Ferries return to Birkenhead Point with new shopping shuttle service
A new Sydney Harbour ferry service has been launched to shuttle tourists between Circular Quay and two shopping centres – and it’s expected to be used by commuters as well.
The Hello Sydney! Shopper Hopper ferry will operate between Circular Quay and Mirvac’s Harbourside shopping centre in Pyrmont and Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre in Drummoyne.
Along the way passengers can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Luna Park, Cockatoo Island and the city skyline.
Sydney shopping centres Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre, pictured, and Harbourside will be serviced by a new ferry timetable. Photo: Supplied
Tickets will be $10 per leg, with a discounted 10-pass option for commuters travelling the route on a more regular basis.
There will be 16 journeys throughout the day, seven days a week, starting at 8am from Birkenhead Point to Circular Quay.
The last service of the day leaves Circular Quay at 5.40pm for the journey to Birkenhead Point.
The vessel can carry 28 passengers and there is free wi-fi available. Tickets can be bought online or on board.
Harbourside Shopping Centre, Darling Harbour. Photo: Bob Peters
The last Sydney Ferries service to Birkenhead Point, which opened as a shopping centre in 1981, was decommissioned in October 2010.
Mirvac retail portfolio manager Michelle Higgins says the Shopper Hopper services the only two shopping centres in Sydney that can be accessed by water and surrounded by neighbouring communities.
“The Shopper Hopper will not only cater to tourists, but will also provide a convenient and much-needed service to our local commuters,” she says.
Fantasea Cruises, which operates a water taxi fleet in the harbour and a range of sightseeing cruises, will provide and operate the ferry.
The Hello Sydney! program was launched by Birkenhead Point, Harbourside and iVenture Card in December 2015. It offers savings and discounts on shopping, dining and entertainment for visitors to the city.
More information and tickets are available through the Hello Sydney! website.
