- Whale-Watching Cruises
- Lunch Cruises
- Dinner Cruises
- Jet Boat Rides
- Vivid Sydney Cruises
- Sightseeing Cruises
- Big Bus Sydney Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
- Sydney Opera House Tours
- Taronga Zoo Tickets
- Sydney Tower Eye Tickets
- SEA LIFE Aquarium Tickets
- Featherdale Wildlife Park Tickets
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Tickets
- Mogo Wildlife Park Tickets
- Australian National Maritime Museum Tickets
- Australian Reptile Park Tickets
- Sydney to Blue Mountain Tours
- Hunter Valley Wine Tours
Book Sydney Harbour Cruise
Starlight Dinner Cruise in Sydney
- Spend a romantic or casual family dinner aboard Captain Cook's Starlight Dinner Cruise in Sydney.
- Discover the secret behind some of Instagram’s picturesque moments.
- Peruse through the Starlight Dinner Menu, Child Menu, and Beverage List, to understand your exclusive dining experience.
- Cruise past the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
- Catch the Vivid Sydney Lights Festival between 26 May - 17 Jun 2023!
Inclusions
- 4-course à la carte dining
- 2-3 hours of relaxed cruising
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Personalised service
- Live music on Sat & Sun
Exclusions
- Audio guide
- Hotel transfers
- Children under 18 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult.
- It is recommended to wear smart casuals for this cruise.
- This cruise is wheelchair accessible.
- The operating hours are subject to change. Please check the calendar to see the operating hours on your intended day of visit.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise
- Hop on board a guided cruise along the Sydney Harbour if you would like to start your day on a pleasant and relaxing note.
- Sip on a hot beverage like tea or coffee as you listen to your guide talk about monuments like the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
- Spend quality time with friends and family as you cruise over calm waters, enjoying a beautiful Sydney morning or afternoon, depending on the option you select.
- Enhance your experience by adding a buffet lunch to your afternoon cruise and enjoy the ride for an extended duration with a delectable meal.
Inclusions
- 1.5 to 2.15 hrs cruise
- Live commentary
- Tea or coffee
- Buffet lunch (optional)
- Tip: If you're prone to motion/sea sickness, make sure to take medicines suggested by your doctor beforehand.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility.
- The experience is restricted for guests aged 4 and under.
- The experience is not accessible for people with back and neck problems, serious medical conditions, injuries, and pregnant women.
- All children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
2-hour Sunset Cruise Sydney Harbour With Dinner
- Experience a one-of-a-kind Captain Cook 2-hour Sunset Dining Cruise that puts together sightseeing and luxury dining like never before.
- Hop aboard one of the finest AC-sightseeing vessels and watch the sun go down over the beautiful Sydney Harbour.
- Relish a grand 3-course meal of contemporary Australian cuisine while letting the unparalleled views of Sydney sink into you. Check the menu here
- Upgrade your experience to get a window seat and best enjoy the view of the sunset.
- Cruise past the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and marvel at the shimmering skyscrapers that grace the city's skyline. Enjoy live music and special events on weekends.
Inclusions
- Cruise on a premier sightseeing vessel
- 3-course Contemporary Australian menu
- Window seat (optional)
Exclusions
- Drinks
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo: Captain Cook Cruises 2-Day Hop-On-Hop-Off Cruise + Taronga Zoo Tickets
- Go easy on your pocket with this combo and explore the best of Sydney with a 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off cruise and also visit Taronga Zoo.
- Cruise through Port Jackson covering 8 well-defined stops with ferries departing every 10-15 minutes and hop on and off as you please.
- Upgrade your ticket and see over 4,000 animals at Taronga Zoo including native Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and more!
- With pre-recorded commentary available directly on your smartphone and onboard Wi-Fi, enjoy the best views of the city from the decks of the cruise.
- Some of the popular stops include Harbour Bridge, Madame Tussauds, Barangaroo, the Sydney Opera House, Shark Island, and Watsons Bay.
Inclusions
Sydney Harbour Cruise: 2-Day HOHO
- 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off pass
- Recorded smartphone commentary
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
Taronga Zoo
- Admission to Taronga Zoo
Sydney Harbour Cruise: 2-Day HOHO
- Daily: 7:15am from Circular Quay Wharf 6.
- Sat & Sun: 9am from Darling Harbour King Street Wharf 1.
- Frequency: Approx. every 10-15 mins.
- Popular stops: Harbour Bridge, Madame Tussauds, Barangaroo, the Sydney Opera House, Shark Island & Watsons Bay.
