Manly to Circular Quay Ferry Sydney
Experience Sydney's iconic landmarks from the water on a scenic ferry ride to Manly. A budget-friendly 'boat cruise' with breathtaking views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour views
Manly to Circular Quay Ferry Sydney
Best Time
Golden hour views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Sydney's iconic landmarks from the water on a scenic ferry ride to Manly. A budget-friendly 'boat cruise' with breathtaking views.
"You basically get a boat cruise for transiting price. The experience is quite breathtaking."
🎯 Tap On/Off with Debit Card
No need to buy tickets in advance! Just tap your debit card to pay for your ferry ride.
🪑 Sit on the Right Side
For the best views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, sit on the right side of the ferry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge Views
From the ferry deck
Witness these icons from a unique water perspective. Unbeatable photo ops!

Manly Beach Arrival
Manly Wharf
Step off the ferry into a relaxed beachside suburb, a perfect escape from the city bustle.

Sunset Ferry Ride
Sydney Harbour
Experience a breathtaking sunset painting the sky and city skyline in warm hues.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Commute
Weather-Wise Travel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Tap On/Off with Debit Card
No need to buy tickets in advance! Just tap your debit card to pay for your ferry ride.
🪑 Sit on the Right Side
For the best views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, sit on the right side of the ferry.
🌊 Prepare for Swell
If the weather's rough, the ferry can get bumpy. Consider motion sickness remedies if you're sensitive.
🚶♂️ Explore Manly
Once in Manly, enjoy the beach, cafes, and coastal walks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Tap On/Off with Debit Card
No need to buy tickets in advance! Just tap your debit card to pay for your ferry ride.
🪑 Sit on the Right Side
For the best views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, sit on the right side of the ferry.
🌊 Prepare for Swell
If the weather's rough, the ferry can get bumpy. Consider motion sickness remedies if you're sensitive.
🚶♂️ Explore Manly
Once in Manly, enjoy the beach, cafes, and coastal walks.
⏱️ Scenic vs. Fast Ferry
The slower ferry (approx. 30 mins) offers better views than the fast ferry (approx. 20 mins).
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the Manly ferry, calling it one of the most beautiful and enjoyable trips at a surprisingly cheap price. It offers stunning panoramic views of Sydney landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from a unique perspective. While most experiences are positive, some mention the ride can be rough in bad weather.
"You should try this ferry to Manly as it will give you one of the most beautiful and enjoyable trip at a surprisingly cheap price. You will have full view of several Sydney landmarks including Opera House and Harbour Bridge as well as the city panoramic view from the sea."
Nguyen Duc Minh
"The ferry service is excellent to get around Sydney.
That way, you are able to see the sights from a different perspective instead of driving or using another mode of transport.
It's not expensive either.
I truly recommend using this service.
There are also many other fast ferries that will take you to different parts of Sydney."
Tim Austin
"Went on the Manly on the Manly fast ferry today and was very happy with the service. Very spacious and air conditioned. Seating on 2 levels. Also has toilet facilities and a bar for drinks. It was actually really quite nice and will definitely use this service again. Recommended"
Ece Keser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic way is to catch the public ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 2 or 3. The journey takes about 30 minutes on the slower, scenic ferry, offering fantastic views of Sydney Harbour. Fast ferries are also available and take around 20 minutes.
Yes, the traditional, slower ferry service still operates and is highly recommended for its scenic views. It takes approximately 30 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy the iconic landmarks.
Ferries to Manly depart from Wharves 2 and 3 at Circular Quay. It's advisable to check the NSW Transport schedule for exact timings.
Yes, you can tap on and off with your debit card or credit card for easy payment. This is a convenient alternative to purchasing tickets in advance.
Ferries to Manly run frequently throughout the day. Fast ferries typically depart every 15 minutes during peak times, while the scenic ferries have a slightly less frequent schedule. Check the NSW Transport website for the most up-to-date timetable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ferry to Manly is a public transport option and is surprisingly affordable, offering a great value for the stunning views you get. You can tap on and off with your debit or credit card, with fares comparable to other public transport in Sydney.
