The best ferry trips in Sydney

Taronga Zoo is, if you ask us, the most beautiful zoo in the world. Perched on the banks of Sydney Harbour, this conservation-focused zoo is worth a visit for its view alone. Jump on the ferry at Circular Quay and you'll be there in 15 minutes. Not a zoo person? There's a beautiful walking route that will lead you along the banks of the harbour with stunning views of the city skyline. 

Time Out tip: Got cash to splash? Staying the night at Taronga Wildlife Retreat is a once-in-a-lifetime magical experience. 

Timetable: Ferries depart from Circular Quay Mon-Fri 6.48-16.50, weekends and public holidays 8.52-15.32.

Price: Adult from $8.70.

This journey will take you from the city past some of Sydney's most underrated (but magical) waterside spots: Birchgrove, Grenwich Point, Northwood and the ritzy leafy suburb of Hunters Hill.

Time Out tip: Grenwich Point is one of the most low-key beautiful sunset-watching spots in the city. 

Timetable: Ferries depart from Circular Quay Mon-Fri 7.30-18.35.

Price: Adult from $8.50.

Named for the noisy sulphur-crested parrots who squawk their ownership at high-decibels, this is the largest island in Sydney's harbour – 18 hectares in size and set at the intersection of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers – and was an Aboriginal fishing spot before it was turned into a prison to house convicts from Norfolk Island. Later incarnations as an industrial school for girls, a naval training ship for boys and a repair and building dock for the Royal Navy eventually gave way to it being opened to the public in 2007. Since then, it's earned a name hosting New Year's Eve celebrations and the Biennale of Sydney, as well as overnight camp-stays and guided historical walking tours. Catch the ferry here for a super interesting day out.

Time Out tip: A stay at the campsite here is one of the most unique overnight experiences in Sydney.

Timetable: Cockatoo Island ferries depart from Circular Quay, Mon-Fri 6.15am-11.45pm; Sat 6.45am-11.45pm; Sun 8.45am-8.45pm. Timetables and info: Transport for NSW. 

Price: Adult from $7.13

If you’re after a bite-sized taste of the beauty of the Sydney ferries experience, the trip to Barangaroo from Circular Quay lasts about twenty minutes and scoots you under the Harbour Bridge, often via the gourmet village of Balmain, with its nexus of bars, cafés and restaurants.

Time Out tip: Your end point of Barangaroo is a major waterfront dining precinct, home to some glorious alfresco eateries and high-energy bars.

Timetable: Barangaroo ferries run Mon-Fri at various times. Timetables and info: 131 500, Transport for NSW.

Price: Adult from $7.13.

For more than 155 years, the Manly Ferry has been the classic Sydney adventure. Today, stepping aboard one of these noble crafts bound for lunching, walking, shopping or beaching experiences is to know why Manly is “seven miles from Sydney, a thousand miles from care.” And whether you’re a Sydneysider making the trip for the umpteenth time or a visitor from interstate or overseas climbing aboard for the first time, the Manly voyage is a unique thrill – the soothing chugg of the motors, the tranquil churn of the big blue beneath, the thrill of the vistas passing by, the smug serenity in knowing that only in Sydney can such a trip be made.

Time Out tip: The trip back at night time is magical, and it's worth staying to watch the sun set. 

Timetable: Manly ferries depart every half hour from Circular Quay, Mon-Fri 5.30-12.20am; Sat, Sun 6.20-12.20am. Timetables and info: 131 500, Transport for NSW. 

Price: Adult from $8.92

While a few scenic cruises chugg out of Cronulla Wharf, the fleet’s star is the hourly ferry to Bundeena. The adorable green, yellow and white vessel dedicated to the route, the Curranulla, has been powering across Port Hacking to the Royal National Park since 1939, making it the longest-operating ferry in Australia. The gorgeous 20-minute ride along Sydney’s most southerly ferry route is a gateway to hiking, swimming, surfing and adventure in the Royal National Park. 

Time Out tip: Bundeena RSL is a must-visit. 

Timetable: Travel between Cronulla Wharf and Bundeena Wharf Mon-Fri 5.30am-6.30pm; Sat, Sun 8.30am-6.30pm. Timetables and info: Cronulla and National Park Ferry Cruises.

Price: Adult from $8.80.

Although the first ferry service offered on Sydney Harbour was the Rose Hill Packet (aka “the Lump”) which put-puttered to Parramatta from 1789, the first official (albeit privatised) route was that of the North Shore Ferry Company. Today, 21st century Sydneysiders can recreate that historic trip and get up close to Sydney's inner Northern Suburbs while they do it. Gliding past Cremorne Point, Taronga Zoo, South Mosman, Old Cremorne and finally Mosman Bay, you'll see how the other half live as you gawp open-mouthed at some of the city’s most expensive, sought-after and architecturally impressive harbourside homes (including the prime minister’s residence, Kirribilli House).

Time Out tip: Head to St Siandra for a ritzy lunch by the water. 

Timetable: Ferries to Mosman depart from Circular Quay, Mon-Fri 6.05am-midnight; Sat, Sun 7am-midnight. Timetables and info: 131 500, Transport for NSW. 

Price: Adult from $7.13.