Taking a trip on a Sydney ferry isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s a full-blown adventure that shows you the heart and soul of this buzzing city from a unique perspective. Gliding over the sparkling Harbour waters is the best way to get around the city – there’s no traffic, no lights and you get to be out on the water feeling the wind in your hair.
If you’re looking to explore Sydney on a budget, a Circular Quay ferry ride gives you a front-row seat to the city’s best views and most iconic sights. You can usually snap a beautiful photo somewhere along your way! Whether it’s your first time in Sydney or you’re a local on a mission to see your city in a new light, the ferry’s got you covered.
How to catch the ferry in Sydney
Circular Quay is the best place to catch a Sydney ferry since it’s a transport hub and interchange. If you’re coming from another suburb, you can easily transfer from the nearby bus, train, or light rail stops. Use the Trip Planner tool to coordinate your entire journey, then tap on with an Opal card or contactless payment and explore everything NSW’s capital has to offer.
5 best places to go on a Sydney ferry
Here are five fun Sydney ferry rides your family is bound to love:
1. Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is one of the top must-see places to visit in all of Sydney. It’s home to a huge selection of native Australian animals, as well as exotic creatures and beasts from all over the world. Check out some amazing animal performances such as the bird show and the seal show. You can’t miss the giraffes – they have the best view in the city! Families can also stay overnight at the zoo thanks to the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga.
Time from Circular Quay: Around 10 to 15 minutes
Best bit: Trying to spot the giraffes poking their heads over the fence as you approach.
Tip: Pre-purchase your zoo tickets for hassle-free entry.
2. Circular Quay to Olympic Park
Sydney Olympic Park was originally developed for the 2000 Olympics. It now hosts The Royal Easter Show, Sydney Festival and the ANZ Stadium. Sydney Olympic Park has a great (flat) bike track which is perfect for beginner riders. The aquatic centre one hosted gold-medal winners, these days it’s packed with kids sliding down waterslides and splashing in fountains. Olympic Park also has a great tree-tops ropes course to test your fear of heights. Olympic Park also hosts some great school holiday activities – definitely worth checking out.
Time from Circular Quay: Just under an hour
Best bit: Splashing about in the Olympic Cauldron water play area.
3. Circular Quay to Manly Wharf
Circular Quay to Manly is the most famous Sydney Ferry trip, taking you on a scenic trip past Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison before docking at Manly Wharf. People have been catching the ferry from the City to Manly Beach since 1885.
There’s lots for families to do in Manly: hit up the gorgeous Manly Beach and try your hand at surfing, kayaking or paddle boarding. Then walk down the Corso and check out some of the amazing shops and cafes. Manly Markets are a great place to find hidden treasures, and head to Penguin Cove to spot some of the cutest flippers on this side of Antarctica.
Time from Circular Quay: 22 to 30 minutes
When and where: Manly ferries run seven days per week, with a service at least every 15 to 20 minutes. The direct ferry to Manly leaves from Wharf 3 at Circular Quay.
Best bit: Manly Beach is a beautiful place to go for a swim – stay between the flags.
4. Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island / Wareamah is one of the most unique and historically rich destinations in Sydney Harbour, offering a fascinating mix of industrial heritage and spectacular views. Delve into the island’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Site, take a guided tour to uncover its shipyard history, or try to catch the thrilling steam crane demonstration. You can also grab a bite at one of the waterfront cafes, or make it an overnight adventure by staying in the comfortable heritage apartments or the popular waterfront campground. With dedicated family-friendly itineraries and kids’ activities, this iconic island offers an engaging and educational experience for everyone.
Ferries: Services operate to Cockatoo Island daily, departing from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo also from wharves along Parramatta River.
Tip: Plan at least half a day to make the ost of all there is to explore.
Fort Denison is a small island in the middle of Sydney Harbour that was turned into a fort in 1857. It is home to the only Martello Tower ever built in Australia. These days it hosts a museum with a restaurant that can only be reached by boat. Fort Denison is also home to more than 100 seabirds that come to sit on the towering stone walls. The best part of Fort Denison is the 1 pm cannon that is fired every day on the island – that and the fish and chips.
Time from Circular Quay: 10 mins
Best bit: Every day at 1 o’clock the cannon is fired from the fort, you can’t miss it.
Update: Fort Denison is currently closed for conservation works, but you can still spot it from the ferry on your way past!
5. Circular Quay to Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is one of the buzziest and most exciting places in Sydney. Check out the SEALIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, WILDLIFE Sydney Zoo, the Imax Theatre, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Hard Rock Café or just sit by the water, enjoy ice cream and watch the boats go by. There’s something for everyone here. The Darling Quarter Playground is always worth checking out, as is the second-oldest carousel in Australia, which runs nearly all year round near the Darling Harbour play area.
Time from Circular Quay: Around 20 mins.
Best Bit: The zipline in the kids’ playground.
Opening image: Manly wharf
