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Ferry at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia

This week’s travel photo is of a ferry making its way along the harbour past the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Many ferries leave from Circular Quay in Sydney Cove to several places along the harbour, making it a great way to explore one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.

Two routes I have taken in Sydney are the Taronga Zoo Ferry and the Manly Ferry. Here’s a short guide to using the ferries in Sydney:

Using Sydney Ferries from Circular Quay

How to Use the Ferries

  1. Plan Your Trip:
    Check ferry routes and schedules on the Transport NSW website or via the Opal Travel app. Services run regularly, but popular routes may have peak times.
  2. Paying for Your Trip:
    • Use an Opal card: Tap on and off at Opal readers at the terminal and on the ferry. (Good for locals or frequent visitors)
    • Contactless payment: Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards (or compatible devices) can also be tapped at the readers. This is what I use when I visit Sydney.
    • Children under 4 travel free. Concessions are available for eligible travelers.
  3. Boarding:
    Arrive a few minutes before departure. Follow signage to the correct wharf (A-F) at Circular Quay. There are electronic boards showing ferry wharfs and departure times.

Popular Ferry Routes from Circular Quay

  1. Manly Ferry
    • Route: Circular Quay ↔ Manly
    • Duration: 30 minutes
    • Highlights: Famous for its iconic ride past the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Manly Beach is perfect for surfing and seaside dining.
  2. Taronga Zoo Ferry
    • Route: Circular Quay ↔ Taronga Zoo
    • Duration: 12 minutes
    • Highlights: Direct access to Taronga Zoo with incredible views of Sydney Harbor.
  3. Watsons Bay Ferry
    • Route: Circular Quay ↔ Watsons Bay
    • Duration: 20-25 minutes
    • Highlights: Enjoy the coastal village vibe, seafood at Doyle’s, and walks along the South Head cliffs.
  4. Cockatoo Island Ferry
    • Route: Circular Quay ↔ Cockatoo Island
    • Duration: 25 minutes
    • Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with fascinating convict history and unique accommodations.
  5. Parramatta River Ferry
    • Route: Circular Quay ↔ Parramatta
    • Duration: Up to 1 hour
    • Highlights: A scenic journey along the Parramatta River past riverside suburbs.

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