Accessible ferry travel (2024)

Accessible ferry travel (2)

All Sydney Ferries vessels are accessible to people using essential mobility aids, but several older-style wharves have steps that prevent access.

Planning an accessible trip with the Trip Planner will show you which services are accessible by displaying the wheelchair accessible symbol in your trip plan results.

If travelling with private ferry operators in NSW, check accessibility and other information by contacting the local transport operator.

To plan your accessible trip by ferry, you can also:

Accessible wharves

Wheelchair accessible wharves have level or ramped access that allows independent access by a person using a manual wheelchair or walking aid.

They are also accessible via electric wheelchairs or scooters or if you are travelling with the help of a friend or carer.

Petrol-run scooters are not permitted on wharves or ferries at any time.

Wheelchair accessible wharves

  • Circular Quay* wharves 2, 3, 4 and 5,
  • Abbotsford
  • Balmain
  • Balmain East
  • Barangaroo
  • Cabarita
  • Chiswick
  • co*ckatoo Island
  • Cremorne Point*
  • Drummoyne
  • Garden Island
  • Huntleys Point
  • Kissing Point
  • Manly
  • McMahons Point
  • Meadowbank
  • Milsons Point
  • Mosman Bay
  • Neutral Bay*
  • Parramatta
  • Pyrmont Bay
  • Rose Bay
  • Rydalmere
  • Sydney Olympic Park
  • Taronga Zoo
  • Woolwich

*Low tide wharf access

The accessibility at Circular Quay, Cremorne Point and Neutral Bay changes at low tide.

Assisted access may be required. Gangway and Ramp gradients are tide dependent.

For information about low tides please visit the Bureau of Meteorology tidal website

Travel at low tide to and from Parramatta

Some wharves are not accessible when tides are low, as the slope of the gangway ramp becomes too steep for safe boarding and disembarking.

At certain times some ferry services between Parramatta and Rydalmere are replaced by bus services because of natural low tides in the shallow waters of the upper Parramatta River. You can check the most up-to-date Parramatta ferry bus replacement services schedule before you travel.

There are floating wharves at Newcastle and Stockton wharves, making them accessible at all times.

Getting on and off the ferry and at wharves

People with disabilities and their carers are given priority boarding by Sydney ferries. Make yourself known to a staff member on the wharf.

The crew will ensure you are safely on board and your mobility aid is securely parked in the designated area before departing.

Toilet access on ferries

All ferries have toilet facilities including at least one wheelchair accessible toilet.

Unstaffed wharves

If your wharf is unstaffed, please wait for your service in a safe place away from the wharf edge.

Park your mobility aid secured and sideways, rather than facing the water.

The ferry crew will assist you on board.

Staff assistance

When catching the ferry, staff and crew can assist with:

  • getting on and off the ferry with the gangway
  • directing you to the best place on board the ferry to park your mobility aid
  • service and trip planning information
  • the location of accessible facilities at the wharf and on the ferry.

Staff cannot assist you with:

  • the operation of your mobility aid
  • the moving of your mobility aid including lifting or carrying it
  • your personal care needs.

You need to be able to board the ferry independently, or with the assistance of a friend or carer.

I'm an avid transportation enthusiast with a deep understanding of public transport systems, particularly in New South Wales (NSW). My expertise extends to various modes of transportation, including metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail, and even regional travel. I've spent considerable time exploring the intricacies of the transport network in NSW and can provide valuable insights into planning journeys, using different modes of transport, and ensuring accessibility.

Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article about planning travel in NSW:

  1. Trip Planner and Apps:

    • The article emphasizes the use of the Trip Planner or apps to plan travel in NSW.
    • Travelers are encouraged to check timetables, travel alerts, and find information on stations, stops, wharves, and events.
  2. Tickets and Opal:

    • Information on tickets and Opal cards for various modes of transport, including metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail, and coaches within Sydney and around NSW.
    • Details about Opal cards, fares, payments, concessions, and managing Opal cards.
  3. Regional Travel:

    • The article covers regional bookings, online saver fares, advance booking discounts, Discovery Pass, child and family fares, and pensioner travel vouchers for regional train and coach services.
  4. Using Public Transport:

    • Information on how to use public transport to get around Sydney and NSW.
    • Specifics about metro, train, bus, ferry, light rail, driving, taxi, on-demand services, and walking.
  5. Accessible Travel:

    • Emphasis on accessible travel, particularly on ferries.
    • Details about wheelchair accessible wharves, considerations during low tide, and assistance for people with disabilities.
  6. Staff Assistance and Facilities:

    • Information on staff assistance during boarding and disembarking, priority for people with disabilities, and the availability of wheelchair-accessible toilets.
    • Guidance for unstaffed wharves and the role of staff in providing trip planning information and directing passengers to accessible facilities.

