Peering out over the water, what stories could McMahons Point Wharf tell if it could talk? This wharf is more than just a place to catch a ferry. It is a window into Sydney’s past and a vital part of its present.
McMahons Point ferry wharf sits on the northern side of Sydney Harbour. It serves the charming suburb of McMahons Point. Here, you can catch a ferry to Parramatta River and Pyrmont Bay. These services are run by First Fleet and RiverCat class ferries.
A wharf has existed at McMahons Point since at least 1839. Blues Point Road was then gazetted as a route from here to St Leonards. In the early 20th century, ferries bustled between here and the city. Services ran every 10 to 15 minutes. The wharf served six million passengers each year. To help even more commuters reach the wharf, a tramway opened in 1909.
The opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932 changed everything. Ferry services became less important. In 1935, Hegarty Ferries took over the runs to McMahons Point. These were smaller ferries than those previously used by Sydney Ferries Limited. The wharf has since rejoined the Sydney Ferries network.
The McMahons Point ferry wharf closed on April 13, 2016. It was replaced with a larger, more modern structure. The new wharf sits at a 90-degree angle to the shore and has two sides. It reopened on October 20, 2016.
Today, McMahons Point ferry wharf is a busy transport hub. It connects the suburb to the rest of Sydney. Busways operates two bus routes via the wharf. Route 254 goes to Riverview. Route 291 heads to Epping station.
McMahons Point itself has a rich history. It is named after Michael McMahon. He was a 19-year-old Irish farm labourer who arrived in Sydney in 1848. Michael became a successful brush and comb manufacturer. In 1864, he built his family home on the headland. He even became mayor of North Sydney in 1890.
Before European settlement, the Cammeraygal people lived in this area. They lived along the foreshores and in the bushland. James Milson, a Napoleonic War veteran, settled and farmed the land in 1806.
Large numbers of ferries once travelled between McMahons Point and the city. The opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge made many of these ferries redundant.
McMahons Point has transformed over the years. Once a working-class area, it is now one of Sydney’s most desirable suburbs. It offers stunning harbour views and a relaxed lifestyle. The McMahons Point ferry wharf stands as a reminder of the area’s maritime past. It also is an important part of its vibrant present. As you stand here, consider the countless journeys that have begun and ended at this very spot. The McMahons Point ferry wharf is a gateway to discovery and adventure in Sydney.