Ferry / Jet Cat / River Cat, Sydney

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The ferry system here is great. I think by numbers of passengers it is less than Hong Kong but i feel like it is of more use here in Sydney. A truly wonderful way to see the sites and get out on the water on the cheap. Go to Watson's Bay for the afternoon and enjoy the experience. The 30 minute each way ferry to Manly is my idea of the perfect harbour tour.

Sydney Harbour is a far busier place now than when this photo was taken some 30 years ago. The tug was coming to steer the Arcadia out of the Harbour and on to the high seas..................What a wonderful cruise. It was exciting to see the tiny tugs manouvering the huge ocean liner as if it were a row boat. Fantastic experience.

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What better way to see one of the world’s most spectacular harbours - the Sydney Ferries. Grab a ticket and maybe a take-a-away coffee, sit back and watch the passing parade of Sydney unfold from the water. There are heaps of sailing boats to watch as they tack their way around the coves and bays as well as other ferries and myriads of other water vessels. Then there’s the harbour bridge and Opera House to watch from all angles - a photographers delight.

Ground zero for the ferries is Circular Quay, which is sandwiched between the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are 6 wharves, of which 4 are exclusively for the Sydney ferries. Travel times depend on destination with Circular Quay to Parramatta being the longest service at nearly an hour one way. Perhaps one of the most popular services is the Manly ferry and takes around half an hour each way. This ferry can get a little rough as it makes its way through the passage between the north and south heads and you can feel the surge of the Pacific rollers on the vessel. Other popular destinations for the ferries are Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, Watsons Bay and the nearby spectacular and notorious Gap, Milsons Point/Luna Park.

Although the ferries are wheelchair friendly there are a number of wharves where access is difficult - suggest checking the web site for details.

Most of the wharves at Circular Quay have take away food and drink outlets, so suggest you get a coffee or whatever for the trip. The Manly ferry does have an on board café and the Manly wharf has a supermarket and a number of food/drink outlets.

I believe the most cost effective way of enjoying the ferries is with a day tripper pass, which costs $A17 per adult and $A8.60 per child or a family pass that includes children. The pass also includes discounted entry into a number of Sydney attractions as well as most of the other public transport options within Sydney and Newcastle. The real money saver is for Australian seniors and pensioners, regardless of where they live in Australia - their ticket costs $A2.50 for the day, which is an amazing deal. Although overseas seniors are not eligible, a friendly ticket seller may bend the rules if you ask really nicely. Other ticketing options available - see the web site for details.

In my opinion taking a ferry is the best way to get around besides walking. I loved riding the ferries to Watsons Bay, Manly, Taronga Park and Balmain. Even when we didn't have a destination in mind we just hopped aboard a ferry for our own pleasre cruise. I love being out on the water and seeing the beautiful Harbour views.

Circular Quay is the main hub of the Sydney Ferry System. This is where you can catch a ferry to 39 different destinations such as Manly, Watsons Bay, Balmain, Double Bay,Parramatta and
Taronga Zoo. There are differebnt types of vessels in the "ferry" system such as: Freshwater Class, Lady Class, River Cats, Harbour Cats, Super Cats and First Fleet.

No matter what class of vessel you take you are guarantee a great ride and a wonderful view of Sydney.

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The ferries are great to see all the harbour sites with so many destinations..but avoid travelling on them if possible in Peak hour they are packed with workers commuting..They are a great way to get around though..they go to many destinations..and offer great photo opportunities of city and Harbour panoramas..A cheap way to look at the city from the harbour.

Sydney Ferries go to and from a few different piers, the main route that I have been on is from Manly to Circular Quay. They start from about 6am until midnight, so it is a great way to get from the Northern Beaches to the city, and you also get to see the wonderful harbour and the sights around it. The trip takes around 30-45 minutes and tickets costs about $6.40 and child tickets are $3.20

All Sydney ferries run from Circular Quay. The main attraction in Sydney is catching a ferry to one of Sydney's fabulous suburbs or simply taking a ferry ride around Sydney Harbour.

The main ferry tourists rides are to Manly Beach, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, Watson's Bay and taking the Rivercat up to Parramatta.

All information regarding timetable can be found at www.sydneyferries.com.au or www.131500.com.au

Sydney Ferries also run day/ night time cruises which takes in different areas like Middle Harbour, Fort Denison, Rose Bay, and the opening of Spit Bridge.

Morning Harbour cruise run daily at 10.30am and departs from Wharf 4 and takes one hour.

Food and beverages facilities are on board. COSTS - Adult $18.00 AUD.

Afternoon Harbour Cruises - takes approx 2.5hrs and departs at 1.00pm at Wharf 4.
COSTS - Adults $24.00 Commentary is provided throughout the tour. This tour takes in Middle Harbour, Clontarf, Middle Head, Balmoral Beach and Grotto Point. Plus you have the added bonus of seeing the Spit Bridge opening.

Evening Tour - takes approx 1.5hrs and departs from Wharf 4 Circular Quay. Departing at 8pm this cruise takes in the main circuit of Sydney Harbour plus you have the added bonus of seeing Goat Island, Balmain and Darling Harbour.

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This is a must do trip as it gives you a real insight into the mind blowing scale of the harbour. There is a harbour cruise which runs around the harbour on a regular basis and from memory it is reasonably cheap. It of course departs from darling harbour, what doesn't.