Ferry Hopping in Sydney Before Your Cruise: An Easy Way to Fill a Few Hours
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Time to read 8 min
One of the slightly awkward parts of cruising from Sydney is working out what to do when you arrive in the city hours before you're due to board.
Maybe you've flown into Sydney early that morning. Maybe you've checked out of a hotel and suddenly find yourself with several hours to fill. Or perhaps you're like me and would simply rather be in the general vicinity of the ship early than spend the morning wondering whether something is going to delay you.
The problem is usually the luggage.
Once that's dealt with, though, you're in one of the best places in Sydney to fill a few hours without needing to go very far at all.
Go ferry hopping.
Table of contents
First, Get Rid of the Luggage Why Ferry Hopping Works So Well Where Can You Go From Circular Quay? Sit Outside if the Weather Is Good What if It's Raining? Paying for Sydney Ferries Is Easy Keep an Eye on the Clock You Don't Even Have to Go Far A Pretty Good Start to a Cruise Planning a Carnival Splendor Cruise?
First, Get Rid of the Luggage
Dragging suitcases around Sydney for several hours isn't my idea of a relaxing start to a cruise.
When I'm sailing with Carnival from Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal, I've been able to drop my checked luggage at the terminal from around 8:30am.
On my most recent cruise, I was there right on 8:30am, handed over the bags and suddenly had several hours ahead of me with considerably less luggage to worry about.
As cruise terminal procedures can change, I'd still check the information provided for your particular sailing rather than treating 8:30am as guaranteed for every cruise.
If dropping your luggage at the terminal isn't an option, another possibility is luggage storage around Circular Quay.
City Extra sits directly on Circular Quay between ferry Wharves 3 and 4 and is currently open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its website also references a 24/7 luggage service, although I'd contact them beforehand to confirm availability and current arrangements before turning up with your suitcases.
Once the bulky bags are sorted, things get much easier.
Why Ferry Hopping Works So Well
The Overseas Passenger Terminal is right beside Circular Quay.
And Circular Quay is one of Sydney's major ferry hubs.
That means you can drop your bags, wander around the corner and have a large chunk of Sydney Harbour available to explore without needing to organise a tour or venture very far from your ship.
The current Sydney Ferries network stretches from places such as Manly and Watsons Bay in the east through to Parramatta in the west, with plenty of shorter routes around the harbour as well.
Where Can You Go From Circular Quay?
If you've got a few hours to fill before your cruise, you don't necessarily need a destination in mind. Part of the fun is simply getting on a ferry and seeing Sydney Harbour from the water.
A few options worth considering are:
- Manly – a longer trip with fantastic harbour views along the way. If you have enough time, hop off for a walk along The Corso or down to Manly Beach before heading back. The route passes some of Sydney Harbour's best-known sights on the way.
- Watsons Bay – another scenic trip towards the harbour entrance, passing areas including Double Bay and Rose Bay along the way.
- Taronga Zoo – you don't have to visit the zoo to enjoy the ferry ride. It's a relatively short trip across the harbour with great views along the way.
- Parramatta River – head west instead and see a completely different side of Sydney, with stops including Balmain, Cockatoo Island, Drummoyne and Sydney Olympic Park depending on the service.
- Mosman Bay or Neutral Bay – good options if you simply want a shorter ride around the harbour without venturing too far from Circular Quay.
- Cockatoo Island – if you've got enough time to get off and explore, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island makes the ferry trip a destination in itself.
Just make sure you leave yourself a comfortable buffer before your cruise check-in time.
Missing the ship because you became overly committed to ferry hopping would somewhat defeat the purpose. 😂
Sydney Ferries Network Map - NSW Transport
For current routes and timetables, Transport for NSW has the official network map and trip planner here:
Sydney Ferries routes and timetables
The other thing I like about Sydney ferry hopping is that the ferry ride itself is part of the sightseeing.
You're not sitting on public transport waiting to arrive somewhere interesting.
You're already on Sydney Harbour.
Sit Outside if the Weather Is Good
On a beautiful Sydney day, head for the outdoor seating.
The views around the harbour can be spectacular, particularly as you move away from Circular Quay and look back towards the city.
Depending on the route, you'll get different perspectives of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, waterfront suburbs and all the activity happening on the harbour.
And unlike a dedicated harbour sightseeing cruise, you're simply using Sydney's normal public transport network.
What if It's Raining?
This is where ferry hopping becomes an especially handy Plan B.
Sydney weather doesn't always cooperate with cruise day plans.
If it's wet, cold or windy, you don't necessarily have to abandon the idea.
Most of the larger ferries have plenty of indoor seating with big windows, so you can sit comfortably inside and still watch the harbour go past.
It makes ferry hopping one of those rare Sydney activities that can work reasonably well in good or miserable weather.
