This is not going to be a very fancy blog post. It probably won’t tell you anything you don’t already know and it probably won’t show you much you haven’t seen in person, or in pictures.
What it is, is a celebration of a pearler of an Autumn day in Sydney. The sun was shining, the sea was alive with dancing light and the people were happy.
That all adds up to something special.
What?
- Sydney Harbour neatly cuts Greater Sydney in half. There are many ways to get from one side of the harbour to the other and my favourite, by far, is to catch the ferry.
- Years ago, the NSW Government, in its wisdom, decided to mothball the fleet of old ferries – taking them out of service. This created quite the hue and cry and, within a short period of time, they were refurbished and reinstated. Maybe the public transport system couldn’t cope without the additional capacity? Or maybe it was people power? Who knows? I, for one, am always glad to see their yellow and green colour scheme slicing through the water or waiting patiently as various wharves.
- A ferry ride anywhere on Sydney Harbour is always a good idea and a great way to see the city at its best.
- The Manly ferry is one of the longest ferry rides you can take and it reveals the length, and breadth, of Sydney Harbour – right from the Harbour Bridge out to the Heads.
- On this sunny Sunday, as always, the views were spectacular. The sight of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House never disappoint, as do Kirribilli House (our Prime Minister’s Sydney residence), Pinchgut and the general Sydney skyline.
- The Sunday sailors always put on a show with their sails aflutter and I can’t help but feel envious of all the Sunday swimmers and sunbathers making the most of the last days of Autumn warmth.
- What I wasn’t expecting to see were the large number of naval ships anchored at various points around the Harbour. Then I remembered that the Royal Australian Navy had recently celebrated its 125th anniversary and navies from all around the World had steamed in to help us celebrate (30 ships from 19 countries).
- The naval vessels weren’t taking any chances though as most of them had a ring of police boats hovering about them. You would think that they could easily defend themselves!? 😊
Where?
- The ferry to Manly departs from Circular Quay in Sydney and arrives at Manly Wharf, at the western end of the Manly Corso.
- It is also possible to catch ferries to the Zoo, Darling Harbour, westwards towards Parramatta and to various Eastern Suburbs’ bays. The ferry ride to Watson’s Bay is also highly recommended as there is a great pub waiting there to welcome you.
When?
- It was a sunny Autumn Sunday afternoon.
- If you are interested in jumping on board, here is the link to the full ferry timetable.
Why?
- It’s the best way to see Sydney.
- It fills your lungs with fresh, salty sea air.
- It’s the quickest way to get to Manly’s beaches.
- And it was a nice way to get to the start of the Manly-to-Palm-Beach walk (blog posts on their way).
How? An Opal card is really handy to tap on/off on all public transport in Sydney (and many parts of NSW).
Who?
- It was busy on the ferry, full of tourists capturing smiling selfies recording their presence on one of the World’s most beautiful harbours.
- Surfers feigned boredom and smug superiority as they passed the dull minutes before they could hit the waves of Manly.
- Note: there is always a bit of a stampede to get on the ferry as everyone wants to bag the best seat and the best views. Never fear, there are enough views to go around, especially if you don’t mind standing up.
General Comments:
- For once, my timing was impeccable and I caught the ferry at Circular Quay with minutes to spare. Often, I’ll arrive at the pier just as the ferry is reversing away from the wharf, but today’s spot-on timing added to my happiness.
- Riding a ferry, even up and down the swells, is a joyous way to spend 20minutes or so. The light dances off the waves and everything seems to sparkle.
- The air is fresh and clean, and is the perfect antidote for a foggy head – blasting out the cobwebs in my mind. I can’t help but smile.
- And it was nice to see so many other people smiling too. With so much grimness in the World at the moment, we all need to find some small moments of joy.
Are you a ‘ferry’ person? If not, what small things make you smile?
#travelinspo #Sydney #CircularQuay #Manly #ferryrides #mustsee #mustdo #ferries #SydneyHarbour #TheEmeraldCity #waterviews #oceanviews #seaviews #RoyalAustralianNavy #beaches #sailinginSydney #inthenavy
Life...one big adventure 
Sydney deserves a repeat visit from me. Lovely post, Mel and I hope the travel plans further afield are going well x
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It certainly was at its best the day I visited and you will be welcome in Aus anytime! 🙂
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Thanks for the invitation 😉
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🙂 – any time!
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Oh yes Mel, the Manly ferry is always a favourite for us when we’re in Sydney! We love the walk along the harbour, and do all the touristy things each and every time. Looks like a fabulous day out!
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I reckon Sydney is at its best when you are out on the water and away from the noise and fumes. And yes, it was a fabulous day out.
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You absolutely know I am! We’re always at the other end of the spectrum from you so we’re busy enjoying beach days before it hots up and the crowds start to arrive. Our town ferry runs throughout the year but our favourite little ride out doesn’t start till May, and we’re waiting! Fabulous views, Mel! What a place to live… xx
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I thought this watery/boaty post would appeal, Jo. : -) And Yes, an amazing place to live IF you have the budget!
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Hi. Ferry rides are great. I can tell from your story and photos that I would like Sydney a lot.
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In reality it’s a pretty cheap tourist attraction and afternoon/morning out. And Sydney awaits you. 🙂
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I love the Manly ferry, been on it many times. A long walk to Palm Beach! Maybe not for you Mel.
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🙂 Don’t worry…it did turn out to be a long walk! 😉
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The Opera House is an iconic building isn’t it! I have seen it, although my daughter says it doesn’t count if you see things from an airplane. We landed to refuel on route to NZ and just as I wondered if we would see anything the plane banked and there was a perfect view of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge framed nicely in the window!
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Sydney is just as attractive from the air as it is from the water. Well spotted! 🙂
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I love a ferry! On our one visit to Australia we took that very ride and walked part of the way back to Spit Bridge. That was over 20 years ago.
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Ah, that walk to Spit Bridge is fantastic. It is now included in the much-longer Bondi to Manly path, but you saw some of the best bits…and I doubt much has changed in 20years. 😉
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Looks like a gorgeous day on Sydney Harbour. Thanks for taking me with you today! Maggie
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That’s my pleasure, Maggie. Sometimes it is nice just to sit (or stand) and watch the World float by…
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my home town! yay! 💙🩵
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For me, it’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there! 🙂
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A warm autumn day is one of my favourite days! We are also experiencing such days now – loving it. And isn’t it interesting how a city always looks ‘different’ when you see it from a boat/ferry? Thanks, I enjoyed the ride with you … and I look forward to reading about your walk (but this is a good start).
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Maybe a city always looks good when you don’t see all its weaknesses up close? Whatever, any excuse for a nice ferry ride. 🙂
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What a beautiful blue sky day! I did take the ferry out on the harbor. It was years ago so I’m not sure which one, but the views were stunning. Loved that opening photo with the wake and the skyline.
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I don’t think it would matter which ferry you took. They all deliver stunning views and a completely different perspective on Sydney. Have a good weekend. Mel
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