Palm Beach Ferry

Palm Beach - Wagstaffe - Ettalong

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

The Palm Beach Ferry is the most enjoyable way to travel between the Central Coast and Sydney.

Sit outside on the deck. Breathe fresh air. And enjoy looking at the landscape… beaches, rugged coastlines and lush bush as far as the eyes can see.

The Palm Beach Ferry travels to and from Palm Beach, Ettalong and Wagstaffe. Eight to ten ferries make the trip seven days a week. The trip takes about half an hour... amazingly quick considering that driving takes over an hour.

Ettalong Wharf – Preparing to embark

Whether you’re heading to Palm Beach, Ettalong or Wagstaffe, you'll have a great day at either end.

The Palm Beach Ferry is just like a bus but on the water – in a very scenic spot indeed... The ferry travels through Brisbane Water, Broken Bay and Pittwater.

You’ll get fantastic views of:

Barrenjoey Lighthouse
The beaches along the southern Central Coast
Lion Island
Three national parks: Bouddi, Brisbane Water and Ku-ring-gai Chase

You can take your dog on the boat if it stays outside. Or take your bicycle for $6 extra.

Although the ride can get a little bumpy when the ferry crosses the open seas, it’s a pleasant trip.

The Palm Beach Ferry is used by commuters and day-trippers.

Try to arrive at the ferry wharf early. During the peak holiday period the ferry can get packed. And you may need extra time to find an off-street parking spot. Also, if you want a great seat outdoors, arrive a few minutes before departure.

A tip if you're a traveller or day tripper: Take the L90 bus to Palm Beach from Central Station in Sydney. Then embark on the ferry to Ettalong. And take the train from Woy Woy back to Sydney. The train trip is quite scenic too.

Visitor Information

Prices return tickets: Adults $22.60; child & concession $11.40; child under 5 years free; Bicycles extra $6. Opal cards are not valid on this ferry.

Schedule: 10 ferries travel on weekdays, 9 travel on Saturdays and 8 travel on Sundays and public holidays.

***Here's the timetable >>

No need to book. Just turn up. Sit down and someone will come around to collect the fees. They now have card facilities; pay with cash or card.

The trip takes about 30 min.

Palm Beach Departure Tips

The ferry wharf is located at 1151 Barrenjoey Rd.

Parking in the area can be difficult. It can get very busy so allow plenty of time to find parking. There’s a parking area just beside the wharf... parking costs $20 per day unless you have a Pittwater parking permit.

Or you can park for free along Barrenjoey Rd or Iluka Rd.

Or catch the L90 bus if you’re coming from Sydney Central, Town Hall or Wynyard.

Get there even earlier if you’d like to check out the cute shops along Barrenjoey Rd before you catch the ferry.

Check out:

Bow Wow for elegant clothing and shoes
Palm Beach Home for designer products
Palm Beach Co for fine wine and food products

If you need more information, there’s a visitor information centre across the road from the wharf.

Ettalong Departure Tips

The Ettalong Wharf is located on Ferry Rd.

You’ll be able to find an off-street parking a bit further away. We usually find a spot along Booker Bay Rd or Murray St. You should be able to find a spot at no more than a couple minutes' walk to the wharf.