Manly Fast Ferry welcomes Australian-owned Felons Brewing Co. aboard, bringing the brewery’s range of beers to the Sydney to Manly service. As part of the partnership, every can of Felons’ Japanese Rice Lager purchased aboard will help remove plastic and microplastics from Sydney Harbour through the brewery’s ongoing partnership with Seabin.
To celebrate the launch, all Felons beers will be available for $6 aboard Manly Fast Ferry from Monday 10 August to Sunday 16 August, including Crisp Lager, Australian Pale Ale, Galaxy Haze, Crisp Light, Jinga Ginger Beer and Japanese Rice Lager.
The partnership also marks the first public release of Felons’ Japanese Rice Lager in its new canned format. Alongside the brewery’s range of beers, passengers will find a selection of Australian-made food and beverage products including CopperTree Farms Beef Chips, Hiatus non-alcoholic lager, Ester Spirits Aperitivo Spritz, Papa Salt Paloma and SomeWhen Wines.
Developed specifically for Manly, Japanese Rice Lager is brewed with jasmine rice and barley and honours Felons’ harbourside home through its partnership with Seabin, the Australian environmental organisation behind floating Seabins that collect plastic, microplastics, oil and other pollutants from the harbour. Since launching the initiative, the partnership has helped remove more than 25,000 pieces of plastic and microplastics from Sydney Harbour. Bringing the beer aboard Manly Fast Ferry allows passengers to directly contribute to the health of the harbour while enjoying one of Sydney’s most iconic ferry journeys.
The collaboration also reflects Felons’ ongoing commitment to the Northern Beaches community. Since opening at Manly Wharf in October 2024, the Australian-owned brewery has contributed more than $150,000 to local charities and community organisations, donated more than 6,500 cans of beer to community initiatives and events, and supported organisations including LocalKind Northern Beaches, Bold & Beautiful Swim, Manly Surf Life Saving Club and Seabin.
“Manly is a place where people have a genuine connection to the harbour, whether they’re commuting, catching up with friends or spending the weekend by the water,” said Dean Romeo, brand director of Felons Brewing Co.
“This partnership comes at a defining moment for us as we prepare to brew our very first beers from our new state-of-the-art brewery at Manly Wharf. Soon, people will be able to enjoy a taste of Manly from Circular Quay before arriving at the brewery, or continue the experience with a beer in hand as they head back across the harbour. Every can of our Japanese Rice Lager supports our partnership with Seabin, making it an easy way to give back to the harbour that brings us all together”
Neil Ellsmere, chief operating officer, NRMA Marine, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to community, sustainability and celebrating Sydney Harbour.
“The journey to Manly is one of Sydney’s great ferry experiences, enjoyed by locals and visitors every day. Partnering with Felons enhances that experience with quality Australian products while supporting an initiative that helps protect the harbour itself. We’re proud to be the first place passengers can purchase Felons’ Japanese Rice Lager in cans and be part of a partnership that gives back to the waterway we all value.”
The partnership will continue throughout the year with seasonal onboard experiences and community activations, creating more opportunities for locals and visitors to connect with Manly, Sydney Harbour and the community that surrounds it.