The Mortlake Ferry, also known as the “Putney Punt”, is the only remaining car ferry operating in the metropolitan area—a living, floating piece of history. It has been faithfully shuttling cars, bikes, and their passengers across the Parramatta River since 1928, originally built to transport workers to the Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) works in Mortlake, a job it still does today, albeit with a lot more leisure and a lot less coal dust!
Unlike many other ferries that have vanished from the map, replaced by modern bridges, the Mortlake Ferry remains a beloved piece of Sydney’s heritage, protected by a heritage order from the National Trust of Australia.
Crossing the Parramatta River on the Putney Punt is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s a mini adventure. Whether you just want to get home a bit quicker, or you’re keen to show the kids an exciting bit of local history, hop aboard the Mortlake Ferry and experience a delightful journey that’s been a part of the river for nearly a century. And the best part – it’s free!
Operating Times and Locations
Entry points from each side are as follows:
- Mortlake Street, Mortlake
- Putney Point Road, Putney
The Mortlake Ferry runs every day. Here’s when you can catch a ride:
Weekdays (excluding public holidays):
- From Mortlake: 6:45 AM to 9:25 AM and 2:45 PM to 6:15 PM
- From Putney: 6:55 AM to 9:35 AM and 2:55 PM to 6:25 PM
Weekends and public holidays (on demand):
- From Mortlake: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- From Putney: 10:45 AM to 5:35 PM
Each trip takes just five minutes.
How it Works
It’s likely you won’t wait more than 10 minutes for the punt, probably less. As you drive onto the ferry, you’ll be greeted by the friendly ferry master, who guides you into place.
The ferry is a type of cable ferry, which means it’s guided across the river by cables rather than relying on traditional engines for propulsion. The ferry’s journey across the Parramatta River is powered by a motor that pulls it along two thick steel cables that are anchored on both sides of the river. One cable pulls the ferry forward, while the other helps guide and stabilize its path, ensuring a smooth and steady crossing.
The crossing itself is about 300 meters long and takes approximately 4 minutes. The ferry moves at a steady pace, gliding across the river as it’s pulled along by the cables. The cables are submerged just beneath the surface of the water, and their tension is carefully managed to accommodate the ferry’s weight and the river’s currents.
Sydney Ferries and other river traffic must give way to the Mortlake Ferry unless prior communication has been established to coordinate crossings.
A Snapshot of History at the Museum
For history buffs and curious minds, the City of Canada Bay Museum has a cool little model of the Mortlake Ferry that’s worth checking out. This detailed miniature, complete with vintage 1970s Matchbox cars, shows exactly how the ferry works, with those two trusty cables pulling it across the river.
The model was originally displayed right at the wharf and was a big hit with both locals and visitors. It almost got lost in the shuffle back in the late ’80s when the ferry was on the chopping block, but thankfully, the local Men’s Shed stepped in, gave it some TLC, and now it’s got a prime spot in the museum. It’s a great way to see the ferry’s story come to life—perfect for a bit of hands-on history.
