What better way to experience Sydney Harbour on a beautiful sunny day, than a ferry ride across the Harbour to Manly.
Experience the unique views of the Opera House, the mammoth size and marvel at the ingenuity of the engineering skills required to build Sydney Harbour Bridge. Laugh at the wide open mouth, full of teeth of the Luna Park entrance. Sail past Fort Denison, a former defence facility, Sydney Botanic Gardens and Garden Island, home to Australian Royal Navy base.
Watch sail boats float past as they catch the wind and bounce over the waves, enjoying the sunshine. Catch a glimpse of Kirribilli House where the Prime Minister resides when in Sydney. Sail past Taronga Park Zoo and the suburbs of Rose Bay, Double Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay.
Hold your seat as the ferry navigates the rough seas of the heads on your way to Manly Pier.
Spend the day having lunch, our favourite is fish and chips on the beach, while defending your lunch from the cheeky sea-gulls. Walk on the beach, if warm enough dip your toes in the clear water, stroll Manly Corso and shop till you drop.
From Sydney the ferry leaves Circular Quay and to pay for your journey, an Opal card will need to be purchased online and this will be scanned at either end of your journey to enable you to board the ferry. By purchasing an opal card, this enables you to travel all day for $15 per adult and $7.50 per child and $2.50 for a pensioner. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes.
Sydney ferry services began with convicts operating a transport service between Sydney Cove and the farming settlement of Parramatta, the trip could take a week.
Over time, rowboats were crossing the harbour between Balgownah and Balmoral Beach. It was about 1830 that steam ferries were introduced and the reliable services that we now have were operating.
