Manly Ferry Trip Sydney

Welcome back to our Weekend away and today is about the Ferry trips. Sydney uses the Opal Card system for transport and on a Sunday only costs $2.80 per trip, unless you have a seniors/pension Opal card from the Government in which case you spend $2.50 and that's it, free for all other fares. So it is not surprising that the Ferries are crowded on that day especially the Manly one. We first took the ferry alongside the Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour across to the main area of Circular Quay via four stops.

Waiting for the first Ferry

View of the buildings across from the Pier

Interesting stairs we passed to go outside

Sitting up the front while John runs around, all the  time taking photos

Passing a wharf that held very expensive private ships.

One of the stops Luna Park

Balmain having its own pier I would think an expensive suburb. You can see the main street from the bay.

My view of John in passing.

 There are at least 4 or 5 very large cruise ships in the harbour at one time, we could see two from our room. Ones that don't fit under the bridge are put in the Circular Quay area, only one at a time, so very handy for the tourists.

Looking at cruise ships from room. They only stayed a day or two then new ones appeared.

Same ships we passed

Another large ship.

Circular Quay spot, notice the swimming area on top with a water slide.

There was a large crowd waiting at Circular Quay Manly Ferry and a much larger boat.

By the time we walked around to the other side this crowd had tripled.

Up front again while John ran around. I did get up but you have to be quick so you don't lose a seat.

Both sides on ferries have seats as well.

Manly Ferry Stairs much wider.

Automated lighthouse we passed.

Looking to the "Heads" where all the cruise ships come in  and go out. Manly is to the left of the cliffs.

It is amazing what is on the water, canoist clubs that look really tiny in the waves, Dragon Boat, speed boats, family motor boats, ferries, it is quite busy on a Sunday.

Club Rowing  Boat

Another Club

The Manly Ferry takes half an hour to travel across, you go past the Opera House and  the bridge, so very popular with the tourists. I was speaking to a French girl who was traveling with a German backpacker girlfriend.

Manly Pier

Intriguing to see the  upper level drop down walkway, of the ferry, as we waited to get off. Very long pier to the street full of shops, where on the way back I found a new hat.

Lolly stand

When the huge crowd disembarked everyone all walked as one down the street, very funny. We went much slower. I was surprised how green the mall area was  after crossing the main road you headed into it. At the end was a local monthly market. John went on ahead to take a million photos and I rested and waited, then walked a but further to meet him. Lots of dress shops in the mall, and usual shops you would find anywhere. Not sure what the tourist gets out of actual Manly, except the Ferry ride of course, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera house, and somewhere to go. Every shop was open.

Area before the Mall.

A couple of these fountains were installed and the kids loved them.

Mall with Markets

John walked down to the beach area where a carnival was on. By the huge blow up things the fathers were carrying on the ferry I would say this was a popular beach for Sydney. It is a very long beach.

The Markets took up the following side street and also partway down the Mall.

Waiting for John.

The ride back much the same, same view only reversed. Ferries go every half hour approximately as there are two. We spent about an hour which included getting a cup of tea and having it on the run.

Hills filled with lots of expensive houses

I went and found John so I could have a photo of the Opera House and Bridge, after all I was a tourist.

So back at Darling Harbour after 4 ferry rides. There is one that goes to Parramatta, takes  about 90 mins. Maybe next time in the city could take the grandkids. Great way to spend the day on the water.


I was going to do the Chinese Gardens but as before this is long enough. John took 2500 photos of the trip so a great deal of choice. Will do it next week, they are lovely.


Till Next Time.