Parramatta to the Quay by RiverCat

Platy767 · May 05, 2026, 05:04:32 AM

Hi all,

If you haven't been to Sydney, or it's been a while, have a sticky at this. I was surprised that I watched it all the way through, but really enjoyed it.

I live a little to the north of Parramatta and am embarrassed to say that I've not done the RiverCat trip to and from the Quay. I think I should.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atnAyR9u-6A

Mark

Graham · May 05, 2026, 07:41:10 AM

I tried to do this a couple of times. I used to be in Sydney almost every week for a couple of days, and at one point was running a project with NSW roads which were based out at Paramatta at the time.
I would take the train to Paramatta and then tried to take the cat back, but was thwarted on both occasions due to water levels in the river. If I ever make it back to Sydney will have to try and do this.
A bit like the Manly ferry, a good way to do a cheap cruise and see the sights of Sydney.

Bealman · May 05, 2026, 08:21:35 AM

What an interesting video! Classic example of never checking out what's on your own doorstep.

Going to Sydney that way sure beats the old Parramatta road/Great Western highway where I found myself in traffic during the seventies!

Bob G · May 06, 2026, 06:37:01 PM

As a tourist I can say that I've done a similar trip from the Olympic Park to the Quay, and yes it's a great trip. Another favourite trip is from the Quay to Doyle's Wharf. The most amazing approach I ever did was on Queen Elizabeth cruising from Melbourn to Cairns, entering Circular Quay at about 5.30am during Pride and the Opera House was lit multi-coloured.

Anyway it was a bit early so we went back to bed, got up at 9.30, had breakfast, and set about a pub crawl around The Rocks.

And of course consumed some beers

These two were taken inside a pub that wasn't easy to get an outside shot of, because of all the umbrellas and day trippers, but the bar featured in the film "A Town Like Alice". I could understand why... Do you know what it's called

Yup its "The Fortune of War"

Can I just say that Crocodile Pizza and Little Creatures is NOT a good combination!...

After all that a gentleman needs some relief!

That's me done for!

Bealman · May 06, 2026, 10:29:08 PM

Been in em all. The Fortune of War is my favourite, followed by The Hero of Waterloo.

Bob G · May 06, 2026, 10:37:27 PM

Quote from: Bealman on May 06, 2026, 10:29:08 PMBeen in em all. The Fortune of War is my favourite, followed by The Hero of Waterloo.

The Hero of Waterloo is my favourite. Really clean with the feel of a spit and sawdust pub. Unfortunately The Nelson has got a bit up its own

since I first went there IMHO. Now you have to phone ahead and book a table.

In the Australian, even a town cat wouldn't even look at the meat from the crocodile pizza. I mean who puts Thai curry sauce on a pizza, let alone a crocodile

This is something I have learned. Like Gourmet Pies are quite the opposite

Sharkey51 · May 07, 2026, 07:06:36 AM

And for those that can make this excellent voyage, I recommend taking a break along the way at Abbotsford and adjourning to the Sydney Rowing Club. It's right next to the ferry wharf, has a view to die for, excellent community club pricing and a varied and well presented menu of beers and food. What's not to like?!

Bealman · May 07, 2026, 09:27:20 AM

Yeah, heard that it's good!

Stuart Down Under · May 07, 2026, 02:07:39 PM

Quote from: Sharkey51 on May 07, 2026, 07:06:36 AMAnd for those that can make this excellent voyage, I recommend taking a break along the way at Abbotsford and adjourning to the Sydney Rowing Club. It's right next to the ferry wharf, has a view to die for, excellent community club pricing and a varied and well presented menu of beers and food. What's not to like?!

We always take visitors to lunch from Barangaroo via Rivercat to Sydney Rowers. Can't beat it - much better value than Doyles at Watsons Bay.

But the best new ride in town is the City Metro. We travel into the city on the North Shore line. If we change cross platform to the Metro at Chatswood, we get to Central a full 15 minutes before the train we just got off. Fabulous system, with stations which have won international architectural awards.

We wouldn't live anywhere else for quids!

Bob G · May 07, 2026, 02:46:11 PM

Quote from: Stuart Down Under on May 07, 2026, 02:07:39 PMWe wouldn't live anywhere else for quids!

Sydney is probably my favourite city in the entire world.
But no British can afford to move and live there anymore.

Bob

Graham · May 08, 2026, 12:05:11 AM

Quote from: Stuart Down Under on May 07, 2026, 02:07:39 PMWe wouldn't live anywhere else for quids!

Or as us Mexicans like to say, lovely to visit, wouldn't want to live there.
As someone who used to spend 2 days a week in Sydney it does have some wonderful sights, but getting around on the roads is a nightmare.

Bealman · May 08, 2026, 01:33:29 AM

Yep, every time I go there, I think, Gawd imagine living here. My youngest daughter seems happy enough there, though.

I'm only an hour and a half away. Close enough, thanks.

JulianO · May 08, 2026, 04:43:09 AM

That's a cool video, and also liked Bob G's photos of Circular Quay and the Opera House lit up in the early morning, and the old pubs.
We've only been to Sydney 3 times, despite being "Only" 3 hours flight away.
In 2011 we did a coach trip to the Blue Mountains and they dropped us off at a ferry to ride back to Circular Quay, not sure if it was the same route but I remember going under the Harbour Bridge. I don't think the ferry was as flash as the ones on the video though.
Last time we were there was about 18 months ago, and we stayed next to Darling Harbour, which is a pleasant place to stroll around. We were amazed at how they had built the tram lines up the middle of George St since we had last been there. Great for us tourists to get around, but it must have been a huge disruption while they were being built.