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We already considered ferry rides one of Sydney’s great pleasures. Where else in the world can you board a historic boat and sail across a world famous harbour for less than a coffee? And from early next year, Sydney’s ferry network is scoring an artsy new addition – with Walsh Bay (the harbourside performing arts precinct home to Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Company, Australian Theatre for Young People and the Australian Chamber Orchestra) scoring its very own ferry stop from early 2027.
The new ferry stop is being introduced by the NSW Government following long-running community calls for better public transport to Walsh Bay. And frankly, it’s hard to imagine a more Sydney way to get to the theatre. The new service will operate from the Walsh Bay Wharf 2 pontoon, connecting the precinct with Western Sydney via the F3 Parramatta route during commuter peaks, and with the wider harbour network via the F8 Cockatoo Island route during off-peak periods and weekends. That means arts enthusiasts travelling from the Parramatta River will be able to glide right into the heart of Walsh Bay, and those coming from the eastern harbour can get there from Circular Quay.
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Before passengers can start hopping on and off, Transport for NSW will spend around six months upgrading the Walsh Bay Wharf 2 pontoon. Works will include new lighting, power, Opal equipment, CCTV, wayfinding, passenger information displays and a Help Point. According to Transport for NSW, the Walsh Bay service will predominantly be operated by Parramatta River Class ferries on the F3 and First Fleet Class ferries on the F8, although the exact fleet deployment and route structure are still yet to be officially confirmed.
NSW Minister for Transport and the Arts John Graham says the new service will bring together two of Sydney’s biggest drawcards: ferries and the arts.
“It’s time to match Sydney’s most iconic transport mode with the world’s most picturesque performing arts precinct,” he said.
“Riding the ferry to Manly and Taronga Zoo is a bucket list experience for tourists all around the world. Now they can add Walsh Bay to the list.”
We’re inclined to agree. There’s something pretty special about sailing across Sydney Harbour before stepping off straight into a show.
The new ferry stop is part of a push to make some of Sydney’s waterfront precincts easier to reach by public transport. It follows the reactivation of the Pirrama Park ferry stop in Pyrmont in March 2025 and the upcoming Sydney Fish Market ferry service, which is due to begin next year. A Rozelle Bay stop is also planned, although that will come later as part of the wider redevelopment of the Bays West precinct.
The new stop is set to start operating in early 2027 – meaning our route to and from the annual Sydney Festival is getting a whole lot more scenic.
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