New outing alert! Glebe to Barangaroo ferry

The Glebe to Barangaroo ferry route re-opened in January, offering a 13-minute trip into the city by water. It’s great for commuters but also for parents looking for a fun and easy outing for the kids. Inner West Mums checked it out.

Getting there

The ferry stop is located at Blackwattle Bay Wharf on the Glebe Foreshore. Keep your eyes peeled for crabs scuttling around the rocks as you wait for the ferry. Or pick up a coffee or pastry from the adjacent Antoine’s Cottage. It has a marquee set up outside selling take away, plus outdoor seating. If you’re early (or there’s more energy to burn after the return trip) there’s a small playground a short walk up the hill on Leichhardt Street.

The foreshore walk was popular with dog-owners on our weekend visit, and offered a great view of the local dragon boat action.

The ferry ride

Glebe to Barangaroo ferry

Riding on such a compact, dinky little ferry was quite a treat! A very different experience to the bigger vessels on the more popular ferry routes. And importantly for a journey on the Harbour, it does have outdoor seating at the back for those amazing views and the feeling of sea breeze in your hair. The route travels under both the ANZAC Bridge and the old, wooden Pyrmont Bridge. It’s a view of Sydney Harbour we had never seen before. It was a blissful, interesting 13 minutes on the water! Please note that Opal cards are not accepted on this route, you’ll need to pay on the ferry.

On arrival at the Barangaroo ferry wharves, you have the choice of jumping off and exploring. Or doing some ferry hopping around the Harbour. The River Cat also stops here if you want to venture down the Parramatta River (another wonderful trip with kids).

Don’t forget to peer into the water for some jellyfish spotting.

Barangaroo

There’s not a lot specifically for kids at Barangaroo but it is still fun to explore. Stargazer Lawn is a good spot for a picnic lunch. There’s a very small playground at Clyne Reserve. And the sandstone-block-lined Wulugul Walk is good to stroll, scooter or bicycle. There’s some interesting public art along the way too – with more to come in March as it hosts works from the Sydney Biennale. And more than 75,000 native trees and shrubs throughout the park.

It’s a bit of a walk for little legs – and there’s not a lot of shade at the moment as the trees establish – so consider taking a pram or stroller if you have a toddler or young pre-schooler (we saw a family get on and off the small ferry with one with no drama). Barangaroo is pram, wheelchair, bike, scooter and skateboard friendly!

And if you need snacks or cold drinks for your picnic, grab them at the dining/retail precinct as you get off the ferry. There’s a Bourke Street Bakery a short walk from where you disembark for the essential coffee (for the parents) and croissant (for the kids). We didn’t spot any food and drink options on the walk itself. Although there are public toilets.

Blackwattle Bay Wharf is located at the bottom of Leichhardt Street in Glebe. The F10 ferry to Barangaroo runs Monday to Sunday.