Walsh Bay Ferries Arrive This Summer!

Ferries are scheduled to recommence service at Sydney's Walsh Bay late this summer, marking a significant enhancement to public transport links for the city's premier cultural precinct. The transformation includes a nearly $5 million upgrade to a pontoon on pier two, turning it into a fully operational ferry wharf over the next six months.

This initiative, spurred by a long-standing campaign from the arts community and local residents, will integrate Walsh Bay into the F3 Parramatta River and F8 Cockatoo ferry routes. The upgrade involves essential infrastructure such as electricity, passenger information displays, and Opal ticketing equipment.

Transport and Arts Minister John Graham highlighted the addition as a way to connect Sydney's iconic ferry system with its picturesque performing arts precinct. Local groups have long argued that the area was underserved by public transport, with existing ferry services passing too close to disembark passengers.

Graeme Taylor, a ferry expert, welcomed the new wharf but expressed concerns about the current ferry fleet's capacity to handle increased demand, noting that 1.5 million passengers were carried in July alone. He stressed the need for fleet expansion to support the growing network.

The new wharf opens as ferry workers recently stopped work over a pay dispute. Meanwhile, ferry services to the new fish market in Blackwattle Bay are delayed until next year, with its wharf construction ongoing.