Shark Island ferry, Sydney: Timetable & fare prices

The Shark Island ferry in Sydney departs from Circular Quay twice a day. The $20 return fare price includes the $7 Sydney Harbour National Park entry fee.

The Shark Island ferry is the best way of getting to Shark Island in Sydney. But you need to pick the right time.

Where is Shark Island?

Shark Island is a 1.5 hectare island in Sydney Harbour, about 1km from Rose Bay. Also known as Boowambillee, it is part of Sydney Harbour National Park. It is best known as a picnic spot, but Shark Island is also home to a few tidal rock pools and hand-carved grottos.

There is a national park fee of $7 per person for visiting Shark Island. For more information on the island, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

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Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.

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Shark Island ferry timetable

The Shark Island ferry is run by Captain Cook Cruises, and the timetable changes reasonably often. To be sure of getting the right ferry times, visit the operator website.

However, at the time of writing, there are two Circular Quay to Shark Island ferry services per day on weekdays. The first of these Shark Island ferries departs Circular Quay Wharf 6 at 09.15, arriving at 09.35. The second departs at 11.00 and arrives 11.20. These ferries both go to Watsons Bay and Manly.

The return ferries from Shark Island to Circular Quay depart at 13.30 and 15.25.

13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

(💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
(Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
(🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.

Shark Island ferry weekend timetable

The weekend timetable for the Shark Island ferry is slightly different. The departures from Circular Quay are at 09.15 and 10.32, but there is only one service back from Shark Island. This departs at 15.30.

All services stop at Taronga Zoo on the way to Shark Island.

Shark Island ferry prices

The Shark Island ferry fares are set at $20 per person. This is for a return journey – no one-way fares are available. However, the $20 Shark Island ferry fare price includes the national park entry fee.

Other good things to do on Sydney Harbour include harbour cruises, walking across the Harbour Bridge and taking sailing lessons.