As the ferry approaches Circular Quay, be inspired by the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge, the largest steel arch bridge in the world, and the iconic Sydney Opera House glistening in the sunshine.

Sydney Ferries operates a network of services across Sydney Harbour and down the Parramatta River. The main ferry terminus is at Circular Quay, from where you can either walk to your office or take a bus or train.

On some of the ferries, there is a cafeteria service, so that you can relax and enjoy a coffee and perhaps even your breakfast on the way to work.

Suburbs with quick and easy access to the CBD by ferry include Milsons Point, Kirribilli, Balmain East, Greenwich, Neutral Bay and Double Bay. From other suburbs, it is still possible to commute by ferry but it will take longer – the journey from Sydney Olympic Park to Circular Quay, for example, takes about 50 minutes.

There are regular services in the morning and evening commuting hours on all of the ferry routes, making it possible to commute from almost all of the 39 wharves serviced by Sydney Ferries. The only wharf from which it would not be possible to commute is Parramatta, since the first ferry from Parramatta does not arrive at Circular Quay until about 11am.

The most cost-effective way of commuting by ferry is to purchase a weekly, quarterly or annual TravelPass ticket. There are two types of TravelPass: one that allows you to travel on ferries, buses and trains and one that is valid for travel on ferries and buses only. A TravelPass ticket gives you unlimited travel within the colour-coded zone that you choose. Further information can be found on the sydneyferries.info website.

On a fine day, sit outside of the main cabin and enjoy the fresh air and the wonderful views of Sydney Harbour. A variety of scenes will enfold before your eyes – unspoiled countryside, small islands, the skyscrapers of North Sydney and the CBD, and perhaps a super-sized gleaming white cruise ship visiting Sydney for a day or two.

On your way home, the same views will look different in the twilight as the sun gently sets over Sydney Harbour. Your journey home will help you to put your working day into perspective.