Manly Fast Ferry: Sydney ferry service launches new design, bar menu
Commuters using one of Sydney’s favourite ferry services are set for a more comfortable — and colourful — ride across the Harbour. Here’s why.
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Commuters using one of Sydney’s favourite ferry services are set for a more comfortable — and colourful — ride across the Harbour.
The NRMA-owned Manly Fast Ferry, which runs between Manly and Circular Quay, is refurbishing the “worn out” interior of its six vessels.
It unveiled its new Australian designed and manufactured cabin interior on the first of its ferries, the Ocean Rider, on Tuesday that includes special “priority” seating for people with mobility issues.
And for those travellers who enjoy a tipple on the way home from work, a new bar menu has been introduced that feature beers and spirits brewed and distilled on the northern beaches.
NRMA Chief Operating Officer Marine, Nigel Ellsmore said the new interiors — at a cost of about $1m per ferry — were designed to reflect “premier Australian craftsmanship” and were part of a push to use Australian made materials on the six-ferry fleet.
The upgrade includes an on-board bar stocked full with Beaches’ favourites — 4 Pines beers and products from Manly Spirits.
“Ocean Rider” is the first vessel to be refurbished. The other five ferries were set to be refurbished by June.
Mr Ellsmore said the latest upgrades reflected Manly Fast Ferry’s commitment to local industry and providing passengers – locals and tourists – with the best Australia had to offer.
And he’s hoping that the new look and more comfortable interiors will attract more passengers, especially peak hour commuters going to work in the city.
He acknowledged that there had been “a lot of passenger feedback” about the state of the faded and increasingly tatty interiors.
“They were looking quite old and probably a bit worn out,” he said.
“So we decided to lift our game and invest heavily into making sure that we could give a better passenger experience as well as attract more passengers.”
Mr Ellsmore said that as part of the NRMA Group, Manly Fast Ferry was a proudly Australian owned operator.
“When we undertook these upgrades it was an obvious choice to support local jobs, industry and manufacturing,” he said.
“The support for local businesses can even be found at the on-board bar, where one can finish the day with a cold, northern beaches-brewed 4 Pines Beer or an award-winning nip of Manly Spirits.
“Travelling over the world’s best harbour by ferry is a quintessentially Sydney experience and for Manly Fast Ferry passengers that journey is about to get even better.
“These upgrades will also be warmly welcomed by locals when they are returning to work from the CBD after a busy day.”
New upgrades include:
– New cabin seating with a fresh seating arrangement and designated priority seating in a contemporary colour palette
– New window treatments to enhance overall aesthetic of the ferry and comfort
– Improved Accessibility with wider entry doorways and aisles for improved wheelchair access and parents with prams
– New flooring with a two-toned timber-look vinyl
– Upgraded rest rooms with new pans and contemporary wall treatments; and
– A new bar area.
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