The article aims to empower travelers with comprehensive information on planning, ticketing, regional travel, using public transport, and ensuring accessibility, showcasing the commitment of the transport system in NSW to cater to diverse needs. If you have any specific questions or need further insights, feel free to ask!

Accessible ferry travel (2024)

FAQs

Accessible ferry travel? ›

Ferries which have private cabins have a range of wheelchair accessible cabins on most vessels, with wider doors and step-free en suite facilities. Some have bunk beds and your travelling companion/s may need to use an upper bunk.

Are ferries disabled friendly? ›

All Passenger Terminals have disabled access and facilities visit our port guides . If you require additional assistance getting onboard or around the ship, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance.

Are there elevators on Washington state ferries? ›

These vessels have elevators from the car deck to the passenger cabin. It is important to notify the ticket seller if you need access to an elevator. Accessible restrooms can be found both in the passenger cabin and on the car deck on the Issaquah, Chelan, Kitsap, Kittitas, and Cathlamet.

What are you not allowed to take on a ferry? ›

Knives, including ceremonial, religious and hunting knives, made of metal or any other material strong enough to be used as a potential weapon. Meat cleavers. Machetes. Open razors and blades (excluding safety or disposable razors with blades enclosed in cartridges)

Can you walk around Washington State Ferries? ›

You are free to move around. You will exit the ferry on the docked side following the directions of the ferry employee.

Do ferries take foot passengers? ›

Once checked in, foot passengers will be directed and transferred to the ship as advised by the check in staff.

Can you take a mobility scooter on a ferry? ›

Therefore, for safety reasons, we are likely to require electric mobility aid users to leave their scooters outside the lounge area given the restrictions in space on board. However, our crew will assist you to a seat if required.

Can you drink on Washington ferry? ›

Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed within designated areas. Be courteous by keeping conversations, music, and videos at a level not disturbing other passengers. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed in WSF terminals or on vessels.

Do ferries have toilets? ›

Which ferry service is more accessible? All vessels have accessible toilets on the lower levels.

How long is the Washington Island ferry ride? ›

The ride to Washington Island is approximately 4.5 miles, or 30 minutes, and our ferries take you past several islands on the way to Washington Island. We recommend a vehicle, but bicycling or tours (in season) are great, too.

Can you sit in your car on a ferry? ›

No. For safety reasons all passengers must leave their vehicles and make their way to the lounges or open decks.

Can you take your own food on a ferry? ›

Yes, of course! Actually, you are not only allowed, but you are advised to. To be clear, there are canteens or restaurants on the ferries, where you can find snacks and drinks. Tip: If you don't want to spend your whole vacation budget on board, then you should probably bring homemade snacks.

How early do you need to arrive for a ferry? ›

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Plan your journey to the port: Passengers must check in at least 60 minutes before departure . If you are checking in with a pet, you must arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.

What is the senior rate on Washington State Ferries? ›

Fare Information for Wednesday April 24, 2024
Fare DescriptionCost
Senior (age 65 & over) / Disability$3.85
Youth (age 18 and under)No Charge
Multi-Ride Commuter Card 10 Ride$61.90
WSF Monthly Pass 31 Ride$99.05
22 more rows

Is Bainbridge Island walkable from the ferry? ›

Our downtown is accessible from the Seattle waterfront via a 40-minute ferry ride and serves as a gateway to the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond. Bainbridge Island Downtown Association embraces our strong transportation links to foster a walkable and accessible Main Street for locals, tourists, and Seattleites.

Can I take alcohol on a ferry? ›

Alcohol cannot be brought onboard for consumption. A great selection of alcoholic drinks can be purchased in our outlets onboard. You can, of course, travel with alcholic beverages in your luggage or vehicle.

Can disabled people go on a river cruise? ›

Cabin Size and Configuration

River cruise cabins are much smaller than hotel rooms, and not every river ship offers accessible staterooms. Several lines offer a small number of accessible or modified staterooms with wide doors, but these might not be available on all of their ships.

Is NYC ferry wheelchair accessible? ›

Our ferries are fully accessible to New Yorkers with disabilities, and comply with the requirements of both the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York City Local Law 68 of 2005.

Can you walk on a ferry? ›

It's our quickest route, with crossing times of just 22 minutes on one of our high-speed FastCat catamarans. You're welcome to choose one of our vehicle ferry routes, too. Both our Lymington – Yarmouth route and our Portsmouth – Fishbourne route take foot passengers but sailing times are slightly longer.

Can disabled people go to the beach? ›

Most of the public beaches lend beach wheelchairs free of charge, usually from a lifeguard or the entrance kiosk at a beach. Some may be reserved ahead of time, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead for availability.

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