Sydney Harbour Cruises

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:

Good Place to Relax, Sailing, Water Sports

Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most famous natural harbours, due, in large part, to its great beauty and excellent proximity to the excitement of big city living. 240 kilometers of shoreline encompass approximately 54 square kilometers of water, making for expansive coastlines, stunning cityscapes, and ripe beach exploration for the visitor. Cruising the harbor and ferry-hopping are popular activities as many are themed, all are exciting, and all allow their guests the chance to view the many attractions encircling the waterway.

What to know
The hub of Sydney Harbour is Circular Quay, the main ferry terminus situated at the bottom of the Central Business District. This was the original founding site of both Sydney and Australia, and from here, most tours begin.

Short on Time
On a tight schedule? Want a taste, but not spend the day cruising the harbour? Perhaps the Harbour Highlights would suit you. This 1.5 hour cruise departs at 5 different times during the day, and hits major points of interest such as Sydney Opera House, Point Piper, and Darling Harbour, while hearing exclusive commentary along the way.

Romantic Cruises
Sydney Harbour is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. A sunset cruise over the pellucid blue waters is guaranteed to impress. Approximately an hour and a half, expect the beauty of an Australian sunset, champagne, and a fine meal while getting a view of the excitement held in Australia’s most famous waterway. For an additional thrill, a twilight dinner cruise aboard a historic tall ship is a unique opportunity. Be sharp, however, and book in advance; this cruise sets sail only once a month.

Dinner Cruises
There’s no doubt, the Sydney Opera House is the most iconic symbol of Sydney. The architecture is masterful, the façade stunning, the inside stage home to some of the most culturally significant acts currently touring the globe. If you want all things Sydney Opera House, consider the Opera House, Dinner Cruise, and Ballet package. On this all day event, you’ll see the most of the harbour, get an insider’s tour of the Sydney Opera House, dine on a two-course meal back on the water, and see the Australian Ballet perform at the venue you just learned so much about.

See It All Cruises
Say you just have a day, you want to see the finest points of the city, yet the harbour is still on the mind. Why not do both? Ultimate Sydney guides you through some of the most poignant districts of Sydney on foot, then by vehicle, then by 38ft. sailing yacht. The Sydney Harbour Luxury Sailing Trip is another intimate option, where a small group embarks on a 5 hour cruise under bridges and through quays, allowing you to snap photographs of Sydney’s most iconic trademarks.

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Reply by Michelle K, November 2011

Doing what: Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise

We enjoyed the cruise very much - the food was delicious and the service really good.

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Reply by Carolyn B, October 2011

Doing what: Sydney Harbour Top Deck Lunch Cruise

Our guests from UK had a wonderful time all I can say it was perfect the food was excellent and the service was just great, we will certainly recommend this luncheon cruise to our friends. Once again thank you for a memorable day.

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Reply by ROD C, Australia, September 2011

Doing what: Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off Cruise

In any event, this is a cruise well worth taking: it leaves every 45 minutes from both Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, and stops at all the key spots around the harbour: Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour Harbourside (near the Aquarium), Shark Island and Luna Park. Each of those destinations is worth exploring in more depth, perhaps none more so than Watsons Bay, where you can take an hour to walk past Camp Cove and Lady Jane beaches on your way out to South Head, at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Continue Reading »

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Note from Viator: This review was written by Rod Cuthbert, who wrote a complete Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off Cruise tour overview on our Viator Travel Blog.