new Pricing Table for more information.
How are trailers, caravans and boats charged?
A trailer, caravan or towed boat is charged as a separate add-on, in addition to your towing vehicle. Your vehicle's own length covers its projections (like a tow bar or bike rack), and the trailer is then charged on top (measured from the tow ball) — so it's only counted once. Please add it when you book so the correct fare and space are reserved.
Can I bring a motorcycle or scooter?
Yes. Motorcycles and motorised scooters are booked as vehicles, not as walk-on items, and are charged at a flat rate by type including the rider. See the "Miscellaneous" tab of our new pricing table for more information. A registered motorbike or scooter — petrol or electric — must be booked as a vehicle; if it's required to be registered and isn't, we can't carry it.
E-scooters and bicycles are included in your walk-on fare and not charged extra.
Reminders and Updates
Can I get travel reminders?
Yes. You will receive travel reminders by email, so your departure details are easy to find before you go.
How do I join your mailing list?
Contact the office on 07 3820 6557 or bookings@amitytrader.com and we’ll add you to the launch mailing list. August 18th, you can join the mailing list by creating an account in the booking system.
Where can I get help?
Most questions will be answered here after August 18th. If you still need a hand, call us on 07 3820 6557, email bookings@amitytrader.com
Barge Fares
As of 18 August 2026, the barge service will be one-way fares only. All vehicles will be priced based on length.
Please note: Trucks and Heavy vehicles are priced by length but also include a weight factor.
| VEHICLES | ONE-WAY |
|---|---|
| Up to 5m in length | $35.00 |
| 5.1m - 6.0m | $40.00 |
| 6.1m - 7.0m | $45.00 |
| 7.1m - 8.0m | $50.00 |
| TRAILERS | ONE-WAY |
|---|---|
| Up to 3m in length | $36.00 |
| 3.1m - 4.0m | $48.00 |
| 4.1m - 5.0m | $60.00 |
| 5.1m - 6.0m | $72.00 |
| 6.1m - 7.0m | $84.00 |
| 7.1m - 8.0m | $96.00 |
| 8.1m - 9.0m | $108.00 |
| 9.1m - 10.0m | $120.00 |
| TRUCKS/HEAVY VEHICLES | ONE-WAY |
|---|---|
| Up to 6.0m | $120.00 |
| 6.1m - 7.0m | $140.00 |
| 7.1m - 8.0m | $160.00 |
| 8.1m - 9.0m | $180.00 |
| 9.1m - 10.0m | $200.00 |
| 10.1m - 11.0m | $220.00 |
| 11.1m - 12.0m | $240.00 |
| 12.1m - 13.0m | $260.00 |
| 13.1m - 14.0m | $280.00 |
| 14.1m - 15.0m | $300.00 |
| 15.1m - 16.0m | $320.00 |
| 16.1m - 17.0m | $340.00 |
| 17.1m - 18.0m | $360.00 |
| 18.1m - 19.0m | $380.00 |
| 19.1m - 20.0m | $400.00 |
| MISCELLANEOUS | ONE-WAY |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $20.00 |
| Moped/Scooter | $15.00 |
| Ride-on Mower | $20.00 |
| Canoes, SUPs etc | $10.00 |
| 4-wheel beach trolleys | $10.00 |
| Small Freight | $5.00 |
| Medium Freight | $10.00 |
| Large Freight | $15.00 |
| Resident Specials | Price | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday Shop Special | 25% off vehicle price | Permanent island residents only. Travel either direction. |
| Friday - Monday Special | 25% off vehicle price | Permanent island residents only. Depart Victoria Point on Friday, Return to Victoria Point on Monday. |
| WALK-ONS | ONE-WAY |
|---|---|
| Adult | $2.00 |
| Child (5-14yrs) | $1.00 |
| Child (4 & under) | Free |
Fees and Charges
New fees are being introduced when you change or cancel your booking. Please read below carefully.
Fees are calculated on the 'time to departure' separately for each leg of your booking.
Example: If you cancel a return trip where the first leg is in 36 hours time and the second leg is 6 days' time, you will receive a credit minus a 20% cancellation fee for the first leg and a full credit for the second leg.
| Time before departure | Change a booking | Cancel a booking |
|---|---|---|
| More than 5 days before departure | No change fee | 0% cancellation fee |
| 3-5 days before departure | No change fee | 10% cancellation fee |
| 24 hours to 72 hours before departure | No change fee | 20% cancellation fee |
| 6 to 24 hours before departure | $10 change fee | 50% cancellation fee |
| Less than 6 hours before departure | $10 change fee | 75% cancellation fee |
| No Show | N/A | 100% cancellation fee |