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Sydney ferries are free for the month – these are the best routes for a day trip

Credit: Destination NSW

Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
From 11 September until 6 October, travelling on Sydney’s public ferries won’t cost you a cent.

Few things feel more quintessentially Sydney than hopping on a yellow ferry on a sunny afternoon, drifting past the Opera House as the skyline unfolds across one of the world’s most beautiful harbours. 

And from this Friday until Tuesday 6 October, you can do just that without spending a cent. The Maritime Union of Australia says it will be switching off Opal card readers, meaning passengers can travel on Sydney Ferries services free of charge for nearly four weeks, whether you’re cruising to Manly for the day, stopping by Taronga Zoo or simply taking the scenic route across the harbour. 

The catch? Not every ferry is included, and some services may look a little different while the free-fare period is in place, with some disruptions likely to occur. 

Still, with spring bringing longer, brighter days, it’s a pretty good excuse to explore a new pocket of the city or make your commute to work feel like a movie. Here’s how the free ferry travel works, why it’s happening and the best routes to take for a fabulous Sydney day trip.

How it works

sydney ferry harbour view
Travel free on Sydney Ferries for most of September and start of October. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)

The fare-free period runs from 11 September until 11.59pm on 6 October and applies to all 10 of Sydney Ferries’ public routes. This includes services to Manly, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Watsons Bay, Double Bay and Cockatoo Island.  

Importantly, the free ferry services do not include Manly Fast Ferries, which are privately operated. 

The Maritime Union of Australia has announced it will switch off Opal card readers, meaning there is no need for ferry passengers to tap on and off when boarding at the terminal.  

Why are Sydney ferries free?

sydney ferries free
Ferry workers have been lobbying for better working conditions and pay. (Credit: Destination NSW)

The decision to operate Sydney Ferries free of charge is part of ongoing industrial action by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) against Transdev, the foreign-owned private operator running Sydney Ferries services. Last Wednesday 2 September, MUA members held a short strike where ferry employees lobbied for better working conditions and a pay rise.  

“By switching off Opal readers, our members are making sure commuters are not out of pocket because of this dispute. For nearly four weeks, ferry passengers will be able to get where they need to go without paying a fare," says MUA Deputy Branch Secretary Paul Garrett.  

Transport for NSW has warned passengers that disruptions could happen on short notice and passengers should allow extra travel time and to check the latest service information before travelling. 

“While most ferry services are expected to operate, passengers may notice changes to some timetables and services during this period," Transport for NSW coordinator-general Howard Collins said in a press release. 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

The best Sydney ferry day trips

With Sydney ferries free for the month, why not make a day trip out of it? Here is our pick of the top places in Sydney you can get to on the public ferry network. Keep up to date with potential disruptions and timetable changes on the Transport NSW ferry webpage.

F1 Manly

Felons Brewing Co.
Enjoy a waterfront meal at Felons Brewing Co. (Credit: Felons Brewing Co.)

Arguably the most iconic Sydney ferry day trip, the 30-minute journey from Circular Quay to Manly promises unparalleled Opera House and Harbour Bridge views. Once you arrive in Manly, head out for a surf, explore the weekend markets, take a dip in the stunning Fairy Bower Sea Pool or enjoy beers and bites at the waterfront Felons Brewing Co. – located right next to the ferry terminal. 

F9 Watsons Bay

sydney free ferries
Camp Cove is a great spot for a swim. (Credit: Destination NSW)
watsons bay hotel
Grab a drink at Watsons Bay Hotel. (Credit: Destination NSW)
camp cove
Explore Camp Cove. (Credit: Destination NSW)
hornby lighthouse
Hornby Lighthouse is set on a headland, a 3km walk from Watsons Bay wharf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

A day in Watsons Bay is always a day well-spent. Grab a spritz at the lively Watsons Bay Hotel, paddle in the calm turquoise waters of Camp Cove with the city skyline behind you, or wander up to the headland to see the bright red Hornby Lighthouse, which looks as though it’s been plucked directly from a Wes Anderson film. 

