G’day on the ferry

G’day on the ferry

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On the ferries that crisscross Sydney's harbour, passengers sit inside hunched over their smartphones, often ignoring the gorgeous scenery afforded by what some describe as the world's most beautiful commute.

The arrival in 1788 of British Captain Arthur Phillip's 11 convict ships in Sydney Cove and subsequent discovery of a freshwater stream led to what is now Circular Quay ferry port and, in many ways, the birthplace of modern Australia.

. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

Sydney’s ferry system has been its lifeblood since the mid 1800s. Commuters sail to work on ferries named after those in the first fleet: The Friendship, Charlotte and Golden Grove among others.

Today’s commuters, with their lattes and smartphones, from fast-food employees to finance industry executives, contribute to more than 15 million individual passenger journeys each year.

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Slideshow

Commuters run to catch a ferry.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

Commuters run to catch a ferry.

The ferry “Narrabeen”, named after a northern suburbs beach, passes by north head and the Pacific Ocean beyond, the entry to Sydney's harbour.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

The ferry “Narrabeen”, named after a northern suburbs beach, passes by north head and the Pacific Ocean beyond, the entry to Sydney's harbour.

Sydney's skyline is reflected in a window.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

Sydney's skyline is reflected in a window.

American-born Nina Leatherday eats her hot oats breakfast before sunrise as she braves 9 degree Celsius mid-winter temperatures on the outside deck of a Sydney ferry.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

American-born Nina Leatherday eats her hot oats breakfast before sunrise as she braves 9 degree Celsius mid-winter temperatures on the outside deck of a Sydney ferry.

Commuters ride on the rooftop deck of a Sydney ferry at sunset en route to Rose Bay.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

Commuters ride on the rooftop deck of a Sydney ferry at sunset en route to Rose Bay.

The Sydney ferry Golden Grove (right) moves between the Sydney Opera House and P&O Cruises ship Pacific Aria.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

The Sydney ferry Golden Grove (right) moves between the Sydney Opera House and P&O Cruises ship Pacific Aria.

Corporate affairs executive Jake Krausmann yawns as as he performs his morning exercise routine on the bow of a Circular Quay-bound ferry.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

Corporate affairs executive Jake Krausmann yawns as as he performs his morning exercise routine on the bow of a Circular Quay-bound ferry.

Marketing executive Kate Newton looks at the night sky as she braves the winter chill.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

Marketing executive Kate Newton looks at the night sky as she braves the winter chill.

Commuters wait for their ferry to leave.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

Commuters wait for their ferry to leave.

Commuters return to Manly Wharf from the city following their commute from Sydney's Circular Quay.
. Sydney, AUSTRALIA. Reuters/Jason Reed

Commuters return to Manly Wharf from the city following their commute from Sydney's Circular Quay.