Editing Sydney (section)

====By Sydney ferries====
[[File:Sydney Ferry.JPG|thumb|upright=1.3|A Sydney ferry]]

*[http://sydneyferries.info '''Sydney Ferries''''] central hub is at Circular Quay at the north of the [[Sydney/City|CBD]]. Ferries run up the Parramatta River via Balmain and Olympic Park, across to Luna Park, around to Darling Harbour, and out to Manly, across to the Zoo and to Watsons Bay. Also, they also go to Garden island and Cockatoo Island. They run only within the harbour, so you can't get a ferry to Bondi. Ferries run to most destinations at least every hour, with additional peak services, and half hourly services to Manly and Darling Harbour.

At Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, each wharf has a large screen showing ferry departures and general information. Find your destination on the screen which shows when your ferry service is departing and from which wharf.

More than just a utilitarian means of transport, the ferries are a great way to see the harbourside. The best ferry excursion for visitors is from Circular Quay to [[Sydney/Manly|Manly]]. Be prepared to take a stunning photograph of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge as you leave Circular Quay.

Trips to [[Sydney/Inner West|Balmain]] and [[Sydney/Darling Harbour|Darling Harbour]] offer other great excuses to take a ferry trip under the Harbour Bridge.

At peak periods the Parramatta River ferries can fill to capacity, and you should ensure that you have an alternative for completing your trip.  Passenger counts are strictly enforced.  Peak periods are weekends around 4PM-6PM at [[Sydney/Parramatta|Parramatta]] and Circular Quay, and school holiday weekdays 4PM-6PM at Darling Harbour (heading to Parramatta) (you are okay if you board at Circular Quay, where the ferry originates).  The Manly and inner-harbour ferries can get busy, but it is very rare that they reach capacity.

Opal fares are calculated in two zones - for trips under 10km and trips over 10km respectively. The cheaper fare covers anywhere to the east of the Harbour Bridge except Manly, which is a higher fare. Note that many ferry wharves do not have a ticket machine.