Arts fans, tourists, residents and workers will be able to access Walsh Bay by ferry, with a new regular ferry stop planned for the harbourside performing arts precinct.
The service is expected to commence in early 2027, with Walsh Bay forming part of the F3 Parramatta River route during commuter peak periods and the F8 Cockatoo Island route during off-peak periods and weekends.
The new stop will provide greater public transport access to the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, home to major cultural organisations including Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Australian Theatre for Young People and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
It will also provide a direct ferry connection between Walsh Bay and Western Sydney through the Parramatta River route, while passengers will be able to connect with the broader Sydney Harbour ferry network through Circular Quay.
Before regular services begin, Transport for NSW will upgrade the Walsh Bay Wharf 2 pontoon with new power and lighting, Opal equipment, CCTV, wayfinding signage, a Passenger Information Display, Help Point and a pivot pile. The works are expected to take around six months.
The F3 service is expected to predominantly use Parramatta River Class ferries, while First Fleet Class vessels are expected to operate on the F8. Final fleet deployment and route arrangements will be confirmed following further consultation and operational planning.
The Walsh Bay announcement follows the reactivation of the Pirrama Park ferry stop at Pyrmont in March 2025. A new ferry service for the Sydney Fish Market is also planned to commence in 2027, while a future Rozelle Bay stop will be delivered later as part of the broader Bays West redevelopment.
The new ferry connection will complement Barangaroo Metro station, which is around 600 metres from the Sydney Theatre Company and other venues in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct.
Minister for Transport and the Arts John Graham said the new service would improve access to one of Sydney’s major performing arts precincts while creating another harbour transport option for visitors, residents and workers.