Ferry wharf to finally reopen in Sydney's Inner West after 12 years

A long-overdue time-saver is coming for commuters in Sydney's Inner West as the state government prepares to reopen a second ferry wharf in Balmain.

After 12 years of sitting pretty, the Balmain West Wharf on Elliott Street will reopen on August 18.

Connected to the F3 Parramatta River route, there will be four services each hour during peak hours – at 5.50am, 6.50am, 7.50am and 8.50am – and another four in the afternoon – 3.12pm, 4.12pm, 5.12pm and 6.12pm – stopping at Barangaroo, Drummoyne, and Huntleys Point.

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"Since the wharf was closed in 2013, there's been a lot more housing built here, so there's a passenger that's ready to go," Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said. 

The resumption of ferry services is expected to ease pressure on local roads.

"We need multiple ways to get people in and out of the city that's better for people on the buses, roads and trains," Transport Minister John Graham said.

It's also hoped the reopening will reduce congestion at the Balmain East Wharf, particularly during major events such as New Year's Eve, where overcrowding has posed safety risks.

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Balmain West will undergo minor upgrades before its reopening next month. 

"We're putting in Opal readers, CCTV, new signage, cleaning up the place, the local council has put up a cafe which we hope will open soon," Collins said.

Transport for NSW is also assessing the feasibility of a new weekend ferry route connecting inner harbour suburbs to the city, as well as a service between Barangaroo and the new Sydney Fish Market.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.