Two $78M Sydney ferry wharves sit idle after operator bids fail
Wharves built at $78 million since February 2025 have no operating ferry service despite two failed attempts to find a private operator.
Two new ferry wharves opened in February 2025 at La Perouse and Kurnell in Sydney's Kamay Botany Bay National Park, but no ferry service runs between them. The original $18 million project ballooned to $78 million during COVID.
Material and engineering costs soared. After two failed attempts to attract a private operator, the NSW government is struggling to fill the gap.
A 20-minute ferry trip would connect both wharves and create a missing link for coastal walks. Community members have called for a government-subsidised ferry like the one running from Bundeena to the Royal National Park.
The Transport Minister said the latest call for expressions of interest simply did not yield a workable commercial service.
- 78 million dollars
- Total cost
- 18 million dollars
- Original cost
- February 2025
- Opening date
- 20 minutes
- Ferry trip duration
Why it mattersMillions in public infrastructure sits unused, and local tourism infrastructure remains incomplete without the link.
AustraliaSydney residents and visitors miss out on a faster transport link and coastal walking option between La Perouse and Kurnell in one of the city's most historically significant areas.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 37 min ago
