Parramatta ferry wharf

Parramatta ferry wharf is located near the source of the Parramatta River, serving the city of Parramatta.

Parramatta
Wharf in May 2025
General information
Location	Charles Street, Parramatta New South Wales Australia
Coordinates	33°48′50.09″S 151°0′38.09″E
Owned by	Transport for NSW
Operated by	Transdev Sydney Ferries
Platforms	1 wharf (1 berth)
Connections	Parramatta River Ferry Wharf, Philip St
Construction
Accessible	Yes
Other information
Status	Unstaffed
History
Opened	9 December 1993
Services
Preceding wharf Sydney Ferries Following wharf Rydalmere towards Circular Quay F3 Parramatta Terminus
Location

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.^[1] 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..^[2]

In October 1883, a steam tramway began service connecting the wharf at Redbank, near the confluence of Duck River andthe 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.^[1]

As a result of silting and pollution of the river, Sydney Ferries Limited services west of Meadowbank ceased in 1928.^[3] In December 1993, the State Transit Authority resumed services to Parramatta.^[4][5][6][7]

Currently, Parramatta wharf is served by Sydney Ferries' Parramatta River services which operates to and from Circular Quay.^[8] The single wharf is served by RiverCat, River and Parramatta River class ferries. During periods of low tide, services terminate at Rydalmere with passengers completing the final part of the journey by bus.^[9]

In October 2019 Parramatta Wharf was rebuilt to improve protection from the elements, expand the waiting areas and accomidate more efficient ferry boarding and alighting.^[10]

In November 2023, Charles Street Square which acts as a waiting area for Parramatta Wharf was rebuilt.^[11]

Wharves and services

Platform	Line	Stopping pattern	Notes
1	F3	Services to Circular Quay

Transport links

Parramatta wharf is served by Transit Systems 900 Parramatta Free Shuttle loop service.^[12][13]