Cremorne, F6 Mosman Bay

maccallum pool
Take a dip in Maccallum Pool in Cremorne. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)

Served by the F6 line, Cremorne Point Wharf is a wonderful launching pad for exploring the locally loved northern Sydney suburb of Cremorne. Walk just five minutes and you’ll find Maccallum Pool, one of Sydney’s most scenic harbourside pools (alongside the newly reopened North Sydney Pool). BYO picnic to enjoy on the grass, or take advantage of the beautiful flat walking trails that lead to Mosman Bay. 

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F2 Taronga Zoo

taronga zoo
Taronga Zoo is a family favourite. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Take the scenic F2 service to northern Sydney’s Taronga Zoo to meet a range of adorable animals with a side of harbour views. Or set off directly from the ferry terminal and follow the waterline towards Bradleys Head for a scenic bushwalk packed with Indigenous and naval history. You can even continue on to the calm waters of much-loved Balmoral Beach (6km one way), stopping for a coffee at Chowder Bay’s Cafe La Mer on the way. 

Balmain, F8 Cockatoo Island

sydney ferry
Stop in for a pint at The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room, Balmain. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Sitting along the F8 Cockatoo Island line just 10 minutes from Circular Quay, Balmain makes for a worthy stop. The upscale suburb boasts a close-knit village feel with historic and artistic charm, classic pubs, cute-as-a-button bookstores and leafy parks. Stroll the shops and cafes on Darling Street before settling in for a waterfront meal in an 1880s stone building at The Fenwick or The Dry Dock Public House and Dining Room.

F8 Cockatoo Island

View of Sydney Harbour from Cockatoo Island at sunrise
Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO-listed site. (Credit: Emily Murphy)

History buffs should make a beeline for Cockatoo Island, just a 10-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. Set in the middle of Sydney Harbour, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed island is home to a fascinating former convict gaol and shipyard. Visitors can wander through 19th-century convict ruins and tunnels, either independently or with a guide, before settling in at a waterfront cafe – or staying the night in a campsite or heritage accommodation. 

More Sydney Ferries services you can take

  • F3 Parramatta River 
  • F4 Pyrmont Bay 
  • F5 Neutral Bay 
  • F7 Double Bay 
  • F10 Blackwattle Bay 

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Eleanor Edström
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
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8 reasons it’s time to explore Lismore’s vibrant villages

(Image: Visit Lismore)

    Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
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    Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.

    Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.

    1. Nights come to life

    Lismore's vibrant villages have Patrons enjoying a night out at Eltham Hotel.
    Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.

    2. A thriving arts and culture scene

    Racing on Molesworth Steet, Lismore for the BBCC Lismore Cycling Festival. Lismore's vibrant villages is filled with murals.
    Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.

    3. Boutique shopping

    Inside Two Ravens Antiques & Collectables in Lismore's vibrant villages.
    Uncover one-of-a-kind finds. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.

    4. Diverse food offerings

    Bartenders at the The Levee Lounge and Bar, Lismore
    Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.

    Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.

    Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.

    5. Alternative lifestyles reign

    Streetscape of Nimbin with buskers, Northern Rivers
    Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

    This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.

    6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep

    Person enjoying a walk through the rainforest in Nightcap National Park.
    Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.

    7. Boutique stays

    Contained in Nimbin Accommodation.
    Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)

    Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridge secluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.

    8. Form community connections

    Crowds enjoying the Lismore Lantern Parade on the North Coast.
    Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.

    Friday Meet and Make offers relaxed crafting at The Artisans Table, while Fire Twirling in The Quad delivers a high energy evening spectacle. The legendary Tropical Fruits New Years Eve Festival is a bold celebration of inclusion; Lismore Lantern Parade glows through streets with handmade lanterns on the winter solstice and Italian festival LisAmore! brings music and romance to the town.

    Start planning the ultimate getaway at visitlismore.com.au