No, you do not need to book ferry tickets in advance. You can simply tap on and off with your contactless debit or credit card at the wharf.
Yes, there are different classes. The 'Emerald Class' ferries are newer and faster, taking about 20 minutes. The traditional 'Freshwater Class' ferries are slower, taking around 30 minutes, but offer a more relaxed experience and better viewing opportunities.
Ferries to Manly operate throughout the day, starting early in the morning and running until late at night. Specific operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the NSW Transport website or app for the latest schedule.
While there aren't specific 'ferry passes' for this route, using your contactless card is the most economical way to pay. The ferry is part of Sydney's public transport network, so it's a cost-effective way to see the sights.
📸 📸 Photography
For iconic shots of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, aim for a seat on the right side of the ferry as you depart Circular Quay. This provides the clearest and most direct views.
Sunset offers a magical golden hour light that bathes the harbour and city in warm tones, making for spectacular photos. Weekday mornings also provide good light with fewer crowds.
Absolutely! The ferry ride provides a panoramic view of the Sydney skyline, allowing for stunning photographic opportunities as you approach or depart the city.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography on the public ferries. You're encouraged to capture the beautiful scenery.
Besides the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, you can capture views of Fort Denison, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the general harbour activity, including potential seaplane takeoffs.
🎫 🌊 Onboard Experience
The Manly ferries are well-equipped, often featuring seating on two levels, air conditioning, and toilet facilities. Some fast ferries may also offer a bar for drinks.
The smoothness of the ride depends heavily on the weather. On calm days, it's a pleasant journey. However, during rough seas or high swell, the ferry can experience significant movement.
Some of the larger ferries, particularly the fast ferry services, may have a bar where you can purchase drinks. It's advisable to check specific ferry amenities if this is important to you.
Wi-Fi availability on public ferries can be inconsistent. It's best not to rely on it for essential tasks and to download any necessary information beforehand.
The scenic ferry offers a more leisurely pace (approx. 30 mins) with unobstructed views, ideal for sightseeing. The fast ferry (approx. 20 mins) prioritizes speed, making it quicker for commuters but with potentially less time to soak in the sights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once in Manly, there are plenty of kid-friendly options, from playing on the beach to exploring the local cafes. The walk from the ferry to Manly Beach is easy and stroller-friendly.
💰 Budget Travelers
Once you arrive in Manly, you can enjoy the beach, explore the town, and find affordable food options, making it a perfect day trip without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the iconic landmarks, Manly itself offers picturesque coastal scenery, including Fairy Bower Pool and secluded beaches, providing ample subjects for your lens.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scenic Journey: More Than Just Transport
Many travelers recommend sitting on the right side of the ferry when heading towards Manly for the best photographic opportunities of these famous structures. The journey also provides a unique perspective of other harbour features, such as Fort Denison and the Royal Botanic Garden. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the sunset ferry ride is particularly magical, with the golden hour light casting a warm glow over the water and city.
While the fast ferry is a quicker option for commuters, the slower, scenic ferry is highly recommended for tourists wanting to maximize their sightseeing from the water. It's a cost-effective way to enjoy a 'boat cruise' experience without the hefty price tag of a dedicated tour.
Navigating the Ferries: Practicalities and Tips
It's important to be aware of the weather conditions. Sydney Harbour can experience significant swells, especially during certain times of the year or after storms. While the ferries are designed to handle various conditions, rough seas can lead to a bumpy ride. Travelers prone to seasickness should consider taking precautions. The Manly ferries are generally well-equipped, with seating on multiple levels, air conditioning, and toilet facilities available on most services.
When planning your trip, consider the difference between the scenic and fast ferries. The scenic ferry offers a more relaxed pace and superior views, ideal for sightseeing, while the fast ferry prioritizes speed. Checking the NSW Transport schedule is always a good idea to ensure you catch your desired service.
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