Manly to Circular Quay Ferry, Sydney - Image 1
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Manly to Circular Quay Ferry Sydney

4.2
·395 reviews·Sydney, Australia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour views

CrowdMedium
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Manly to Circular Quay Ferry, Sydney - Image 1

Manly to Circular Quay Ferry Sydney

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.2
(395 reviews)

"You basically get a boat cruise for transiting price. The experience is quite breathtaking."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sydney Opera House & Harbour Bridge Views

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 Beach Arrival

Manly Wharf

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

Sunset Ferry Ride

Sunset Ferry Ride

Sydney Harbour

Experience a breathtaking sunset painting the sky and city skyline in warm hues.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Scenic Commute

Don't just see Sydney, experience it from the water! The ferry to Manly offers iconic harbor views without the tour price tag. Opt for the slower, scenic route for the best panorama of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Reddit

Weather-Wise Travel

Sydney Harbour can get wild! Check the weather before you go, especially if you're prone to seasickness. While fast ferries are always an option, rough seas can make the scenic journey an adventure. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calm waters
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Not my finest moment 🫠 #hairextensions #manlyferry #sydney
@wholesomeannie
311.8K likes • 3M views

🎯 Tap On/Off with Debit Card

No need to buy tickets in advance! Just tap your debit card to pay for your ferry ride. Instagram

🪑 Sit on the Right Side

For the best views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, sit on the right side of the ferry. Instagram

POV: you ride the Manly Ferry when the swell is huge 🤯 #manlyferry #swell #hugewaves #wildweather #sydney
@matt.lambley
268.8K likes • 5.9M views
Scooting across Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay to Manly in an Emerald Class ferry. Total travel time: 20 minutes.
brendenwood
44 likes • 2.3K views

🌊 Prepare for Swell

If the weather's rough, the ferry can get bumpy. Consider motion sickness remedies if you're sensitive. TikTok

🚶‍♂️ Explore Manly

Once in Manly, enjoy the beach, cafes, and coastal walks. Instagram+1

Heading to Manly? 🚤✨ Catch the ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 2 or 3 and soak up the stunning 20-minute ride over to paradise. Ready for beaches, cafes, and epic coastal walks? Let’s go! 🌊☕ #manlybeach #sydney #australia #manlyferry #manlyaustralia #hellomanly #manly #northernbeaches #lovemanly #ilovesydney #seeaustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #FeelNSW #Feelnew #feelnewsydney #comeandsaygday
hellomanlyofficial
259 likes • 7.8K views

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. Instagram

🪑 Sit on the Right Side

For the best views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, sit on the right side of the ferry. Instagram

🌊 Prepare for Swell

If the weather's rough, the ferry can get bumpy. Consider motion sickness remedies if you're sensitive. TikTok

🚶‍♂️ Explore Manly

Once in Manly, enjoy the beach, cafes, and coastal walks. Instagram+1

⏱️ Scenic vs. Fast Ferry

The slower ferry (approx. 30 mins) offers better views than the fast ferry (approx. 20 mins). InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(395 reviews)

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

Incredible harbour views
Affordable 'boat cruise'
Iconic landmark perspectives

What People Dislike

Bumpy in rough weather

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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

Ferries to Manly depart from Wharves 2 and 3 at Circular Quay. It's advisable to check the NSW Transport schedule for exact timings. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! The ferry ride provides a panoramic view of the Sydney skyline, allowing for stunning photographic opportunities as you approach or depart the city. TikTokInstagram

Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography on the public ferries. You're encouraged to capture the beautiful scenery. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🌊 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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The ferry to Manly is a fantastic family-friendly activity. Kids will love the excitement of being on a big boat, and the views of the harbour are captivating for all ages. It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing and offers a chance for children to burn off some energy on the Manly foreshore upon arrival. TikTok Pack some snacks and drinks, and consider the slightly longer scenic ferry for more time to enjoy the journey. Reddit

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. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

This ferry ride is a budget traveler's dream! You get world-class views of Sydney's most iconic landmarks for the price of a public transport ticket. Forget expensive harbour cruises; the Manly ferry offers an equally stunning experience at a fraction of the cost. Reddit Simply use your contactless card to tap on and off, and enjoy the scenic journey. Instagram

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

For photographers, the Manly ferry is a goldmine. The journey offers unparalleled opportunities to capture the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from unique vantage points. Aim for the right side of the ferry for the classic shots, and consider a sunset trip for dramatic lighting. TikTokInstagram Don't forget to also capture the bustling harbour activity and the city skyline as you approach Manly. Instagram

Beyond the iconic landmarks, Manly itself offers picturesque coastal scenery, including Fairy Bower Pool and secluded beaches, providing ample subjects for your lens. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Scenic Journey: More Than Just Transport

The ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly is often cited as one of the most beautiful public transport journeys in the world. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's an experience in itself. The scenic ferry offers a leisurely 30-minute trip, allowing ample time to truly appreciate the iconic Sydney Harbour landmarks. From the moment you depart Circular Quay, you're treated to breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House, the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the sprawling city skyline. InstagramReddit+1

Many travelers recommend sitting on the right side of the ferry when heading towards Manly for the best photographic opportunities of these famous structures. Instagram 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Navigating the Ferries: Practicalities and Tips

Getting around Sydney via ferry is incredibly convenient, and the Manly route is no exception. The most straightforward payment method is to tap on and off with your contactless debit or credit card at the wharf. This eliminates the need to purchase tickets in advance and makes the process seamless. Instagram Both the scenic and fast ferries are part of Sydney's public transport network, making them an affordable way to travel. Reddit

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. TikTok+1 The Manly ferries are generally well-equipped, with seating on multiple levels, air conditioning, and toilet facilities available on most services. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit