In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answer your travel woes and provide tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. All-round travel expert and native Australian Tasmin Wabi helps the reader with a Sydney-related question below.
Question: Sydney has many ferry services. Which boat offers the best harbor views?
Tasmin Wabi: We’ve got good news for you, dear travellers: all eight of Sydney’s main ferry trips – arguably one of the best things to do in the city – depart (and return) from Circular Quay. Which means you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House no matter which boat you board.
Since Circular Quay is on the south side of Sydney, you will head north and then east or west (depending on your destination). In the morning, the sun will be behind the Opera House; In the afternoon it is sinking behind the bridge. Plan your photography accordingly.
A number of private ferry companies operate slightly more expensive journeys, some of which focus on faster journeys (eg My Fast Ferry to Manly) or sightseeing with additional commentary. Private operators also take passengers to off-the-beaten-track locations – we love it. Captain Cook Cruise Ferry to Shark Island (national park entrance fee included in your ticket). And remember you can pay for all your ferry trips, public or private. Opal Card Also contactless card or smartphone.
Planning Advice: Smaller ferries return from the circular quay and swing around before setting off – so pay attention to which end the bow is on before taking your seat for the journey.
Ferry to Manly (F1)
Possibly the most popular ferry journey in Sydney, the Manly Ferry takes you across the harbor and past North and South Head, where the protected harbor juts out into the open sea. (The waves can be a bit choppy around the ends – so if you get seasick, take your meds well before departure.)
After leaving the slow-moving area of Circular Quay, busy with boats and sometimes large cruise ships, the pace picks up for most of the journey until you reach the destination pier in Manly.
You’ll zoom past the harborside apartments at Curry Bully, the lighthouse at Cremorne Point and the rooftops of Taronga Zoo before touring Middle Harbour. The final stretch of the journey features forest reserves and a national park, making it seem like you’ve left Sydney and are in the countryside. (You haven’t, and you’re not.) Manly is a perfect day trip to either catch some surf, snorkel at Shelly Beach or hike around Sydney Harbor National Park.
Ferry to Watsons Bay (F9)
This ferry journey sticks to Sydney’s stunning south side, taking you to the upscale enclave of Watsons Bay via a stop at Rose Bay. This is another great walk from Circular Quay – so allow plenty of time to explore before heading back. You can walk the mile or so from Watsons Bay Wharf to Hornby Lighthouse and its historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage, spiers of Sydney’s city skyline. Continue to The Gap to take in the dramatic Pacific Ocean here on the cliff edge. Watsons Bay also has pocket-sized harbor beaches that are perfect for swimming, as well as great spots to enjoy a meal or waterside drink before heading back to Circular Quay.
Ferry (F8) to Cockatoo Island under Sydney Harbor Bridge
A post-industrial site reimagined with installations highlighting art and history, special events and a camping site, Cockatoo Island is a destination in itself. This ferry ride takes you right under the Sydney Harbor Bridge, giving you an even greater sense of its size and scale.
As you pass below, look up to see incredible engineering and steel work from the 1920s. Before the bridge was officially opened in 1932, the two sides of the bridge were constructed separately, then connected in the middle in 1930. A short stop in the former working-class suburb of Balmain gives you more opportunities to photograph the bridge from a different angle. Then it’s on to Cockatoo Island, where you can disembark and explore, and take in the views of the harbor on a picnic.
Ferry down the Parramatta River (F3)
Unlike other Sydney ferry trips, the Parramatta ferry service operates on a River Cat, a boat designed for smooth river travel. First, you’ll head to Cockatoo Island via the Barangaroo terminal under the Sydney Harbor Bridge (especially spectacular at night on your return journey, when the lights of Darling Harbor twinkle around you). On a sunny day, expect a fairly leisurely 50-minute drive through the waterfront suburbs. With indoor and deck seating, this is a budget adventure that shows you another side of Sydney.
The Paramatta RiverCat follows the wide river route west of Sydney to the Sydney Olympic Park terminal. From here, the river narrows and your journey continues under road bridges and past salty mangroves, to the towering center of Parramatta. It is a short riverside walk from the ferry terminal. Parramatta ParkOld Government House with colonial historical remains, a dairy dating from 1813, a ruined observatory and a beautiful former bath house.
Ferry to Mosman Bay (F6)
This trip will take you close to Sydney’s inner-north shore suburbs, dotted with harborside mansions and small sailing clubs. There aren’t any major sites to see at Mosman Bay, but if you have time it’s worth disembarking and walking around the harbor before catching the Circular Quay ferry back to Cremorne Pier.
Cremorne Point Reserve is another great place to take photos of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney’s only skyline. You can have a picnic at the point where Robertson’s Lighthouse marks the tip of the peninsula. Cremorne Pier is a five-minute walk away. McCullum Swimming Poola small harbor pool perfect for summer dips (just bring your swimsuit and towel).