Manly Ferry

The F1 ferry between Circular Quay and Manly is an ordinary public transport service, used every day by commuters, but it is also one of the best-value ways to see Sydney Harbour. The route covers seven nautical miles from the city to the beachside suburb of Manly, crossing the widest part of the harbour near the Heads, the entrance to the Pacific Ocean.

Manly ferries leave from Wharf 3 at Circular Quay, which is used only by this route. It was rebuilt in the 1980s for the larger Manly ferries and has a mezzanine level so passengers can board and leave from the upper deck. Services run frequently throughout the day and into the evening; check the Transport for NSW website or app for the current timetable.

As the ferry pulls away, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are directly beside you, so stand on the outside deck at the back for the classic view of both together. The journey then passes the bays and headlands of the eastern suburbs and the northern shore before crossing open water near the Heads, where ocean swell can make the ride lively. The trip takes around half an hour.

Payment is simple. Tap on and off at the wharf gates with an Opal card or a contactless bank card or phone; there is no need to buy a separate ticket. Standard public transport fares apply, which makes this a cheap alternative to a commercial harbour cruise. A separate, faster service from another wharf is run by a private operator, but the slower F1 ferry gives more time to enjoy the view.

At Manly, the wharf faces The Corso, a pedestrian street that leads in a few minutes to Manly's ocean beach. From there, a short and easy path heads south to Shelly Beach, a sheltered cove popular for snorkelling. Fish and chips on the beach or a drink by the wharf make a relaxed end to the trip before you return to the city.

The ferry suits everyone, from families to solo travellers on a budget. Weekday mid-mornings and early afternoons are less crowded than weekend afternoons, especially in summer. Sunset sailings back to the city are particularly good for photographs as the skyline lights up.