Parramatta ferry wharf is located in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta. It is the terminus for Sydney Ferries Parramatta River services operating to and from Circular Quay.
History The wharf was originally built in Parramatta shortly after the establishment of the settlement. The wharf is located next to the Queens' Wharf Reserve and the Gasworks Bridge, close to the site of the first official landing place at Parramatta, when Governor Phillip and a small number of marines arrived in 1788 to establish a second settlement. The first steam ferry to operate between Sydney and Parramatta was named Surprise, beginning service on 2 June 1831.The Parramatta Wharf Tramway Australian Railway Historical Society Bulletin issue 254 December 1958 pages 181-199 The original wharf was built by convicts from gum tree logs and reconstructed in sandstone in 1835. Paddle steamers regularly traveled upriver from Sydney Cove, carrying both goods and passengers..Explore Parramatta:Harris Park Heritage Walk Parramatta City Council
In October 1883, a steam tramway began service connecting the wharf at Redbank, near the confluence of Duck River, the Parramatta River and the town of Parramatta which extended along George Street to Park Gates. The tramway closed on 31 March 1943. The trams conveyed both passengers and goods, serving a number of industries from sidings off the main line.
As a result of silting and pollution of the river, Sydney Ferries Limited services west of Meadowbank ceased in 1928.Parramatta ferry service celebrates 20 years Parramatta City Council 9 December 2013 On 9 December 1993, the State Transit Authority resumed services to Parramatta.Parramatta RiverCat Ferry Services New South Wales Legislative Assembly Hansard 25 February 1992Steel, Reg, A ferry to Parramatta : return of the Parramatta ferries. State Transit Authority: Sydney, 1993.RiverCat Replacement Services Fleetline issue 237 July 1995 page 129By ferry to Parramatta Afloat May 2007
In October 2019 the wharf was rebuilt to improve protection from the elements, expand the waiting areas and accomidate more efficient ferry boarding and alighting.Parramatta Wharf Transport for NSW
In November 2023, Charles Street Square which acts as a waiting area for Parramatta Wharf was rebuilt.Parramatta River Transformation City of Parramatta
Services
During periods of low tide, services terminate at Rydalmere with passengers completing the final part of the journey on bus route 60F3 operated by Transit Systems.Parramatta ferry low tide replacement buses Transport for NSW
References
External links
Parramatta Wharf Transport for NSW Parramatta Wharf Local Area Map Transport for NSW