Fulfilling an election commitment, work begins Monday to get the wharf ready for passengers, with the NSW Government funding a wharf upgrade and the installation of Opal ticketing systems, CCTV, and enhanced safety and passenger information systems.
Once completed, the wharf will then be incorporated into one of the three Sydney Ferry routes that chart west of the Harbour Bridge, with services planned to commence from Balmain West wharf in the second half of 2025.
Transport for NSW and operator Transdev are assessing which service within the western harbour will be best placed to incorporate the new stop.
Before its closure, Balmain West Wharf was a stop on the F8 Cockatoo Island ferry route. Other route options for servicing Balmain West Wharf include the F3 Parramatta River route, which now has a frequency of every 20 minutes during the off-peak and weekends, served predominantly by the new Australian-made Parramatta River Class ferries.
The F10 ferry route is also set to expand, with repairs at Pirrama Park wharf due to be completed in early 2025.
Work on the wharf began in November with the floating pontoon removed and repaired off site, with steel due to be replaced and new handrails installed to improve access.
Once works are complete, Pirrama Park wharf will be reintroduced to the F10 route using the existing Me-Mel MiniCat vessel, providing Pyrmont residents with a direct ferry service to Barangaroo.
Planning is also underway to incorporate the F10 service into the Opal network, with Transport for NSW hoping to have the F10 ferry service under the Opal ticketing system in the second half of 2025. Once complete, passengers will be able to make the most of Opal benefits like discounts when transferring between modes and the $50 fare cap.
Ferries prepare for busy summer season on the harbour
Ferry users across the harbour will benefit as timetables are adapted from Friday 27 December to Sunday 19 January to serve holidaymakers and visitors exploring Greater Sydney on the water.
On the popular Circular Quay to Manly route, Manly Fast Ferries will depart every 15 minutes between 9am and 5pm, up from once every 20 minutes. Real time departure, arrival, service status and information updates for the Fest Ferry will soon come online via transport.nsw.info, the Opal Travel App and third-party apps.
Passengers heading to Taronga Zoo will be able to board an F2 ferry from Circular Quay every 20 minutes from 9am to 5pm seven days a week during the peak holiday period, up from once every 30 minutes.
Other routes across the harbour will have frequent services with passengers urged to use trip planning apps for the most up to date travel information and to access the holiday timetables.
Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:
"Returning services to Elliott Street wharf after 11 years and operating Sydney Ferry services to Pirrama Park wharf reflects our commitment to providing commuters with greater choice in their travel options, encouraging more people to leave their cars at home.
“These works deliver on the NSW Labor’s commitment promise of more ferry services and more ferry stops for Sydney's Inner West, creating more space on existing bus and light rail services in these communities.”
Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said:
"Pyrmont residents loved having access to the Me-Mel Ferry, and it’s a fantastic win that this service will be returning. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the restoration of the Pirrama Park wharf and look forward to seeing it back in service in the coming months.”
Member for Balmain Kobi Shetty said:
"The 2013 closure of the Elliott Street Wharf was bitterly disappointing for the community. Our community wants to see more access to public transport, not less. I welcome the Government’s work to bring this wharf back into service.
“I’m also pleased to see the Government has responded to community calls to add the F10 ferry service to the broader Opal network.”
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said:
"The integration of Elliott Street and Pirrama Park Wharves into our Sydney Ferry network represents a pivotal step in delivering reliable and efficient services to our commuters in the Inner West, ensuring a seamless journey across our beautiful harbour.
