Are Dogs Allowed on Sydney Ferries?

The rules for whether pets are allowed on ferries in Sydney differ depending on whether it is a government-operated ferry or one of the privately-operated ferries. Read on to find out more about the rules for that apply to each ferry and whether you can take dogs on Sydney ferries.

Ferries Operated by Transport NSW

The rules for dogs on the Sydney Ferries operated by Transport NSW are similar to rules for government-operated buses and the light rail. These apply both on the harbour and the Rivercat ferries operating from Circular Quay, including the popular Manly ferry.

Pets are only allowed if they are confined in a box, basket or other container. This basically means only small dogs able to be carried in a pet carrier are allowed onboard. You should ask and receive permission first from the crew. Pets also need to travel on the outside deck if available.

Until a couple of years ago, the need for a carrier was often not enforced, with even larger dogs allowed onboard. But after a few incidents, the written rules are these days being enforced. There are signs on the walls at many ferry terminals. And even if your dog is in a carrier, unfortunately, there is still a chance the crew may deny permission.

Privately-Operated Ferries in Sydney

The rules for dogs on private-operated ferries in Sydney are generally more flexible, with dogs of all sizes sometimes permitted on board with just the requirement they that are leashed, but this seems to be changing. Read on to find out the specific rules for each ferry company and whether you can take dogs on ferries in Sydney…

Manly Fast Ferry

Manly Fast Ferry operates regular ferry services between Circular Quay and Manly, taking a quicker 20 minutes compared to 30 minutes on the traditional ferries. There’s even a bar onboard. They also previously operated a ferry service between Manly and Watsons Bay.

I’ve received mixed responses from staff members when enquiring about taking dogs onboard the ferries. Currently, there is no pet policy clearly posted on their website or on posters at their wharves. Although I have managed to dig up a page on their website, with a policy the same as on government-run ferries, but not linked from the main page.

I’ve been told by email that pets merely need to be restrained, not necessarily in an enclosed carrier, plus stay on the outside deck. In the past I’ve encountered smaller dogs travelling like this on their ferries and also seen photos of larger dogs.

However, when I most recently travelled on one of their ferries in September 2025, I was told that my dog should be in a carrier. I get the impression though that this is not always enforced. But when taking the Manly Fast Ferry, I recommend you expect that a carrier is required, with large dogs on a leash not allowed.

Captain Cook Cruises

Some of the ferries operated on Sydney Harbour are also operated by the private company, Captain Cook Cruises. Their rocket ferry fleet operates between Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Manly and Watsons Bay, including a handy connection from Watsons Bay to Manly. They also operate commuter ferries to Watsons Bay and Lane Cove.

Pets are allowed to join you on their ferries, with the rules similar to the government operated ferries. According to their FAQ, permission from the crew is required prior to boarding and pets have to be restrained in a suitable box, basket, or other container at all times. Pets should travel in outdoor areas if available, and it’s recommended you keep your pet away from other travelling animals.

Note that these rules only apply on the ferries operated by Captain Cook, not also on the many sightseeing and dining cruises that they operate. Additionally, Shark Island is located in the Sydney Harbour National Park, with no pets allowed.

Cronulla Ferries

Cronulla Ferries operate a regular ferry crossing between Cronulla and Bundeena, on the northern edge of the Royal National Park. The ferries operate roughly hourly, with the journey taking about 25 minutes in each direction.

Dogs are allowed on the ferry, as long as they are leashed, for no extra charge. When I’ve caught the ferry, I’ve seen dogs of all sizes onboard it multiple times.

While dogs are not allowed to join you on a hike in the Royal National Park, there are dog-friendly beaches in Bundeena. Dogs are allowed on both Gunyah Beach, adjacent to the ferry wharf, and the larger Hordern Beach, at certain times of the week and year. Check the rules for dog-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Palm Beach Ferries

Palm Beach Ferries operates two main routes from Palm Beach in the far north of Sydney. Firstly, they operate the Basin Ferry Service, with stops around Pittwater including Mackerel, Currawong and the Basin. The service operates roughly hourly, with a round trip taking 45 minutes.

Secondly, they operate a service across to Ettalong and Wagstaffe on the Central Coast, crossing Broken Bay. This crossing to Ettalong takes about 30 minutes, with this service operating roughly every 90 minutes.

Previously, both small and large dogs were allowed onboard, as long as they were leashed and remained on the outside deck. However, this has now changed, with the FAQ stating only pets confined to a box or other carrier are allowed, with permission from the crew necessary. There is no charge for dogs.

Enjoy a cruise around Pittwater or across Broken Bay with your dog on the ferry. Alternatively, use the ferry to access the dog-friendly beach at Mackerel, which is only accessible by boat, or enjoy a day at Ettalong, also home to an off-leash dog beach.

Note that the Basin lies within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where dogs are prohibited, so dogs obviously can’t disembark at this stop.

Boathouse Ferry Co.

A second ferry also operates from the Palm Beach ferry wharf. The current operators of the ferry to Patonga is the Boathouse Ferry Co, part of the same group that operates the up-market pubs of the same name in Palm Beach and Patonga.

Crossing take place on the original Palm Beach ferry ‘Merinda II’. Double check the latest ferry timetable in advance. In particular, there are only limited departures over the winter, with the ferry generally not operating midweek.

Dogs are welcome onboard the Boathouse Ferry, presumably needing to be leashed and kept on the outside deck. Once you arrive in Patonga, there’s a great off-leash dog beach next to the jetty, with no time restrictions. Plus of course The Boathouse Patonga welcomes pets in its outdoor dining area.

Church Point Ferry Service

At the southern end of Pittwater, the Church Point Ferry Service operates from Church Point. Roughly hourly ferries cross to nearby Scotland Island, plus to a number of wharves on the western shore of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Dogs are welcome on the ferry, as long as they are always kept on a leash and under control at all times. Be a responsible dog owner and make sure this privilege remains!

Make use of the ferry to enjoy the day on Scotland Island with your dog. There are multiple wharves around the island. Note that dogs are prohibited from entering Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Brooklyn Ferry Service

The Brooklyn Ferry Service is a small privately-run ferry operating out of Brooklyn, on the shores of the Hawkesbury River. They operate two restored historic vessels across to Dangar Island and the small enclave of Little Wobby Beach on the far side of the river, with roughly hourly departures.

There are two options for bringing pets on board. Either they need to be contained in a cage, or else they need to be both leashed and muzzle. Halter straps are not sufficient, and while loan muzzles used to be available, you now need your own muzzle.

Tips for Catching a Ferry with Your Dog

A ferry trip with your dog can be a fun outing to enjoy around Sydney, but for an enjoyable experience keep in mind these tips:

• Check the rules for the ferry that you want to catch – are larger dogs allowed or just small dogs in a carrier (or a dog stroller)?
• Double check the latest timetable. Some of these ferries are infrequent and the timetable may differ between the summer and winter seasons.
• Ride on the outside deck with your dog, if available. You’ll also enjoy the best views!
• Keep in mind that ferries may be cancelled during wild weather (and your dog would also not appreciate the trip).
• If you need to request permission from the crew, there is a chance they may not allow your pet on board, particularly if the ferry is at capacity. It’s best if you have some flexibility.

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