Connecting Walsh Bay to the Sydney Ferries Network
A community-led initiative advocating for safe, sustainable and efficient ferry access to the world-class Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Supported by Alex Greenwich MP and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore
The Goal
The Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance is dedicated to improving access to the Walsh Bay area and Arts Precinct by championing the introduction of a ferry service.
Our mission is to enhance connectivity, support cultural vibrancy, reduce road congestion and ensure that visitors, artists, patrons, employment staff and residents can travel to and from the precinct safely, sustainably and efficiently by water.
Chaired by Yasmina Bonnet, the Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance is a stakeholder group including representatives from the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Pier One Hotel, Walsh Bay Precinct Association and the Millers Point Community Resident Action Group in addition to local residents.
AFFILIATED BODIES
AFFILIATED BODIES
Why come on board?
Improved Access
A ferry service would improve access and connectivity for residents, visitors and large workforce, supporting local business and festival events such as Sydney Festival.
Promoting Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
Better transport access strengthens Sydney’s cultural and tourism economy, ensuring the precinct and its resident arts companies continues to thrive.
Reduced Road Congestion
A ferry service helps ease road congestion on Hickson Road and surrounding streets. Ferries provide a low-impact alternative to car travel, reducing emissions and contributing to a cleaner, greener precinct.
Safer Night Travel
Late-night ferry services offer a safer, well-lit, and reliable transport option after shows and events. This supports both patrons and staff returning home.
Celebrate Maritime Heritage
Walsh Bay is historically one of Australia’s most important maritime precincts. It has more wharves and jetties than any other shore of Sydney Harbour.
Better Links Across the Harbour
Restoring ferry services reconnects Walsh Bay with Sydney’s key transport hubs. It enables fast, convenient and scenic movement across the harbour.
Who We Are
The Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance is a stakeholder group consisting of representatives from Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Pier One Hotel, Millers Point Community Resident Action Group, Walsh Bay Precinct Association and local residents.
Yasmina Bonnet
Public space and community advocate, communications strategist. Vice President, Millers Point Community Resident Action Group, 2024 National Trust Advocacy award for Marrinawi Cove swimming campaign. Sydney Woman of the Year 2026 for the Sydney electorate (Alex Greenwich MP)
Millers PointLocal community representative and interior designer recognised for the restoration of Yalhalla within Milton Terrace, the last intact row of Victorian terraces in Australia. The restoration was featured on ABC’s Restoration Australia, becoming one of the program’s most-watched episodes
Dawes PointMaryanne Collins
Laurie Brereton
Former Australian Minister of Transport and Australian Minister of Industrial Relations, former NSW Minister for Public Works and Ports (Australian Labour Party)
Walsh BayWalsh BayChris Johnson
Architect, former NSW Government Architect and former CEO of Urban Taskforce Australia
Pictured Left to Right: Marryanne Collins, Dawes Point Representitive; Anne Dunn, Executive Director, Sydney Theatre Company; Heather Clarke, Precinct Manager, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct Create NSW; Alex Greenwich MP, Independent Member for Sydney; Yasmina Bonnet, Walsh Bay Ferry Alliance Chair.
Explore the full history
Explore the full history
Learn About Walsh Bay
Walsh Bay isn’t just a modern arts precinct, it’s a place shaped by centuries of harbour-side life: from its earliest Aboriginal custodians, to the bustling colonial wharves, to its rebirth as a cultural and residential precinct.
To fully understand our campaign’s vision for ferry access and its value for the community, heritage, and connectivity; we encourage you to explore the deep history of the area. Researched and written by local historian and architecture writer Davina Jackson.
Get In touch
Whether you're a local resident, a visitor, an arts patron, or someone who cares about improving access to Walsh Bay, we invite you to get in touch. Use the form below to share your comments, questions, or ideas.