There’s never been a better time to hop on one of Sydney’s iconic ferries and sail across the harbour on a scenic cruise.
This September, industrial action will affect Sydney Ferries, with Opal card readers switched off on Friday, September 4. While we send our best wishes to the workers impacted, we can’t resist the prospect of free transport, especially as Sydney’s ferry services are widely regarded as some of the best in the world.
Whether you’re planning to do the Titanic pose on the iconic Manly route or cruise down the river to Sydney’s Western suburbs, there are plenty of sailings to tick off your bucket list. Just be sure to check the latest travel information before heading to the wharf, as services may change due to the industrial action.
We’ve rounded up our favourite ferry rides in Sydney to make the most of free travel this month. There are plenty more incredible routes weaving around the harbour, but these are the public services that will remain free in September.
Circular Quay to Manly
It’s the most iconic of all Sydney ferry rides, and a must-do when visiting the Harbour City. Over three million passenger trips are taken on the F1 Manly ferry route each year, and as you chug past harbour beaches, heritage-listed buildings and the expansive ocean views beyond North Head, you’ll want to do the trip three million times yourself.
Note that the Manly Fast Ferry will not be free this month, as it is operated privately by NRMA.
Where: The F1 Manly Ferry departs from Wharf 3 at Circular Quay.
When: Services start early in the morning (around 6:00 AM) and run until late at night. They run every 15 to 20 minutes during peak times and roughly every 30 minutes during off-peak times.
Circular Quay to Parramatta
The F3 Parramatta River ferry service is one of Sydney’s most underrated ferry routes. This scenic journey aboard the RiverCat catamaran takes roughly one hour and 20 minutes, so sit down, relax, and let the lull of the Parramatta River take over.
There are a lot of major stops on the F3 route, including Barangaroo, Balmain East, Cockatoo Island, Drummoyne, Meadowbank and Sydney Olympic Park, to name a few. This makes it a great journey to have a nose at some of the Inner West’s most popular harbourside suburbs, before you disembark in Parramatta and explore the heart of Western Sydney.
Make sure to check the tides and weather before taking this ferry: low water levels can impact the vessel’s ability to make it to Parramatta Wharf, meaning you might have to disembark and hop on a short replacement bus.
Where: The F3 Parramatta River Ferry departs from Circular Quay Wharf 5.
When: Generally runs from early morning (around 5:30am/6am) through to late evening on weekdays, with adjusted weekend service hours. Ferries to Parramatta Wharf typically depart roughly every 60 minutes.
Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island/ Wareamah
Former convict gaol and shipyard, Cockatoo Island, sits in the middle of Sydney Harbour, accessible only by ferry or water taxi for visitors keen to explore its rich history. Taking roughly 25 to 29 minutes on the F8 Cockatoo Island ferry service, the short ride takes passengers under the Harbour Bridge, past Luna Park, Goat Island, Greenwich and Woolwich.
Once you arrive at the storied island, you can stroll through the UNESCO-listed barracks, take a guided tour, check out the massive maritime warehouses and even go ghost hunting (simply book the “Dark Past Tour”).
A word of warning for the scaredy-cats: Cockatoo Island has a reputation as one of Australia’s most haunted sites. So if you’re easily spooked, perhaps save this one for daylight. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Where: Take the F8 service from Circular Quay, Wharf 5, for a direct ferry or the F3 Parramatta River service.
When: Services generally run every 30 minutes during peak times and off-peak times.
Circular Quay to Watsons Bay
Take in some of Sydney’s ritziest suburbs as you cruise from Circular Quay to picturesque Watsons Bay. This scenic route is a favourite with visitors, winding past waterfront mansions, quiet little bays and some of the harbour’s best views. When you arrive, you’ll find yourself right next to the popular Watsons Bay Hotel and iconic seafood institution Doyle’s, aka the perfect excuse to settle in for a long lunch.
One of my favourite things to do on this ferry ride is to actually cut it short: get off at Rose Bay and finish your journey to Watsons Bay on foot. You’ll walk past some of Sydney’s most beautiful harbour beaches, including Milk Beach, Shark Beach and Parsley Bay Beach, where you can stop for a dip or a sun bake. Then, when you arrive at Watsons Bay, you’ll really have earned that Aperol Spritz.
Where: The F9 Watsons Bay service departs from Wharf 6.
When: Departs every 20 minutes during peak hours, every 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo
The perfect start to a day out at Taronga Zoo includes hopping on the F2 ferry from Wharf 4 and sailing to the iconic Mosman site. The ferry will drop you off at the wharf, where you can either get a bus to the zoo’s main entrance or walk up the winding road yourself. The bus schedule coincides with the ferry drop-off, so I’d always recommend this option. Save your legs for wandering Taronga, as the zoo is famous for its hills!
The ferry to Taronga Zoo only takes 12 minutes, passing scenic Kirribilli and leafy Cremorne Reserve before arriving at the wharf.
Where: The F2 Ferry departs from Wharf 4.
When: Typically departs every 20 to 30 minutes.
Circular Quay to Double Bay
You know what they say about Double Bay? “Double Bay, Double Pay”. This affluent harbourside suburb is known for its boutique shops, fancy houses and upscale restaurants. That said, it’s also home to the Golden Sheaf, a sprawling pub, bar and beer garden that’s a bit of a Sydney institution.
Hop on the F7 Double Bay service from Circular Quay, which stops at Darling Point during peak commute hours, and spend the day perusing the luxury shops, sipping coffees in local cafes, and even stopping into Neil Perry’s staple restaurant, Margaret, if you want to feel like a true local.
If you’re keen for a dip, make the 15-minute walk to Murray Rose Pool, a harbourfront swimming haven enclosed by a shark net. Lounge on the sand or swim out to one of the pontoons where you can bask in the sun.
Where: The F7 Ferry departs from Wharf 2.
When: Ferries generally depart every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day.
