Brooklyn Public Wharf Project Upgrade

  • Project typeWharf upgrade

Update 4 June 2026 – Project Completion and Ferry Service Resumption

Hornsby Shire Council is pleased to advise that the essential upgrade works at the Brooklyn Public Wharf are now complete. These improvements enhance safety, accessibility, and overall functionality of the wharf for all users.

This project is supported by Transport for NSW through the Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grant.

Resumption of ferry services

Regular ferry services between Brooklyn Public Wharf, Dangar Island, and Little Wobby will resume on Saturday, 6 June 2026. 

From this date:

  • The standard ferry timetable and large 60 seater ferry will return. 
  • passengers will be required to tap on and off using their Opal card to travel on the ferry service. 

The replacement ferry (water taxi) service will continue to operate from Brooklyn Baths until the end of timetabled service on Friday, 5 June 2026.

Minor works

While the wharf will be operational, there may be some minor improvements undertaken, including lighting and signage upgrades. Council will ensure the pontoon is safely illuminated until the permanent lighting installation is completed. These works are not expected to impact ferry operations or passenger access to the new pontoon.

We thank the community for your patience and cooperation during the construction and the temporary transport arrangements. Your support and patience have been greatly appreciated while these important upgrades were delivered.

 

The Project

The need to improve accessibility at Brooklyn Public Wharf was identified following concerns raised by residents and user groups, particularly regarding the challenges faced by elderly users and people with mobility impairments when accessing ferry services.

The layout of the new pontoon has been developed with careful consideration of vessel movements within Brooklyn Harbour to ensure the new facility does not impede the operations of neighbouring businesses or maritime facilities.

The project will replace the existing facility with a new floating pontoon designed to:

  • Improve safety and accessibility
  • Support commercial ferries, water taxis and emergency services

Footprint-of-the-new-pontoon.png

Refer to the attached plan of the proposed wharf upgrade.

Construction Timeline

  • Start Date: 28 April 2026
  • Estimated Duration: Up to six (6) weeks, weather permitting

Temporary Service Changes to ferry operations

During construction, ferry operations will be suspended, however alternative transport arrangements will be provided by Hornsby Shire Council.

From Monday 20 April to Monday 27 April inclusive, the Brooklyn Ferry Service will operate with a smaller vessel with capacity reduced (up to 40 passengers per trip) with the usual vessel undergoing planned maintenance.

From 28 April until the completion of the works, the Brooklyn Ferry Service will be replaced by a water taxi with a capacity of up to 17 passengers per trip.

The service will:

  • Operate to the full timetable as the current ferry service runs between Brooklyn Public Wharf, Dangar Island and Little Wobby
  • If required and where possible make multiple runs during peak hours
  • Be free of charge

Important to note:

  • Please allow extra time due to possible queues at the ferry locations especially during peak hours.
  • Please note that all ferry rules apply, including cartage of pets, gas bottles, power tools, building materials, etc.
  • Due to the limited capacity of the vessel please allow extra travel time if travelling with large objects like bicycles and prams.
  • Please note E-Bikes are not permitted on the water taxi from the 28 April 2026.
  • Please ensure you plan ahead and allow sufficient time if you are connecting to other transport services.
  • Please note that services outside of the timetabled hours will be at the passenger’s own expense.
  • For all enquiries relating to the replacement ferry service, including arranging Little Wobby services, please contact 0427 890 177.

Wharf Access Arrangements

The replacement service will operate from the existing wharves at Brooklyn, Dangar Island, and Little Wobby.

An exclusion zone will be established around the Brooklyn work site to ensure the safety of vessels, passengers, and workers.

It is anticipated that the Brooklyn Public Wharf boarding point may be inaccessible at times during these works. When this occurs, services will operate from the public pontoon at Brooklyn Baths. The community will be notified in advance of any such occurrences through signage and an update on this website.

Please allow for up to an additional 7 minutes to your travel time when services are operating from the Brooklyn Baths pontoon. The operator will provide staff to assist passengers with boarding, disembarking, and general guidance at this location.

While the replacement ferry is operating from Brooklyn Baths, visitors are asked to seek temporary mooring and undertake fishing activities at alternative locations to help ensure safety and the efficient operation of ferry services.

Brooklyn-Boarding-Points.png

Charter Vessels

All charter cruise services will be temporarily redirected to Kangaroo Point for the duration of the project.

Impact on the Operation of Brooklyn Harbour Users

The works are not expected to impact the operations of the majority of harbour users. However, where any impacts may occur, affected parties will be contacted directly by Council to coordinate access and activities around the construction works.

We thank the community for its patience as we work to deliver these improvements.

Update on Brooklyn Ferry Services and Wharf Upgrade

Council has been working with Transport for NSW on the Brooklyn Ferry Wharf Upgrade and initially planned on the temporary suspension of the ferry services between Brooklyn, Little Wobby and Dangar Island from Monday 20 April 2026.

Following feedback from the community and further discussions with project partners including Council’s contractor, TfNSW and Ferry Operations, we can advise a revised commencement of construction date of 28 April 2026.

We will continue to work with our project partners to confirm alternative travel arrangements that will be in place for residents, businesses, ferry users and visitors from 28 April and throughout the construction period to minimise disruption as much as possible to the community. The construction period is envisaged to be less than 6 weeks weather permitting.

Council is finalising project plans, notification letters and signage to be distributed and in place before construction commences.

More information and project updates will be available on Council’s website https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/brooklyn-public-wharf-upgrade

Location

Brooklyn Wharf, Brooklyn 2083  View Map

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Contact details

Hornsby Shire Council
9847 6666

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