Walsh Bay is officially joining Sydney’s ferry network in 2027
Following a community led campaign by the Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance, the NSW Government has confirmed a new ferry stop at Walsh Bay, connecting one of Sydney’s most significant arts and cultural precincts directly to the harbour transport network.
Our Goal Realised
The Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance was established to improve access to the Walsh Bay area and Arts Precinct by championing the introduction of a ferry service.
In September 2026, that goal became a reality. with the NSW Government confirming a new ferry stop at Walsh Bay.
Our mission has always been to enhance connectivity, support cultural vibrancy, reduce road congestion and ensure that visitors, artists, patrons, employment staff and residents can travel to and from the precinct safely, sustainably and efficiently by water.
Chaired by Yasmina Bonnet, the Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance is a stakeholder group including representatives from the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Pier One Hotel, Walsh Bay Precinct Association and the Millers Point Community Resident Action Group, in addition to local residents.
Together, the Alliance and its supporters successfully advocated for the return of ferry services to Walsh Bay.
AFFILIATED BODIES
AFFILIATED BODIES
A New Connection for Walsh Bay
Improved Access
A ferry service will improve access and connectivity for residents, visitors and large workforce, supporting local business and festival events such as Sydney Festival.
Promoting Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
Better transport access strengthens Sydney’s cultural and tourism economy, ensuring the precinct and its resident arts companies continues to thrive.
Reduced Road Congestion
A ferry service helps ease road congestion on Hickson Road and surrounding streets. Ferries provide a low-impact alternative to car travel, reducing emissions and contributing to a cleaner, greener precinct.
Safer Night Travel
Late-night ferry services offer a safer, well-lit, and reliable transport option after shows and events. This supports both patrons and staff returning home.
Celebrate Maritime Heritage
Walsh Bay is historically one of Australia’s most important maritime precincts. It has more wharves and jetties than any other shore of Sydney Harbour.
Better Links Across the Harbour
Restoring ferry services reconnects Walsh Bay with Sydney’s key transport hubs. It enables fast, convenient and scenic movement across the harbour.
Who We Are
The Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance is a stakeholder group consisting of representatives from Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Pier One Hotel, Millers Point Community Resident Action Group, Walsh Bay Precinct Association and local residents.
Yasmina Bonnet
Public space and community advocate, communications strategist. Vice President, Millers Point Community Resident Action Group, 2024 National Trust Advocacy award for Marrinawi Cove swimming campaign. Sydney Woman of the Year 2026 for the Sydney electorate (Alex Greenwich MP)
Millers Point
Local community representative and interior designer recognised for the restoration of Yalhalla within Milton Terrace, the last intact row of Victorian terraces in Australia. The restoration was featured on ABC’s Restoration Australia, becoming one of the program’s most-watched episodes
Dawes Point
Maryanne Collins
Laurie Brereton
Former Australian Minister of Transport and Australian Minister of Industrial Relations, former NSW Minister for Public Works and Ports (Australian Labour Party)
Walsh Bay
Walsh Bay
Chris Johnson
Architect, former NSW Government Architect and former CEO of Urban Taskforce Australia
Pictured Left to Right: Marryanne Collins, Dawes Point Representitive; Anne Dunn, Executive Director, Sydney Theatre Company; Heather Clarke, Precinct Manager, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Create NSW; Alex Greenwich MP, Independent Member for Sydney; Yasmina Bonnet, Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance Chair.MEDIA & ANNOUCEMENTS
In The Media
The announcement of a new Walsh Bay ferry stop was welcomed across government, media and the wider Sydney community. Explore the official announcement and coverage of this milestone for Walsh Bay.
NSW GOVERNMENT OFFICAL ANNOUCEMENT
Sydney's iconic ferry service meets world class arts precinct
The NSW Government confirms a new ferry stop at Walsh Bay, connecting the Arts Precinct to Sydney's wider ferry network from early 2027.
NSW GOVERNMENT
3 September 2026
WATCH THE ANNOUCEMENT
Walsh Bay Ferry Stop Announcement
Minister for Transport and the Arts John Graham announces the new Walsh Bay ferry connection.
JOHN GRAHAM MP
3 September 2026
Media Coverage
Sydney ferry network expands to Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
MEDIA & ANNOUCEMENTS
SECRET SYDNEY
3 September 2026
Secret Sydney looks at the new harbour connection and what it will mean for visitors, residents and the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
3 SEPTEMBER 2026
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
New ferry stop set to turn Sydney’s ‘hidden gem’ into must-do trip
Coverage of the new stop, the successful campaign and Walsh Bay’s future as a harbour destination.
3 SEPTEMBER 2026
CITY HUB
Sydney Ferries to add Walsh Bay to iconic harbour route
City Hub reports on the community advocacy behind the new ferry connection and its significance for Walsh Bay.
3 SEPTEMBER 2026
TIME OUT SYDNEY
Sydney is scoring a brand new public ferry stop at Walsh Bay
Time Out celebrates the new connection and a new way for Sydneysiders and visitors to arrive at the precinct.
7 SEPTEMBER 2026
Explore the full history
Explore the full history
Learn About Walsh Bay
Walsh Bay isn’t just a modern arts precinct, it’s a place shaped by centuries of harbour-side life: from its earliest Aboriginal custodians, to the bustling colonial wharves, to its rebirth as a cultural and residential precinct.
To fully understand our campaign’s vision for ferry access and its value for the community, heritage, and connectivity; we encourage you to explore the deep history of the area. Researched and written by local historian and architecture writer Davina Jackson.
Get In touch
Whether you're a local resident, visitor, arts patron or supporter of Walsh Bay, we’d love to hear from you. Use the form below to share your comments, questions or thoughts about the new ferry connection and the future of the precinct.