Sydney by ferry

Discovering Sydney Harbour by ferry is one of the city’s quintessential experiences.

In the days before the Harbour Bridge and the motor car, commuters took their regular seats on boats such as the Wallaby and the Lady Hampden, and swarmed into Circular Quay. On weekends, the ’great picnic trade’ ferried Sydney’s multitudes to Manly and Taronga Zoo, and to the now forgotten pleasure destinations such as Athol Gardens and Fairyland. In the Sydney By Ferry exhibition, beautiful photography and paintings, ferry models and ephemera uncovered the unique heritage of the harbour and its foreshores, telling a wonderful story of the ferries and harbour journeys that inspired painters, poets and Sydneysiders.

Supported by the Powerhouse Museum.

Past exhibition

  • 13 April 2002 - 4 August 2002