Train and ferry passengers denied access to station and wharf as police set up exclusion zone

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Circular Quay has reopened after police declared a package left aboard a Sydney ferry posed no threat.

The train station and three ferry wharves were evacuated around 1:30pm on Thursday after an alert about the unattended package was raised.

The object was reportedly aboard a ferry docked in wharf 5 which had left from Balmain. Wharf 5 remains closed, but bus, train and ferry services to other wharves have resumed.

NSW Police (@nswpolice) Unattended package on ferry at #CircularQuay deemed not suspicious. Perimeter to be lifted soon.

Police and fire crews attended the scene and buses and trains were redirected. Police helicopters could also be seen overhead.

The area was rePoliticians criticise ‘secrecy-at-any-cost’ attempts to uncover journalists’ sourcesopened around 3pm after the object was given the all-clear.

Detective Inspector Dave Richards said the ferry package was not of “any risk to the public”.



When asked if any member of the public was seen near the device, he said: “At this stage we believe not but that forms part of our investigation.”



Ferries, buses and trains out of Circular Quay were all expected to be back in operation in time for peak hour.



“NSW police deem any suspicious package as a serious concern ... until they’re deemed unsuspicious,” Richards said.