Please click here for a detailed red route map.
Sydney Harbour Cruise: 2-Day HOHO
- Tip: Circular Quay is a bustling hub with a variety of shops, restaurants, and street performers. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, savor local cuisine, or indulge in some shopping.
- Facilities: free WiFi, wheelchair accessibility, parking
- It’s recommended to download the free guided commentary, available directly on your smartphone by following the steps from here.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the cruise.
- Pets are allowed on board provided they are restrained in a suitable box, basket, or another container at all times whilst onboard.
Taronga Zoo
- Tip: Meet Luk Chai, Australia's first elephant calf, and the newly introduced trio of Sumatran tiger cubs.
- Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility, Baby Room, ATM, Parking
- Note that the following is/are not allowed on this tour: Animal costume, ball, balloon, scooter, skateboards, rollerblades, apparatus alcohol, audio equipment, or musical instrument.
- Please refrain from touching animals, feeding animals, throwing objects, damaging structures, or signs, lighting fires, or littering.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Buffet Lunch
- Embark on an exciting cruise that has it all - sightings of majestic whales, gorgeous views, and delicious breakfast or lunch.
- Learn amazing facts about humpback migration patterns and behavior through informative onboard commentary.
- Admire the whales and the Sydney Harbor from a comfortable vessel with multiple outside viewing areas that promise a great vantage point.
- Choose between breakfast and BBQ buffet lunch options to savor the meal of your preference.
Inclusions
- 4-hour whale watching cruise
- Fully qualified crew onboard
- Live English commentary
- Breakfast/lunch (depending on option chosen)
- Tea, coffee, and water
Exclusions
- Beverages from the onboard bar (available for purchase)
- Tip: If you're prone to seasickness don't fret as sickness bags and tablets are available for you onboard.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Sail aboard an 1850s-style wooden tall ship, blending maritime history with Sydney Harbour's stunning modern landmarks.
- Participate in interactive activities like steering the ship or hoisting sails, guided by a friendly, skilled crew.
- Capture stunning photos against the backdrop of the Opera House, Fort Denison, and the Harbour Bridge.
Inclusions
- 90-min afternoon cruise on Sydney Harbour
- Tip: Bring a waterproof case or bag to protect your camera and phone from any splashes.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Sydney Harbour Top Deck 2-Course Long Lunch Cruise
- Buy your ticket for the Top Deck 2-Course Lunch Cruise, a premium one-of-a-kind dining experience.
- Merging sightseeing with luxury dining, this lunch cruise is ideal for corporate meetings, as well as casual lunches with your family and friends.
- Sightsee on the high seas as you cruise about the Sydney Harbour and take in stunning views of the city from a unique vantage point.
- Partake in a delectable 2-course lunch of contemporary Australian cuisine, topped with the Captain’s seal of approval.
- Choose between a wide selection of beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic to compliment your meal.
- With ticket options including window seats, standard bar packages, and premium bar packages, select the option of your choice.
- Smart casual wear is the recommended dress code for this lunch cruise.
Inclusions
- Cruise on a premier sightseeing vessel.
- 2-course contemporary Australian a la carte lunch.
- Main Harbour Sights
- Exquisite view from the water
- Menu
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tickets to Taronga Zoo with Express Ferry
- Travel to Australia’s most famous zoo the fun way with the Zoo Express.
- This ticket includes a ferry ticket, a return rocket ferry, and entrance to the zoo - all in one!
- Experience the amazing wildlife and harbor views at the Taronga Zoo.
- Take your time and work your way down the hill as you cover 9 different trails including the Australian Walkabout, Kids' Trail, Reptile World, and Big Cats' Trail.
Inclusions
- Return rocket ferry from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Manly, or Watsons Bay
- Entry to Taronga Zoo
- Free keeper talks, bird and seal shows daily
Exclusions
- Audio guide
- Tip: To make the most of your trip, look for keepers' talks and interactive guides to help you choose must-see animals and excursions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
3-Course Long Lunch Cruise in Sydney
- Hop aboard a luxurious cruise vessel that blends sightseeing and a luxurious luncheon together perfectly on this relaxing Captain Cook lunch cruise.
- Enjoy million-dollar views and immense cocktail decks on this premium cruise vessel as you sail along the peaceful Sydney Harbour.
- Devour an extensive spread of contemporary Australian cuisine, a 3-course luncheon that comes with the Captain’s seal of approval.
- Choose between a wide selection of beverages (wines, ales, and beers) to pair up with your meal.
