How Staying In The Best Hotels NEAR A FERRY WHARF Adds To Your Sydney Trip.
To anyone who asks me for a unique approach to planning the best first trip to Sydney, I have a train of thought that I think is easy to get excited by. It has nothing to do with trains. Stay near a ferry wharf. If you can get yourself to a ferry route with a short walk from your hotel, you are onto a winner. I think it is a good idea.
Why?
How does staying near a ferry wharf add to your Sydney trip?
It will open up the possibilities for an incredible Sydney itinerary.
“Imagine just walking out your hotel’s doors and hopping onto a ferry each day. Exploring Sydney by Ferry stops. Being on Sydney Harbour each day can only be a positive!”
Let’s start this conversation.
You ask: Where should I visit in Sydney?
I reply: You should consider Circular Quay (and The Rocks), Barangaroo and Pyrmont Bay (for getting to or from Darling Harbour), and Manly.
The bold places are all on the Sydney Ferry Network.
Some other stops that are good to know about are Taronga Zoo, as well as Milsons Point if visiting Luna Park, or even head over to Cockatoo Island for a less talked about thing to do in Sydney. Others worth a mention are Watsons Bay, Double Bay and Balmain East which are great areas to explore in Sydney.
So onto the best places to stay.
Best Hotels Near A Ferry Wharf In Sydney
Best Hotels Near Circular Quay Ferry Wharves
What a popular area to stay in Sydney. And for good reason. Stay with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge that you have been imagining and dreaming of. There are some great 5-star luxury hotel brands in this area. Four Seasons, Intercontinental, and Capella are all in Circular Quay, just to namedrop some of my favourite top hotels in Circular Quay, and all of Sydney for that matter.
It is a great location to base yourself for a first trip to Sydney as you can get to so many places as well as having some historic areas on its doorstep, like The Rocks. If you want to stay in the Rocks an incredible place to stay is Park Hyatt Sydney. Being only a short walk to Circular Quay Ferry Wharf many hotels in The Rocks are fitting in this section too.
“Circular Quay is without a doubt the best ferry wharf to stay near in Sydney. It is the hub of the ferry network. All ferry journeys begin or end here. Your harbour transport opportunities are as abundant as they could ever be.”
If you came across this article whilst looking for pre-cruise accommodation or the perfect hotel in Sydney to stay at after a cruise, Circular Quay is a phenomenal option as the cruise ships and Overseas Passenger Terminal (Sydney Cove Passenger Terminal) is located here at Circular Quay. Not only is the location well suited, but so are the hotels.
See Circular Quay Hotels on Booking.com
Read More: THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN CIRCULAR QUAY: THIS IS WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY
Read More: WHERE TO STAY IN SYDNEY: THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN THE ROCKS
Best Hotels Near The ferry at Pyrmont Bay (west Darling Harbour Area)
With a ferry route to Circular Quay, as well as being a great location itself, I would strongly consider staying in this part of Sydney.
Some of the best reasons to stay in this area are being close to the Sydney Fish Market, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, the Australian National Maritime Museum and The Star. Not only a Casino and Entertainment venue of theatre and great places to eat and drink, The Darling at The Star is a great luxurious and glamorous place to stay.
That said, Sofitel Darling Harbour is my pick for the best hotel in Darling Harbour. I have loved staying here. For me what stands out at this relatively new hotel is the city skyline and Darling Harbour views, as well as my favourite hotel pool in Sydney I have had the pleasure of experiencing myself.
See Darling Harbour Hotels on Booking.com
Read More: THE 9 BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN DARLING HARBOUR: FIND YOUR STAY IN SYDNEY
Best Hotels Near Barangaroo Ferry Wharf (east Darling Harbour Area)
I will say the two hotels in the Barangaroo area that take up my excitement are The Langham and Crown Towers. Not a bad location at all. A short walk to the Barangaroo Wharf and both these hotels are walkable to much of the CBD. If you stay at either of these luxury hotels you will be staying at one of my favourite Sydney hotels in The Langham, and one of Sydney’s newer luxury hotels in Crown Towers.
Another example of how staying close to a wharf only adds to your stay in Sydney.
