River Cities Compared: Navigating Brisbane & Venice by Water Transport

If Brisbane's CityCat network were a cricket player, it would be a reliable opening batsman – straightforward, efficient, and consistently delivering what's expected. These sleek catamarans carve through the Brisbane River's brown waters with admirable precision, connecting outer suburbs to the CBD with a punctuality that would make even the most stringent umpire nod in approval.

Venice's vaporetti, meanwhile, play more like a crafty spin bowler – less direct but infinitely more characterful. These sturdy water buses navigate the Grand Canal and beyond with a certain Italian flair, occasionally running fashionably late but always getting you there eventually.

For families, Brisbane's CityCats offer spacious outdoor seating perfect for spotting the city's abundant wildlife – water dragons sunning themselves on riverbanks and the occasional dolphin if you're tremendously fortunate. The network is wonderfully accessible, with modern terminals featuring clear signage and ramps.

Venice's vaporetti require a touch more tactical planning – boarding can resemble the scramble for position when a new batsman arrives at the crease. However, once aboard, children are treated to the unparalleled spectacle of palazzos seemingly floating on water and bridges that have witnessed centuries of history.

Much like selecting the right cricket bat for different pitch conditions, choosing the appropriate ticket options in Brisbane and Venice requires a touch of local knowledge.

In Brisbane, the Go Card system has revolutionized travel across all public transport. For visitors, I've found the waterproof phone pouch indispensable – it keeps your Go Card and phone accessible yet protected from unexpected splashes when sitting in the outdoor sections of CityCats. The saver fares (outside peak hours) are particularly good value for families exploring the river's attractions.

Venice operates on a significantly different system. The ACTV tourist travel cards are your best innings partner here, offering unlimited travel on vaporetti for durations from 24 hours to 7 days. These passes quickly pay for themselves, especially considering single vaporetto journeys cost a rather steep €7.50.

For families with young children, I've found carrying a compact travel backpack essential in both cities – perfect for stowing water bottles, snacks, and extra layers when the river breeze picks up. Brisbane's terminals offer excellent facilities including toilets and water fountains, while Venice requires more tactical planning for comfort stops.

If you're planning a full day on Brisbane's waterways, I recommend boarding at the University of Queensland terminal and playing a full innings downriver. The journey takes you past the leafy suburbs of St Lucia and Toowong before the skyscrapers of the CBD come into view – rather like watching a batsman gradually build an impressive score.

My favorite stop is South Bank, where the artificial beach and parklands offer a perfect lunch break. Pack a insulated cooler bag with Australian cheeses and fresh fruit for an impromptu riverside picnic. The CityCat journey continues to New Farm Park – home to Brisbane's magnificent jacaranda trees that bloom in spectacular purple during spring.

Venice's vaporetto Line 1 delivers the classic Grand Canal experience, but for families seeking breathing space, I suggest Line 2 which makes fewer stops. The journey from Piazzale Roma to San Marco offers the same magnificent vistas with significantly less crowding – equivalent to finding a perfect gap in the field for an easy boundary.

For a truly memorable Venetian experience, invest in a portable travel telescope to admire the astronomical details on St Mark's Clock Tower as you approach by water. The children will be fascinated by both the historic timepiece and the novel approach to sightseeing.

Just as cricket has its specialists – the wicketkeepers and all-rounders who bring something unique to the game – both Brisbane and Venice offer transport options beyond their standard services.

In Brisbane, the Miramar cruise company offers delightful commentary-guided journeys to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. While pricier than the CityCats, this specialist service provides the perfect middle-order partnership between transport and tourism. For families, I recommend packing a compact binoculars to spot riverside wildlife and architectural details that might otherwise be missed.

Venice, of course, has its gondolas – the elegant, if expensive, specialists of the water transport world. While a full gondola ride might break the family budget faster than a poor day at the betting shop, the traghetto gondola crossings offer a taste of tradition for just €2 per person. These gondolas ferry locals across the Grand Canal at specific crossing points, and while the journey lasts barely two minutes, it's an authentic slice of Venetian life.

For a truly special Venetian experience that won't require a second mortgage, consider the waterproof action camera to capture unique perspectives of both cities from water level. The children can take responsibility for documenting your aquatic adventures, creating lasting memories of your river city experiences.

As any cricket enthusiast knows, matches can be won or lost in the tail end – and similarly, family travel experiences often succeed or fail based on practical considerations.

Brisbane's river transport system is wonderfully accessible, with most terminals featuring ramps, elevators and clear signage. The CityCats themselves offer spacious bathrooms and dedicated areas for strollers. I've found the compact stroller particularly well-suited to Brisbane's transport system – it folds small enough to tuck under seating when not needed.

Venice presents more challenges for families. Vaporetto stops rarely feature amenities, and the boats themselves can become extraordinarily crowded during peak hours. Strategic planning is essential – rather like setting a defensive field placement when facing a powerful batting lineup.

In both cities, I recommend carrying a water bottle with filter that allows you to refill safely throughout your journey. Brisbane's subtropical climate demands constant hydration, while Venice's tourist areas charge premium prices for bottled water.

Motion sickness can occasionally trouble young passengers in both locations. Brisbane's river can become choppy when CityCats pass each other, while Venice's smaller canals create a gentle but persistent rocking motion. Having suitable remedies on hand prevents a potentially sticky wicket situation from developing into a full batting collapse.