New Sydney ferry route set to challenge Manly trip as must-do

A ferry service poised to link Sydney’s new $836 million fish market to Circular Quay raises the prospect of a harbour route to rival the Manly ferry as a must-do experience for tourists.

The taxpayer-funded development, due to open late this year, includes a 50-metre wharf for ferries and private vessels. The long-vaunted fish market project at Blackwattle Bay promises to become a landmark destination.

Transport for NSW coordinator-general Howard Collins said a ferry service to the new state-of-the-art fish market, probably from Circular Quay, would start “when they’re ready to operate”.

The new Sydney Fish Market at Blackwattle Bay will be serviced by ferry.Credit: Rhett Wyman

Collins said services to the new Sydney Fish Market were likely to be “very busy”. The transport agency was considering operating First Fleet ferries – perhaps best known for their Australia Day race on Sydney Harbour – or new Parramatta River-class vessels on the route.

“We’re almost over-servicing Manly at the moment, so we’re looking at ... alternatives. Maybe even our friends in Captain Cook [harbour cruising] might do some cruises and visits to the fish market,” he said.

The government forecasts that more than six million people will visit the new fish market each year – double the number heading to the adjacent current site.

About 600 timber beams help create the new Sydney Fish Market’s wave-like roof.Credit: Rhett Wyman

Action for Public Transport spokesman Graeme Taylor said a million ferry trips could be taken each year to the new fish market even if fewer than one in five of those who visited opted for a ferry service.

“This building could become Australia’s second most important tourist attraction behind the Opera House, which has 11 million visitors each year. For some perspective, Taronga Zoo has 1.5 million visitors each year, with most using the ferry,” he said.

“It will certainly equal the Manly ferry as a must-do for all visitors to Sydney. The most important thing is for the ferry service to start when the new Sydney Fish Market opens. The new building looks stunning.”

Infrastructure NSW, which is responsible for the new fish market, said the project comprised eight wharves for a fishing fleet and one longer recreational wharf for public drop-off, short stay of private vessels, mooring of the fishing fleet and a ferry stop. The recreational wharf will be nearest to the existing fish market, while the eight others will be on the western side of the new building.

Collins said his agency was also considering extra light rail services on the L1 Dulwich Hill line as trams provided an important link to the fish market. Names of nearby light rail stops will be changed to reflect the shift to the new market.

The looming addition to Sydney’s ferry network comes as the government is due to receive its first electric ferry this year.

A fifth Parramatta River-class catamaran ferry is expected to arrive soon from Hobart shipbuilders. The government ordered seven Parramatta River-class vessels to replace RiverCats.

Under government plans, all diesel-powered ferries in the state’s fleet of 40 will be replaced with locally built electric or hydrogen vessels by 2035.

Two new ferry wharves near the entrance to Sydney’s Botany Bay are also set to open in February, but the public faces a years-long wait for regular services between La Perouse and Kurnell.

Collins said the agency had not had “any takers” for a commercial service between the wharves which have cost taxpayers $78 million.

“We’ve been talking to even river taxis, and also we’ve been speaking to the local land council. At the moment, no one wants to step forward for a commercial opportunity,” he said.

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