Palm Beach Ferry

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information. 

Palm Beach - Wagstaffe - Ettalong

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

Ettalong Wharf – Preparing to embark

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.

Read more: things to do in Ettalong 

Read more: things to do in Palm Beach

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.

Visitor Information

Website: Palm Beach Ferry

Timetable: Check the timetable here

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 paid parking area just beside the wharf. 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 parking spot at no more than a couple minutes' walk to the wharf. 

View From the Palm Beach Ferry...

The Palm Beach Ferry is leaving Ettalong. Looking over Brisbane Water

The ferry is exiting Brisbane Water. Looking back at Ettalong and the Mantra hotel

Cruising past Lobster Beach

Pearl and Umina Beaches

Broken Bay... cruising in the open seas. It's starting to get a little bumpy

Lion Island

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Entering Pittwater

Palm Beach

Welcome