FerryConnect

Australia

Circular Quay → Watsons Bay

Route F9 runs the length of the harbour’s eastern arm from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay, the old fishing village by South Head known for its beach, seafood and cliff walks to the Gap and Hornby Lighthouse.

⏱ About 23m🚢 1 operator📅 Every 30 minutes at weekends; half-hourly middays on weekdays
Book with Sydney Ferries→

Circular Quay to Watsons Bay ferry at a glance

The ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay takes About 23m across the Sydney Harbour, operated by Sydney Ferries. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: every 30 minutes at weekends; half-hourly middays on weekdays.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: transportnsw.info · transportnsw.info · How we verify

Return crossing: Watsons Bay to Circular Quay

Sydney Ferries also sails Watsons Bay to Circular Quay, taking About 12m. Weekend ferries leave Watsons Bay every 30 minutes from 08:15 until 00:15.

Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo ferry guide →

Circular Quay to Watsons Bay ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Every 30 minutes at weekends (07:45–23:45); on weekdays Watsons Bay is served half-hourly from about 09:45 to 15:45

Weekday peak and evening F9 trips terminate at Rose Bay rather than Watsons Bay.

Return: Weekend ferries leave Watsons Bay every 30 minutes from 08:15 until 00:15.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Sydney Ferries timetable →Check prices & book on Sydney Ferries →

Source: Transport for NSW F9 Watsons Bay timetable (valid from 19 Sep 2026). Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Circular Quay and Watsons Bay

📐 4 Nautical Miles
Circular Quay⇄Watsons Bay
⏱ About 23m · 📐 4 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
🚗 Operator website

Ready to cross from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay?

Book your crossing with Sydney Ferries: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Sydney Ferries→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Sydney Ferries23mSydney Ferries harbour ferries

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

4 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Circular Quay wharves adjoin Circular Quay train station and light rail.
  • Pay with an Opal card or contactless card.

Related Ferry Crossings

Return crossingCircular Quay → Taronga ZooAbout 12mAlso sails from Circular QuaySydney (Circular Quay) → Manly18m – 30m · Sydney Ferries, Manly Fast FerryAlso sails from Circular QuayCircular Quay → ParramattaAbout 1h 25m · Sydney FerriesMore ferries in AustraliaGeelong → Devonport (Tasmania)10h – 11h (day or overnight) · Spirit of TasmaniaMore ferries in AustraliaCape Jervis → Kangaroo Island (Penneshaw)45m · SeaLinkMore ferries in AustraliaFremantle → Rottnest Island25m – 30m · Rottnest Express, SeaLink Rottnest IslandMore ferries in AustraliaKettering → Bruny Island15m – 20m · SeaLink
📘 Sydney Ferries: Manly, Taronga Zoo & Watsons Bay⚓ Circular Quay Wharves guide⛴ All ferries from Circular Quay🗺 All ferries in Australia🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay?
The crossing typically takes About 23m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Circular Quay to Watsons Bay ferry sail?
Every 30 minutes at weekends (07:45–23:45); on weekdays Watsons Bay is served half-hourly from about 09:45 to 15:45. Weekday peak and evening F9 trips terminate at Rose Bay rather than Watsons Bay. This is the pattern published in the Transport for NSW F9 Watsons Bay timetable (valid from 19 Sep 2026) (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay?
Sydney Ferries operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Circular Quay to Watsons Bay ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Circular Quay to Watsons Bay ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Circular Quay to Watsons Bay ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Circular Quay from Watsons Bay by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 4 nautical miles (roughly 7 km).