One Awesome Day Exploring Sydney on the Ferries
With its location on one of the world’s most beautiful harbors, Sydney, Australia draws visitors to its iconic sites and golden beaches. A great way to explore Sydney is to take the excellent ferry system around its waterways. During our recent trip to Sydney, we spent one great day exploring Sydney via ferries and can’t wait to share our experience!
About Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia is the largest city in the country and continent of Australia and is located in the state of New South Wales. With a sparkling harbor front, miles of coastline with dramatic cliffs and bluffs, golden beaches, and iconic landmarks, Sydney is one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
In the 1700s-1800s, Great Britain began sending its convicts to Australia to help alleviate overcrowding in prisons in England. Of course Australia had already been inhabited for thousands of years by Aborigines, the indigenous people of the land. Over time, the Aborigines lost their culture and land as the new English settlers took over, building a colony on the shores of what would one day become Sydney. With this complicated past, today the Australian government is working to make amends, recognizing the Aborigines as first peoples of the land and bringing to light their culture and history as it intermixes with modern day Australia.
When we went
We visited Australia in January/February 2025. This is the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere so temperatures were high, usually in the 80s, although one day it was over 100!
Sydney experiences a humid subtropical climate with high temperatures and humidity in the sunny summer months, and comfortable temperatures in the spring, fall, and winter months. Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite of what we experience in the Northern Hemisphere.
About The Sydney Ferries
The Sydney Ferries is the public transport entity that runs the ferries in the Sydney area. The ferries run along the Parramatta River, into downtown Sydney, the harbor front, and to several beaches. Taking the ferries is a great alternative to driving and searching for parking in the popular, crowded areas. For more information, click the link below:
Our Day on the Sydney Ferries
Our day started off catching the ferry from Kissing Point, on the western edge of the Parramatta River. We stayed with family out in the suburbs during our time in Sydney, so this location made the most logistical sense for catching the ferry.
Ferry dock at Kissing Point | Sydney Ferry Day
Once on board, we sat on the top level and relaxed in the warm morning sun. We passed homes with the most beautiful front yard, the Parramatta River.
The Sydney Rowing Club was active this morning as well!
Sydney Rowing Club | Sydney Ferry Day
When we reached Sydney, we disembarked at Circular Quay and spent time exploring the area. It was the perfect time to do so as it was still relatively uncrowded in the morning. This would not be the case later as crowds descend on Circular Quay, especially the Opera House!
Circular Quay | Sydney Ferry Day
Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House
From the ferry dock, we headed to the left and walked along a lovely promenade lined with shops and restaurants. This walkway also takes you to the Sydney Opera House. To the right is the Opera Bar, a great place to stop for drinks or small bites with one of the world’s best views. There are many great areas to take photos along the walkway.
Sydney Opera House & Opera Bar | Sydney Ferry Day
Walking around the whole Opera House, we took in the views from every angle.
Close up views of the Opera House | Sydney Ferry Day
We even popped inside for a few minutes!
Interior of the Sydney Opera House | Sydney Ferry Day
After exploring the Opera House we boarded the ferry back at Circular Quay, heading to Watson’s Bay.
Views leaving Circular Quay | Sydney Ferry Day
We passed Shark Beach, aptly named for the sharks that have been known to swarm the waters there. There is netting up in place to help keep them out. I don’t know about you, but netting or not, I’m not getting in those waters!
Watson’s Bay
At Watson’s Bay, we disembarked the ferry and walked straight from the ferry dock up through Robertson Park.
The water front at Watson’s bay | Sydney Ferry Day
From the park, we crossed Military Road and came to The Gap, a beautiful coastal area with magnificent sea views.
The Walking Path at The Gap | Sydney Ferry Day
The walking path meanders along the cliff with scrub bushes and trees as well as plenty of lookout areas.
The walking path at The Gap | Sydney Ferry Day
The views of the cliffs plunging into the sea were breathtaking, with massive waves crashing on the flat, eroded rocks below.
The views are stunning | Sydney Ferry Day
After walking from one end to the next, we made our way back down to the waterfront.
Looking back at Watson’s Bay with views of Sydney in the distance from The Gap | Sydney Ferry Day
For lunch we had a great meal at The Beach Club at Watson’s Bay. Fresh Barramundi fish was on the menu, which was so good. It’s a light, flaky fish found on menus in Australia.
Barramundi, a delicious Australian fish | Sydney Ferry Day
After lunch it was time to get back on the ferry and head up to Manly Beach.
Manly Beach
Manly Beach is a very popular beach destination. Along its wide promenade, shops sell wares such as beach clothing, sunglasses, and souvenirs as well as ice cream shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The promenade at Manly Beach | Sydney Ferry Day
The beach is a massive swath of golden sand bordered by tall Norfolk Pine. People were sunning, swimming, and surfing, enjoying these hot summer days.
Manly Beach | Sydney Ferry Day
There is a great coastal walk here, too, taking you from Manly up to Shelly Beach. Begin the walk at the sound end of Manly Beach near the Manly Surf Club.
Coastal Walk at Manly Beach | Sydney Ferry Day
Along the way, you might see lizards basking in the sun!
The walk was a nice leisurely stroll on a generally flat path, passing tide pools, beautiful rock formations, and a sea pool.
Sea Pool along Manly Coastal Walk | Sydney Ferry Day
Shelly Beach is small but cozy, and this is where we turned around to head back to Manly Beach, through the promenade, and to Manly Wharf to board the ferry.
Manly Wharf | Sydney Ferry Day
From Manly Beach, we took the ferry back to Circular Quay. Then it was time to board the ferry that would take us back under the Sydney Harbor Bridge, along the Parramatta River, and finally to Kissing Point, where we began our day on the ferries earlier that morning.
Riding the ferries was a great way to see so many different areas of the Sydney. What a great day!
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