See Barangaroo Hotels on Booking.com
Read More: Best Luxury Hotels In Barangaroo Sydney (coming soon)
Best Hotels Near Manly Wharf
If you know me you know I love Manly. Great place to stay if you want to experience the beachy side of Sydney. I tell anyone coming to Sydney to consider getting the ferry to Manly, but here I will say it’s a great part of Sydney to base your trip.
It is particularly great in the summer months when just the thought of a swim at the beach is always inviting itself into your mind.
Jump on the ferry to Circular Quay, spend the morning in the city, have lunch then ferry on back to Manly for an afternoon enjoying the sand and the surf.
Or pull the reverse card.
Start with a morning walk along the beach and have a refreshing swim when it is less crowded. Then head in to spend the afternoon in Sydney and have dinner at one of the incredible restaurants that are on offer.
The last ferry of the day leaves Circular Quay just after midnight at 00:20 heading to Manly every night, including on public holidays (correct as of 25th April 2024). Which will leave plenty of wiggle room time-wise for dessert and even post-dinner drinks at a rooftop bar if that's what your night calls for.
Manly Fast Ferry to/from Manly WHarf
Don’t forget about the fast Ferry! I will say getting the normal ferry is better for a Sydney trip but the fast ferry has its advantages.
It’s faster.
But personally I enjoy that extra 10 minutes on the harbour more than I appreciate the speed. Unless I did the return journey every day. Or was running late for dinner. That would change my perspective.
It costs more per travel minute but it’s the same price as the F1 Ferry service.
There is a licensed bar onboard.
This is one of the reasons the Fast Ferry is busy on a Friday afternoon after work. It makes the ferry seem like a next level ferry. Head to and from Manly as the sun sets across Sydney Harbour, on the Fast Ferry with your 4Pines or G&T in hand.
Sydney Harbour Hopper Ferry (Operated by Fantasea Cruising) to/from Manly WHarf
Staying near Manly Wharf has another option to get around the harbour. the Sydney Harbour Hopper can open up your exploring to Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour without needing to change ferries at Circular Quay. Day tickets and single journey tickets are available to book online or onboard. See Fantasea for the schedule and prices.
See current F1 Route Timetable - Circular Quay to Manly/Manly to Circular Quay
See current MFF (Manly Fast Ferry) Timetable - Circular Quay to Manly/Manly to Circular Quay
See Manly Hotels on Booking.com
Read More: THE BEST HOTELS IN MANLY AND WHY YOU SHOULD STAY IN MANLY ON YOUR SYDNEY TRIP
Best Hotels Near Taronga Zoo Ferry stop (Athol Wharf Rd)
Let’s keep this one simple.
Yes, you can stay at Taronga Zoo at either the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga or Roar and Snore. It is actually one of the most unique and special places to stay in Sydney. A luxury experience worth having on its own, before you even consider the ferry side of the picture.
If you want some ideas of things to do in this part of Sydney the first thing that comes to mind is a Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay coastal walk.
See Taronga Zoo Accommodation on Booking.com
Best Hotels Near The ferry at Milsons Point or North Sydney
If you are on a family trip or just want to visit Luna Park then staying in this area may be an option for your stay.
The Kirribilli is a great pick if you are after a luxurious 4-bedroom house less than a 10-minute walk to the ferry stop at Milsons Point. If you are happy to walk for 20 minutes then you open up a handful of other great hotels in North Sydney like Meriton Suites North Sydney which would be my pick of the bunch if I were to book a stay in North Sydney now. The few best North Sydney hotels are almost the same walking distance between Milsons Point and North Sydney wharves, so you can pick the ferry line that fits in best with your itinerary.
See Milsons Point and North Sydney Hotels on Booking.com
Best Hotels Near The Double bay ferry Wharf
Double Bay is a great location for a trip to Sydney. Many great dining options and shops to peruse. It is away from the city hustle yet only a ferry away. Or of course other non-water transport. InterContinental Sydney Double Bay is a perfect choice for a Double Bay stay.
More Accommodation Options For Ferry Wharves In Less Touristy Parts Of Sydney
For a first-time trip to Sydney, I would point you back up the article.
But if you find a perfect Airbnb, or it is a return visit, or if you are always looking outside of the overseas visitor-filled hotel box, then the below destinations are worth consideration.
