Watsons Bay by Ferry (Sydney, Australia)

[@dennisforner6090]

Fully agree Mark catching a ferry is a great (& inexpensive) way to see the many landmarks around Sydney Habour & beyond. The ferry to Watson's Bay has been added to my 'Bucket List' - what a great day out - there is the Watson's Bay Hotel (pub) also nearby. Those seagulls must be the best fed around Sydney! Fort Denison (named after a former NSW Governor) was called "Pinchgut Island" (Aboriginal name 'Muddawahuyuh') when it was used to send wayward convicts during the early British colonization. You could catch a ferry there but unfortunately, it is now closed and undergoing restoration work. It was decided to build a fort there in the 1850s due to growing concerns about a possible Russian naval attack, due to the Crimean War (how history repeats itself). Ferry services have become very popular, especially on weekends. My son & daughter caught one over to Taronga Park Zoo to see a concert - it too was packed.

[@TravelwithMark]

I don't think Sydneysiders fully appreciate what they have there! Just don't get the chips. It's a pity the Watsons Bay to Manly ferry is not running, as that would make a really great triangular route around the harbour. Thanks for the info on Ft Denison/Pinchgut Island.

[@dennisforner6090]

@@TravelwithMark Yes Mark you are right - I had an ex-military mate, who was also a Tasmanian, who couldn't believe that I had never sailed Sydney Harbour. So he took us out a few times sailing a yacht - what an experience - only using sail just like the old days of sailing ships. One never forgets to duck one's head when the skipper yells 'Ready to come about'! I looked up the details of Fort Denison as I suggested to my family it would be a great place for my birthday - it has a ferry service, tours of the fort & a cafe. Only to find out it was closed at the start of 2024 for renovations.😥 I understand it is reopening with an upmarket restaurant - no cheap fish & chips. Rose Bay has the 18 Footers Sailing Club - a great place with views & great seafood.🙂 Looking forward to November when we go to the Melbourne Cup via a cruise ship - can't wait to sail out of the Heads heading south along the eastern coast to Melbourne. ANother 2 items off my 'bucket list' sail out of Sydney Harbour & experience the Melbourne Cup live.

[@TravelwithMark]

Sailing from Sydney to Melbourne...adding to my bucket list. I used to live in Potts Point many years ago, and had a view of the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

[@dennisforner6090]

@@TravelwithMark My late sister lived there in the 80s before moving to Manhattan NY. She loved the cosmopolitan feel but dreaded the weekends when the 'hordes' would come into Kings Cross. My son & daughter rent at Wooloomooloo (or the 'Loo) they love being so close to work & all the city life etc.

[@12domains79]

That was very interesting, Mark. I lived on the northern beaches for many years, travelling to work from Manly to Circular Quay but I never caught a ferry to another destination. However, that is now on the to do list when I visit Sydney in September.

[@TravelwithMark]

It's such a great way to travel around Sydney. I don't think Sydneysiders fully appreciate how wonderful it is

[@fredwalsh4108]

Doyle's over priced and overrated

[@TravelwithMark]

Yes, absolutely agree