And if you've just checked out of your hotel and have nowhere else to be for four hours, sitting somewhere dry watching Sydney Harbour doesn't sound too terrible.
Paying for Sydney Ferries Is Easy
You don't necessarily need to buy an Opal card just for a few ferry trips.
Transport for NSW accepts contactless payment on Sydney ferry services, so you can tap on and off using an eligible contactless credit or debit card or linked device. Opal cards are also accepted.
Just remember to tap on and tap off each time.
If you're travelling as a family, check the current fare and payment information before you go, particularly for children, because you'll want to make sure everyone is using the appropriate payment method.
Transport for NSW ferry information
Keep an Eye on the Clock
This is the one part I wouldn't be casual about.
If you're ferry hopping before a cruise, you're doing it to make embarkation day more enjoyable, not more stressful.
Check the ferry timetable before you leave Circular Quay and work backwards from when you want to be at the terminal.
I wouldn't plan on catching a ferry that gets me back with only minutes to spare.
Services can be delayed, weather can affect operations and plans can change.
Personally, I'd much rather arrive back at Circular Quay too early, grab a coffee and stare at my cruise ship for a while than be sitting on the other side of Sydney Harbour watching the clock and questioning my life choices. 😂
You Don't Even Have to Go Far
One of the things I love about Circular Quay is how much there is within a relatively small area.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden and Museum of Contemporary Art are all nearby. Circular Quay itself connects ferries, trains and light rail.
So ferry hopping doesn't have to consume your entire morning.
You could take one ferry ride, come back to Circular Quay, have lunch and wander through The Rocks before heading to the terminal.
Or simply stay on the ferries for a while and enjoy the view.
There's no complicated itinerary required.
A Pretty Good Start to a Cruise
Embarkation day already has enough waiting around built into it.
If I have several hours to fill in Sydney before boarding, I'd much rather spend them travelling around one of the world's most recognisable harbours than sitting somewhere watching the clock.
Get rid of the big bags. Keep whatever you need for embarkation in your carry-on.
Tap onto a ferry.
And go for a ride.
Your cruise hasn't technically started yet, but sitting on Sydney Harbour with your ship waiting back at Circular Quay isn't a bad warm-up.
Planning a Carnival Splendor Cruise?
If you're researching cabins because you're considering a Carnival Splendor cruise yourself, you can also compare upcoming cruises, dates and current pricing through Expedia.
Prices and itineraries change regularly, so it's worth comparing different sailing dates and cabin categories before booking.
Hi, I'm Kate!
I'm the creator of Voyage Ready and a BAS Agent and bookkeeper from regional NSW who loves cruising and travelling with my family (and occasionally working from a cruise ship somewhere in the middle of the ocean). I particularly love longer cruises with plenty of sea days, exploring new places at our own pace and finding practical ways to make family travel more affordable and less complicated.
Is ferry hopping a good way to spend time before a cruise from Sydney?
I think it’s one of the easiest ways to fill a few hours before boarding at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Circular Quay’s ferry wharves are right near the terminal, so once your larger luggage is sorted, you can head out onto the harbour without travelling across the city. The current Sydney Ferries network includes routes to places such as Manly, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo, Mosman Bay and Cockatoo Island.
How do you pay for Sydney ferries?
You can use an Opal card or simply tap on and off using a contactless credit/debit card or linked device.
Do I need to book Sydney ferries in advance?
For regular Sydney Ferries services, you can simply tap on before boarding. I’d check the current timetable and service information before setting off, particularly when you have a cruise check-in time to work around.
Which Sydney ferry is best if I only have a few hours?
It really depends on how much time you have. Manly is a great option if you have enough time for a longer trip and perhaps a quick wander after you arrive, while shorter harbour routes such as Neutral Bay or Mosman Bay are better if you mainly want to enjoy the ferry ride and harbour views. I’d always leave a generous buffer to get back to Circular Quay.
Can I take my cruise luggage on a Sydney ferry?
If possible, I’d get rid of the bulky cruise luggage first. Ferry hopping is much more enjoyable when you’re not dragging suitcases on and off with you. Circular Quay is a busy transport interchange, so travelling with just your carry-on or day bag makes things considerably easier.
Are Sydney ferries accessible?
Sydney Ferries vessels are accessible for people using essential mobility aids, although accessibility varies between wharves and can also be affected by tides. Transport for NSW recommends checking your specific journey in its Trip Planner, which identifies accessible services.
How much time should I allow to get back to my cruise ship?
I wouldn't plan your return down to the last possible ferry. Timetables can change and services can be disrupted, so give yourself a comfortable buffer before your required cruise check-in time. You're killing time before a holiday, not auditioning for The Amazing Race: Circular Quay Edition. 😂