Sydney’s iconic ferries offer up more than a way to get from A to B. They are an adventure in and of themselves.
Whether you have a little time, or a lot, there’s a Sydney ferry ride for you to enjoy. From quick ferry rides like the 10 minute journey between Circular Quay and Cremorne, to much longer ferry rides like the 90 journey between the city and Parramatta.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a few hours, why not take the ferry? In this guide you’ll discover some of the best ferry adventures in Sydney and what you can do once you reach your destination.
All that’s left to do is pick which on you’ll experience first. All aboard!
Watsons Bay
Take the ferry to Sydney’s eastern suburbs to discover the southern headland marking the entrance to the harbour.
When you alight the ferry you’ll pass Doyles Fishermans Wharf Takeaway where you can pick up some seafood to enjoy in nearby harbourside Robertsons Park.
Less than a 5 minute walk from the ferry wharf is The Gap, a spot on the coastal escarpment with spectacular views of the ocean. A coastal walking track traces the cliffs.
Fancy a swim? A ten minute walk from the wharf (and The Gap) will land you at Camp Cove where you can swim with views of the the city skyline in the distance. a small kiosk on the edge of the sand serves up breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks daily.
Onward from Camp Cove, a looped walking track takes you up off the sand and to the southern headland overlooking the harbour and ocean. Directly across the entrance of the harbour you’ll see North Head at Manly.
On the walk around South Head you’ll pass historic gun emplacements once used in efforts to defend Sydney Harbour, as well as the photogenic red and white striped Hornby Lighthouse, built in 1858.
Cremorne Point
Iconic Sydney views, a waterfront walking track, carefully cultivated gardens, a harbourside swimming pool, children’s playground, and a lookout at the point… Cremorne Reserve has something for everyone.
From Circular Quay, Cremorne Point is a ten minute ferry ride to the north side of the harbour. At the ferry wharf you’ll find a kiosk cafe selling snacks and coffee.
If you walk left from the ferry wharf, the walking track will lead you to Maccallum Pool. The pool dates back to the 1920s, and was originally a members only pool. In 1930 the local council took over management over the pool, and today it is open for all to enjoy.
The pool is named after Hugh Maccallum, a local resident who alongside Olympic swimmer Fred Lane, was instrumental in the original development of the pool.
On the northern side of Cremorne Reserve is The Lex and Ruby Graham Garden. The garden was created in 1959, from a single elephant’s ear bulb Lex fished out of the harbour.
From that initial planting, Lex and Ruby transformed the patch of harbourside from a tangle of lantana and vines into a thriving garden. Lex and Ruby have both since passed but their legacy continues as people (and birds!) continue to enjoy this pretty harbourside garden.
Balmain
Located just a few kilometres from central Sydney, Balmain is a place with plenty of history.
For thousands of years before Europeans arrived in Sydney, the area was home to the Wangal people. Europeans first settled in Balmain in the 1800s. It was during the 1800s that the peninsula was transformed into an industrial hub serving the colony.
When you take the ferry from Circular Quay to Balmain and you’ll arrive at Thames St Wharf. Alongside the wharf is Mort Bay Park, where you’ll glimpse remnants of Balmain’s industrial park.
Mort Bay was home to Sydney’s first dry dock, established in 1855, to carry out maintenance and repairs on ships. It was the colony’s largest private shipyard and engineering workshop. Today the site is marked by a sunken area of grass and plaque noting the park’s industrial past.
A walking path traces the harbour’s edge in Mort Bay Park, connecting it with Ballast Point Park on the peninsula between Balmain and Birchgrove. The park was once a fuel processing and storage facility – sculptures and signage nod to this industrial heritage.
When the industry on the site wound down, the area was set to become a residential development. However, a determined and long-running community campaign advocated for the peninsula to instead become public space. This advocacy paid off in 2002 when the NSW Labor Government, under the leadership of Premier Bob Carr, acquired the site to transform it into the headland park we enjoy today.
When you’re done exploring the harbourside park, wander up to Darling St to explore the shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Grab a coffee at Kafeine and a pastry at Victoire Van… or if it’s the other side of midday, perhaps a spritz in the front courtyard at The Cottage, or a schooner at one of Balmain’s many excellent pubs.
And if you’re up for another activity (best make this before the food and drinks, though), Balmain is also home to the Dawn Fraser Baths, a popular harbourside tidal pool dating back to the 1880s.
Manly
Taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is among the top of the list of things to do in Sydney for so many who visit the harbour city.
The ferry ride to Manly wharf at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour takes between 20-30 minutes. On sunny days it’s a delightful, scenic ride, while on a stormy days it’s a wild adventure.
When you arrive at Manly there’s plenty to see and do. If you’re keen for a swim, you can take your pick of spots with East Manly Cove alongside the wharf, and Manly Beach, Little Manly Beach, Fairy Bower Sea Pool, and Shelly Beach all within walking distance.
For sensational views, make your way to North Head. It’s just under an hour’s walk from the ferry wharf, or a 10 minute bus ride. The Fairfax Walk is a 1km paved loop track at North Head with views across the harbour and out to sea.
Before heading back to the city, enjoy lunch and a locally brewed beer at 4 Pines Brewpub or any one of the restaurants, cafes, and pubs that line the waterfront around Manly.
Parramatta
If a quick journey is what you’re after, this is not the ferry adventure for you. The ferry ride from Circular to Parramatta clocks in at an hour and a half one way. From Circular Quay the ferry heads west, journeying as far up the Parramatta River as a ferry can go.
So, sit back, and enjoy a ride on the Rivercat as you leave the city behind and head to western Sydney. When you arrive, head to Parramatta Park where you’ll find Old Government House, Australia’s oldest surviving public building.
Originally built by convict labour in the early days of the colony, it was a residence to the first 10 Governors of New South Wales. Today it is heritage listed and can be toured for a small fee, find out more to plan your trip here.
There’s plenty of great dining in Parramatta, including in Parramatta Park itself. Whether you’re visiting at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Misc. is hard to beat.
Parramatta is also home to the Parramatta Eels NRL team. If you happen to be headed to Parramatta on game day, you can enjoy all the action and atmosphere at Western Sydney Stadium (CommBank Stadium).
Note: replacement bus service runs between Parramatta and Rydalmere during periods of low tide when the ferry service is unable to operate. See this regularly updated page on the NSW Transport website to plan your trip.
Cockatoo Island
Just beyond Birchgrove, where Sydney Harbour meets the Parramatta River, is Cockatoo Island.
From 1839 until 1869, Cockatoo Island was used as a convict gaol. During these years, a dry dock was built. It opened just a couple of years after the nearby Mort Bay Dock at Balmain.
The shipyard at Cockatoo Island played a key role in naval history, first servicing the British Navy and later the Royal Australian Navy. The dockyard at Cockatoo Island was closed in 1991.
Today, visitors to Cockatoo Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can learn about the convict and maritime history of the island, enjoy a picnic or BBQ, visit one of the cafes, and even stay the night at the harbour-front campground.
However you choose to spend your time at Cockatoo Island, the blend of history and scenic views make it a great spot for a Sydney day out.
The ferry from Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island takes 20-30 minutes.