- Let the stunning views of the Sydney skyline sink into you as you experience luxury lunching like never before.
- Travel with a view thanks to the ticket option that includes a window seat.
- Smart casual wear is the recommended dress code for this luxurious cruise.
Inclusions
- 4.5hr cruise on a premier sightseeing vessel
- 3-course contemporary Australian a la carte lunch
- Menu
- Window seat (optional)
- Children aged 4-15 enjoy reduced prices and those aged 3 and below do not require a ticket.
- Please note that children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
6-Course Gold Dinner Cruise Sydney
- Hitch a ride on a luxurious cruise vessel that blends sightseeing and dining together perfectly.
- Take advantage of priority boarding and experience upper-deck seating on the Sky Deck to soak up Sydney’s striking skyline at nightfall.
- Relish the extensive 6-course meal of the contemporary Australian menu, while being serenaded with live musical performances on weekends.
- Enjoy your lavish spread of delectables while admiring unparalleled views of the Sydney skyline.
- Take your pick of beverages with an expansive wine selection, local and imported beers, liqueur coffee, and soft drinks.
- Enjoy the Vivid Sydney Lights Festival between 26 May - 17 Jun 2023.
Inclusions
- Cruise on a premier sightseeing vessel
- Welcome reception
- 6-course Contemporary Australian a la carte dining (menu)
- Live music & dancing on weekends.
Exclusions
Drinks (available to purchase)
- Smart casual wear would be the recommended dress code for this dinner cruise.
- Please note that children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
What Sydney Harbour Cruise Should You Choose?
If you want to spot wildlife
Go for: Whale or dolphin-watching cruises, ferry tickets
Perks: Guided cruises, educational experience
Duration: 90 mins to 7 hours
- Discover various species of whales and dolphins living in their natural habitat.
- Home to a variety of native Australian animals, the Taronga Zoo provides a deeply educational experience.
Recommended Tours:
Sydney Whale-Watching Cruises
If you want food included
Go for: Lunch or dinner cruises
Perks: Sightseeing cruise with food, variety of options
Duration: 90 mins to 4.5 hours
- Take a culinary tour of Australian flavours while you float on serene waters.
- Enjoy complimentary wine and delectable flavours as you gaze out at the beautiful views.
Recommended Tours:
Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruises
If you want a romantic experience
Go for: Dinner cruises
Perks: Best for couples, illuminated evening sights
Duration: 90 mins to 4.5 hours
- Enjoy a romantic cruise on Sydney’s waters with your partner with a dinner cruise.
- Experience live entertainment coupled with Sydney’s iconic landmarks lit up at night.
Recommended Tours:
Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruises
If you want some thrill
Go for: Speed boat tours
Perks: Water sports, short durations
Duration: 30 mins to 45 mins
- Experience an adrenaline rush as you zip past Sydney’s famous landmarks on a jet boat.
- With photo and video highlights included, take back memories of you having the time of your life.
Recommended Tours:
Sydney Jet Boat Tours
If you simply want to relax
Go for: Sightseeing cruises
Perks: Most popular, budget cruises
Duration: 90 mins to 4 hours
- Float on the serene waters of the Sydney Harbour and enjoy the beautiful views.
- Pick from a variety of curated options that include food, wildlife spotting, and even premium experiences.
Recommended Tours:
If you want a luxurious experience
Go for: Gold and luxury cruises
Perks: Premium experience, live entertainment
Duration: 90 mins to 4 hours
- Set sail on some of the finest cruise ships off Sydney’s Harbour.
- Enjoy a luxurious meal, air-conditioned interiors and a premium selection of wines as well!
Recommended Tours:
If you’re travelling with children
Go for: Nature cruises, speed boat tours
Perks: Educational experience, moderate cruise durations
Duration: 30 min to 3.5 hours
- Let children learn about wildlife and their conservation measures with dolphin or whale-watching cruises.
- Equipped with state-of-the-art safety equipment, the speed boat tours are perfectly safe for curious kids.
Recommended Tours:
If you want to explore beyond
Go for: Combo tickets, HOHO Cruise
Perks: Best value for money, HOHO access
Duration: 7 hours to 2 days
- Explore the Taronga Zoo that’s home to 350 species of animals along with a relaxing whale-watching cruise.
- Choose from different options and also get unlimited hop-on-hop-off access for affordable prices!
