Charter Wharf Booking System

Make a wharf booking online

In order to make a wharf booking online, use the Wharf Booking System.

 

Principles of wharf access

When developing the Wharf Booking System, primary consideration has been given to the following principles:

  • Passenger and vessel safety
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Equity of access for all commercial operators
  • Passenger convenience
  • Maximum utilisation of wharves.

Charter Wharves

The Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Charter Wharves are:

  • Campbells Cove Pontoon
  • Casino Wharf
  • Commissioners Steps
  • Eastern Pontoon
  • Eastern Pontoon North
  • Eastern Pontoon South
  • Harbour Masters Steps
  • Ives Steps
  • King Street Wharves 6-9
  • Man-O-War Steps - East Jetty
  • Man-O-War Steps - North Jetty (aka Man O'War West)
  • Manly Hotel Wharf (aka Fun Pier / Timber Wharf)
  • Pier 26, Wharf 3
  • Towns Place East
  • Towns Place West
  • Walsh Bay, Wharf 2 Pontoon
  • Any other wharf deemed appropriate by TfNSW provided it is either owned by TfNSW or the subject of a lease agreement or management arrangement with TfNSW.

View a Map of Wharves in Sydney Harbour (PDF, 1.35 MB).

Types of bookings

There are two types of bookings available to commercial vessel operators:

  • Bulk bookings
  • Ad-hoc bookings.

Ad-hoc bookings

Ad-hoc, or one-off bookings may be made by commercial vessel operators on a casual basis, using the online Charter Wharf Booking System, or in writing.

Charter Wharf timeslots become available for ad-hoc booking on the Charter Wharf Booking System 4 months in advance, at all wharves except Casino wharf. The 15 minute timeslots become available in a 24 hour block at 10am every day.

For example, for New Years Eve bookings:

  • all timeslots from 10:00am 31 December – 9:45am, 1 January (inclusive) become available for booking at 10am on the previous 31 August.

    Bulk bookings

    TfNSW defines a 'bulk booking' as a recurring booking that occurs at the same time on the same day for a continuous period of six months within a bulk booking period.

    Bulk booking periods are six monthly blocks, in line with the boating high and low seasons.

    These periods are as follows:

    • 1 April to 30 September
    • 1 October to 31 March
    • Approved whale watching: 1 June to 30 November.

    Bulk booking requests must be submitted on the Bulk Booking Application Form and are due six months before the beginning of the relevant bulk booking period.

    (Nominations received after the due date may be given lower priority).

     

    See the Terms and conditions for detailed information.

     

    Prepaid credit

    Commercial vessel operators can create an account, and place prepaid credit on that account by way of cash, cheque, money order, EFTPOS or credit card payment, at least one day prior to making bookings.

      Registering for access to the online system

      To register to use the Wharf Booking System, you need to complete the Charter Wharf Booking System Application Form and forward it to Transport for NSW.

      The user name(s) you provide will be added to our Wharf Booking System, and each user will receive an email with a link prompting them to set up a password. The link expires 48 hours after the email is sent. Once you have set up your password, you will be able to log on to the Wharf Booking System and make your own bookings online.

      Your application form must also include the following information about your vessel:

      • Vessel name
      • Type
      • Length
      • Registration/survey number
      • Survey level
      • Vessel passenger capacity.

      Making an ad-hoc booking in writing

      If you are unable to access the internet to make a booking online, you can submit a written request in person, by posting it or faxing it to TfNSW, or by emailing it to wharfaccess@transport.nsw.gov.au.

      Unless your account is in credit your request must include your credit card details. Once the transaction has been processed your credit card details will be destroyed.

      Confirmation of the booking and receipt details will be emailed to you.

        Fees

        Refer to the fees page for further information.

          Emergency drop off – wharf booking procedure

          Use this procedure if you need to drop passengers at a wharf without a booking in an emergency situation:

          1. Contact Harbour Control on channel 13 to advise of emergency and seek medical or police assistance as required
          2. Record personal details and other relevant information of person(s) required to disembark
          3. Berth vessel and disembark passenger(s). Otherwise wait for instructions from ambulance officers or police if applicable
          4. Email wharfaccess@transport.nsw.gov.au with details of the incident, within 24 hours.

          Documents

          Charter Wharf Booking System Application Form

          Bulk Booking Application Form

          Map of Wharves in Sydney Harbour (PDF, 1.35 MB)