Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair access information
Whilst all vessels can be accessed by essential mobility aids, there are several older-style wharves with steps that prevent access. Wharves listed as ‘wheelchair accessible’ have level or ramped access suitable for independent access by a person using a manual wheelchair or walking aid. They are also accessible by customers in a motorised wheelchair or scooter, or for customers travelling with help of a friend or carer.
Please note there are some wharves that are not accessible when tides are low as the gradient of the gangway ramp is too steep for safe boarding and disembarking. You can read more about using Sydney Ferries services with a wheelchair or mobility aid in the Travel safely with Sydney Ferries guide (PDF).
To request a large print or hard copy of this information, please contact us. Or pick up a copy of our Travel Safely guide from Circular Quay.
Wheelchair accessible wharves
The current list of wheelchair accessible wharves at April 2011:
Circular Quay* wharves 2, 3, 4 and 5, Abbotsford, Cabarita, Chiswick, Cremorne Point*, Darling Harbour Terminal, Garden Island, Kissing Point, Manly, Meadowbank, Milsons Point / Luna Park, Mosman Bay, Neutral Bay*, Parramatta, Rydalmere, Sydney Olympic Park and Taronga Zoo.
* Assisted access may be required at low tide. For information about low tides please visit the Bureau of Meteorology tidal website. Gangway and Ramp gradients are tide dependent.
Customers travelling with mobility aids
Sydney Ferries aims to give priority boarding to customers with disabilities and their carers. If you require priority boarding make yourself know to a staff member on the wharf.
- Petrol run scooters (those similar to motorbikes), large ride-on-scooters with a laden weight over 300 kg and all three-wheeled ride-on-scooters are not permitted on the wharf or ferry in any circumstance.
- Sydney Ferries staff cannot operate mobility aids or lift or carry customers or their mobility aids. If you need assistance of this kind while travelling on the ferry, you will need to travel with a friend or carer.
- The Manly Ferry gangway ramps can carry mobility aids up to 80cm wide and 130cm long, with a combined weight less than 300kg. This includes you, the aid and anyone required to assist you to cross the gangway.
- All other vessels and gangways are designed to carry mobility aids up to 74cm wide and 130cm long, with a combined weight less than 300kg. This includes you, the aid and anyone required to assist you to cross the gangway.
- Your mobility aid should be capable of turning 180 degrees within a space no more that 154cm wide by 207cm long to ensure safe access on wharves, gangways and on board the vessel.
- Your mobility aid should have an effective braking system and be able to withstand the acceleration, deceleration and pitching of the ferry
- Read more in the Travel safely with Sydney Ferries guide (PDF).
Accessibility at Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island have information about accessibility on the island on their website. You can read more here.