Always dreamed of island hopping, but don't have the time or budget for a luxurious cruise? Sydney ferries is the best way to go, you can experience island hopping all in one day without breaking the budget.
Okay so it might not be the South Pacific or Caribbean, but Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful habours in the world, so that counts right?
We woke up early (too early for my partner apparently - as he put it, military time), went to a cafe for brekkie to feast on and fill our tummies for a wonderful great day - it was tiring at the end, but well worth it.
Waving bye to Iconic Sydney from the back of the ferries...
We decided it would be lovely to see the harbour in a different perspective and to experience the wonders that going by car will not allow us to see.
Our day began by catching the train out to Circular Quay. This is a convenient way to catch the ferries - as you jump straight off the train, walk a few metres and the wharfs welcome you.
Our first island stop was Cockatoo Island, it was a short ferry ride which stopped at multiple 'million dollar' views and wharfs that we admired from the ferry deck.
We were greeted by the staff at Cockatoo Island and then enjoyed a leisurely self guided walk around the island, all whilst admiring the surrounding views and the rich history.
We hopped back onto the ferry and made our way to Watsons Bay for some fish and chips and the spectacular views of the mysterious ocean. We did some of the short and easy walks around the beautiful sandstone cliffs overlooking the ocean, and then took time out under a tree at the park opposite the wharf.
Some of the picturesque wharfs we passed...
Fueled up and still on an 'excitement high', we decided to continue our island hopping, where, at our next destination, we stole a kiss at Kissing Point and indulged in ice-cream at Manly wharf as we made our way to the beach and admired the beach life.
Our ferry island hopping did not end there, we took a ferry to darling harbour and petted wildlife at Sydney Wildlife before we headed back to the wharf for a romantic cruise to Meadowbank. Here we were tempted with the aromas of seafood at a restaurant and took a romantic stroll around the water.
Our day finally ended back at Circular Quay and a train ride back home, all exhausted but with no doubt memories to last a life time!
Of course you can make up your own itinerary which is half the fun or do what we did and just jumped on any ferry and went along for the ride.
We cannot wait for our next 'ferry island hopping' to experience other ferry stops around Sydney that we did not see yet.
Ferries can be expensive, so the most convenient and cheapest way is to get an Opal Card (free - all you do is add money to the card) and you will be charged a flat rate of $15 for unlimited ferry rides all day, this also includes other public transport.
Manly, Watsons Bay, Darling Harbour & Meadowbank are just some of the places we stopped at...