Recommended Tours:
Cancellation Policy
Most of your Sydney Harbour Cruise tickets can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the start of your tour. However, please note that there are certain tickets that have varying cancellation policies or can’t be cancelled. Make sure that you check the cancellation policy when booking your cruise tickets.
About Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is a shimmering jewel along Australia's east coast framed by the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This picturesque harbor stretches like a welcoming embrace, adorned with renowned landmarks that tell tales of indigenous heritage, exploration, colonization, and modernization.
The indigenous Gadigal people once cherished the area in the name of "Taratata." The harbor provided abundant resources and held cultural significance. The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 made the harbor the epicenter of British colonization in Australia. The settlement at Sydney Cove laid the foundations for modern Sydney, transforming the harbor into a bustling hub of trade and industry.
Things to see on a Sydney Harbour Cruise
Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Royal Botanical Garden, Australian National Maritime Museum, and more.
Plan Your Sydney Harbour Cruise
10 AM to 10 PM
Start from 11 AM to 1:30 PM
End by 3:30 PM to 4 PM
Start from 5 PM to 7:30 PM
End by 9:30 to 10:30 PM
Start from 9 AM to 1 PM
End by 2 PM to 4:30 PM
Most of the Sydney Harbour Cruises start from either the Circular Quay or the Darling Harbour Wharf/King Street Wharf. Nature cruises usually start from the Jervis Bay Wild.
Please note that the boarding point may change based the cruise you pick. Refer to your tickets to get the most accurate information.
Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Find on Maps
Nearest Bus Stop: Wharf Theaters, Hickson Road
Nearest Train Station: Circular Quay
The Promenade, Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Find on Maps
Nearest Bus Stop: King Street Wharf, Erskine Street
Nearest Train Station: Wynyard
Portside Cafe, 15 Field St, Huskisson NSW 2540, Australia. Find on Maps
Nearest Bus Stop: Huskisson Shops, Owen St
October to April
The best time to take a cruise in Sydney would be through the months of October to April. This is when the weather is warm and pleasant, making it perfect for water activities like nature cruises, jet boat tours, and much more. Avoid planning your cruise in Australia's winter months as the ocean can get quite chilly.
December to February can get quite hot, so prepare for the sun. Late December to late January can also be quite crowded, so book your tickets in advance if you're planning a cruise in these months.
Sydney Harbour Cruises FAQs
The price of your Sydney Harbour Cruises will depend on the type of cruise you pick. The prices can start from AU$45 and go up to AU$600, depending on the inclusions in your cruise.
You can easily book a Sydney Harbour Cruise online.
We suggest that you book your Sydney Harbour Cruise tickets online because you can avail great online benefits like:
- Discounts: You can get great deals and offers on your tickets online.
- Variety of options: Choose from a variety of cruise options that range from budget to luxury cruises.
- Availability: Sydney Harbour cruises are quite popular, but you can ensure a seat by booking in advance.
There are sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, dinner cruises, nature cruises and jet boat tours available at the Sydney Harbour.
We suggest you arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to your boarding point to avoid any delays.
Depending on your ticket, you may be served lunch, dinner, or high tea in the vessel, including a selection of beverages.
Important landmarks of Sydney such as Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Government House, Harbour Bridge and Taronga Zoo are covered on Sydney Sightseeing Cruises.
Sightseeing cruises are some of the most popular Sydney Harbour Cruises. You can take a quick cruise along the coast and cover major landmarks for relatively affordable prices.
The duration of your cruise will depend on the type of cruise you pick. It may be a short 30-min ride with a jet boat or it can be up to 5 hours on a long lunch or dinner cruise. Check the duration of your cruise on your ticket for the most accurate information.
We suggest that you pick nature cruises to learn about Australia's wildlife or speed boat tours for a short thrilling ride if you're travelling with children or families.
A romantic dinner cruise that includes live entertainment and a wide selection of food and beverages is the perfect pick for couples.
The boarding point for your cruise will depend on the type of cruise you pick. While most cruises begin from either Circular Quay or King Street Wharf, we suggest that you check your tickets to get the most accurate boarding point information.
Combo cruise tickets provide the best value for money as they also include entry access into Taronga Zoo. You may also pick a hop-on-hop-off cruise to explore the city of Sydney through its waters.
The best time to go on a cruise in Sydney is through the months of October to April.
You can choose from a variety of food options on your Sydney Harbour Cruise. Make sure that you take a look at the food menu on your ticket when booking a lunch or dinner cruise to see all your meal options.
Most Sydney Harbour Cruises are wheelchair accessible. If you require assistance, make sure that you contact the cruise staff.
