Operating pattern current as at 18 September 2026 · Services shown by frequency — exact times from the operator. · Representative services only — check the operator for today's full timetable
Departures 1–10 / 10
Departures 1–10 / 10
Crossing time
~5 min
Operator
Transport for NSW
Map – Mortlake Ferry
| Fare type | Price |
|---|---|
| All vehicles and passengers | Free |
Mortlake Ferry is a free vehicular ferry funded and operated by Transport for NSW as part of the NSW road network. There is no fare, ticket or booking fee for vehicles, motorcycles or foot passengers.
The Mortlake Ferry is a free vehicular cable ferry that Transport for NSW runs across the Parramatta River, linking Hilly Street in Mortlake with Pellisier Road in Putney. Locals call it the Putney Punt, and both names refer to the same single service – there is no separate "Putney ferry" fare or timetable. A private contractor operates the vessel under contract to Transport for NSW, the same arrangement used on the Hawkesbury River's cable ferries (Webbs Creek, Wisemans, Sackville, Lower Portland and Berowra Waters), which share the same maintenance slipway at Mortlake.
The crossing dates to 16 May 1928, when it opened to serve Mortlake's riverside factories, predating the nearby Ryde Bridge by seven years. Today it is one of only ten remaining vehicular cable ferries left in New South Wales, and the only one still operating on Sydney Harbour or its tributaries, protected by a National Trust heritage order. Transport for NSW completed an upgrade of the ferry in November 2025, after which the service reopened with its current 18-car capacity.
Unlike the Hawkesbury crossings, the Mortlake Ferry does not run around the clock. It operates on demand only within set windows: weekdays (excluding public holidays) from about 6.45am–9.25am and 2.45pm–6.15pm, and on weekends and public holidays continuously from around 10.30am–5.30pm. Outside those hours – including the weekday midday gap – there is no service, and drivers need to use the Ryde Bridge instead. The crossing itself covers roughly 300 metres and takes about five minutes, with magenta flashing lights marking the ferry and both landings while it is running.
Don't confuse this with Sydney Ferries' Opal-ticketed passenger services on the same stretch of the Parramatta River, including the nearby Kissing Point Wharf at Putney – those run to a completely separate timetable, under a different operator, and carry no vehicles. The Mortlake Ferry itself is free for all vehicles and foot passengers, with no ticket, booking or online payment: drivers simply queue at the ramp when the ferry is running.
- Arrive at the terminal a few minutes before departure; vehicle boarding usually closes earlier.
- Check the operator's service alerts before travelling — weather, tides and river levels affect services.
- Confirm accepted payment methods and whether a booking is required for vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Nothing. It's a free vehicular cable ferry operated for Transport for NSW, so there's no fare for cars, motorcycles or foot passengers.
About 5 minutes. The crossing is roughly 300 metres across the Parramatta River between Mortlake and Putney.
Yes. Mortlake Ferry and Putney Punt are two names for the exact same Transport for NSW cable ferry between Hilly Street, Mortlake and Pellisier Road, Putney.
No. It only runs on demand in set windows: weekdays roughly 6.45am–9.25am and 2.45pm–6.15pm, and weekends/public holidays roughly 10.30am–5.30pm. Outside those hours, use the Ryde Bridge.
Up to 18 cars per trip, following the ferry's November 2025 upgrade.
No. Sydney Ferries' Opal-ticketed passenger services, including the nearby Kissing Point Wharf, are a completely separate operation with their own timetable and no vehicles.
It crosses the Parramatta River between Hilly Street, Mortlake (City of Canada Bay) and Pellisier Road, Putney (City of Ryde).
No booking is needed. It's an on-demand service within its operating windows – just queue at the ramp when the ferry is running.