Best Hotels Near the Cockatoo Island Ferry Wharf
So there is not much choice as Cockatoo Island is not all that big, but that is made up for with some unique places to stay offered by Cockatoo Island Accommodation. You can even stay in a two-bedroom apartment that was where the former Launch Driver and Coxswain of Cockatoo Island lived. A restored former residence and a place of Sydney history.
See Cockatoo Island Accommodation on Booking.com
Best Hotels Near The ferry at Watsons Bay
Many visitors to Sydney might visit Watsons Bay, but after speaking with many hotel guests who did head to this area, most of them were heading to Doyles for seafood and fish and chips, or heading to places like Parsley Bay Beach, reserve and Bridge.
Not much to choose from on the accommodation front except Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. In my eyes, it has its pros and cons but If that looks like a fit for your stay, Watsons Bay is a nice alternative area to stay in Sydney, because of having a ferry route right into the Circular Quay opens your trip options up.
I will say that with many incredible places to stay in Sydney unless you fall in love with an Airbnb apartment or home that is perfect for your trip, I would treat Watsons Bay as a great place to spend time or a day trip, rather than stay.
Best Hotels Near The ferry at Balmain East
Full of great places to eat and drink, with many old pubs that I’m sure have many stories to share if you’d listen. Much history here and a vibrant yet charming community-filled suburb.
I would suggest staying elsewhere but would say to visit this neighbourhood for a memorable meal and a drink. Or a couple. Even just walk the streets. I’m not sure if all schools in Sydney do this but I remember getting the ferry to Balmain East as a kid on a school excursion. Exploring all the streets and hearing about the role of Balmain on Sydney’s history. It stuck with me.
Similar thoughts to Watsons Bay. I would not want to miss out on the best luxury hotels in Sydney, and there are no luxury hotels in this neighbourhood. So if you come across a stunning place available on Airbnb then may be a different conversation.
Best Hotels Near The ferry at MOsman Bay and Cremorne
I must admit. Until writing this article I would not have had Mosman or Cremorne front of mind to recommend to travellers to Sydney. I have spent a lot of time in different corners of these prestigious Sydney postcodes. I surprised myself.
The Cremorne Point Manor looks like a special and unique place to stay. Some heritage bones with modern and bespoke furnishings and details. About a 5-minute walk to two ferry wharves (Cremorne Point and Old Cremorne).
Are you happy to walk 25 minutes to Mosman Bay Wharf?
If you are then you could stay at The Albert Mosman Hotel. This is a luxurious boutique hotel in an area of Mosman that I feel represents the reputation of the area being a wealthy neighbourhood. Some great shopping opportunities to be had close-by down Military Road, as well as being near Mosman Art Gallery and within walking distance to Balmoral Beach. At least the downhill to get there is.
Surprisingly the quality of luxury it appears you can get from a stay at The Albert seems great value for a luxury stay in Sydney, when compared to rooms of a similar aesthetic and feel in the city. That said I would still stay in the city on a first trip to Sydney. On a return visit, Mosman could be a nice alternative to experience another side of Sydney.
See Mosman and Cremorne Hotels on Booking.com
So that’s how staying near a ferry wharf can add to your Sydney trip.
See Sydney Ferries (Official Transport NSW website) for more ferry trip details and for all route maps, timetables, opal fare and price enquiries.
Lets Sum Up The Trip Theory Of Staying in a Hotel near a Wharf in Sydney:
“It adds both a level of complexity and simplicity at the same time. You could spend your trip running around the city seeing all the top things to see, or you pair the sights back, jump on a ferry and soak up just how sensational Sydney can be. She will show you everything you wanted to see anyway.”
You can do that from an equally sensational hotel. I hope this article helped you find your stay.
What do you think of this stay near a ferry concept? Does this trip theory seem sound to you?
Let me know if you have done this. Even if inadvertently. What did it add to your time in Sydney?
WHO WROTE THIS ARTICLE?
Hi, I’m Chris. I started Best Sydney Hotels to share recommendations on where to stay in Sydney because I love hotels. I love staying in them, I have loved working in them, and there is no trip to Sydney that can't be enhanced by choosing the perfect hotel for you.
But why listen to me?
Based on my experience living in Sydney.
Because of the countless nights staying at 5-star hotels in Sydney and across the world.
I have spent many years working in Boutique and Luxury hotels in Sydney.
Through our hotel, house and apartment recommendations, me and the team at Best Sydney Hotels can help you find the ultimate accommodation in Sydney.