Sydney Harbour Water Taxis
Water taxi on Darling Harbour, Sydney
One of the fascinating things about places like Sydney Harbour is the constantly moving water traffic. There are boats of all sizes, from great sleek cruise ships with several thousand passengers through to small dinghies with one passenger out fishing. And everything in between. All shapes and sizes, colours and purposes.
One of the common types on Sydney Harbour are the water taxis, like the one shown above. This morning I checked out some websites because I knew very little about them. The few companies I checked out claimed that they will pick up passengers almost anywhere, including beaches. They will likewise take you almost anywhere on the harbour much faster than public transport or even driving there yourself.
That’s probably true and they do look very convenient. There’s only one catch: you need a very deep pocket as they are relatively expensive. Yes – they might be quick, but it will cost you. Mind you, it would be a great way to have a private cruise of the harbour if you had a large group of people, say 20-30 to share the cost.
Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour
Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour
The heart of Sydney seems to beat loudest at Circular Quay and near the bridge. It is here that most of the boats, ferries and water taxis arrive at some point during their journeys on Sydney Harbour.
On our recent holiday in Sydney we passed this point on a number of occasions. We used the wonderful ferry services a number of times. The trains emerge from the subway at this point too.
Circular Quay, Sydney Harbour
From this point we were able to walk in various directions. On one occasion we explored The Rocks area. On another occasion we walked to the Susannah Place Museum. Several times we walked into the city for shopping, though in some cases it is quicker catching a train. On another occasion we went to the New South Wales Art Gallery. On a previous visit we walked from this point to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Sydney is an excellent city to explore via walking or on a ferry.
One of the many ferries at Circular Quay, Sydney
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
The world famous Sydney Opera House is certainly a well recognised landmark in Sydney Harbour. Good views of this unusual and quite beautiful building can be obtained from many vantage points around the harbour, including Circular Quay from where many of the boats and ferries depart and arrive.
Opera House and Circular Quay, Sydney
An even better way of seeing this building is to take one of the ferries that travel from Circular Quay to many parts of the harbour.
You could also go on one of the many special cruise boats, or catch a small water taxi.
Click on any photo to enlarge the image.
Water taxi, cruise boat and ferry, Sydney Harbour
Cruising Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Many boats and ferries ply the beautiful Sydney Harbour every day. For the local people these boats provide an easy and pleasant way to commute to work.
For the tourist and other visitors they provide an excellent means of seeing this beautiful city and the amazingly beautiful harbour.
Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour
The Manly Ferry, Sydney
Manly Beach, Sydney
During our visit to Sydney in December 2008 we took the train into the city and then caught the Manly Ferry. This huge ferry seats over a thousand people and it was hard to find a seat. I guess everyone was heading to the beach at Manly that afternoon. It certainly is a popular place.
Crowded Manly Ferry, Sydney Harbour
The ferry ride takes about a half hour. During the journey all passengers are treated to magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the many bays and points along the harbour. It is a very relaxing way to see the sights of Sydney Harbour. On a hot day it can also be very refreshing with the cool breeze off the water.
Taking the Manly Ferry was one thing I really wanted to do on this particular trip to Sydney. On our last trip we didn’t take a ferry on the harbour.
One of the many ferries at Circular Quay, Sydney