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Cruise Through Sydney - Discover, Dine & Relax
Sydney Harbour CruisesLunch Cruises
Find the perfect Sydney Harbour lunch cruise for you!
Cruise name
Ideal for
Duration
Inclusions
Window seat
Booking link
Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise with buffet lunch
Couples, families, groups
2 hour 15 minutes
Buffet lunch + Live commentary + refreshments
Not included
Premium Multi-course Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour - 2 course
Couples
1.5 - 2 hours
2 course à la carte menu + air-conditioned super-cruiser Sydney 2000
Optional
Premium Multi-course Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour - 3 course
Couples
1.5 - 4 hours
3 course à la carte menu + air-conditioned super-cruiser Sydney 2000
Optional
What your Sydney Harbour cruise experience looks like
See all photos
Know before you go on a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise
Timings
Getting there
Rules
What to bring
- Lunch timings: Most cruises depart around 12pm, so plan to arrive at the boarding point at least 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.
- Best weather: For warm, sunny conditions, schedule your lunch cruise between late spring (October–November) and early autumn (March–April) when temperatures are pleasant and skies are mostly clear.
- Weekend vs weekday: For a luxurious weekend experience, opt for the 3-course lunch cruise, which lasts around 4 hours. On weekdays, the 2-course cruise or the buffet cruise is ideal for a shorter, more relaxed outing.
- By car: Circular Quay Wharf 2 is about 10 minutes from Sydney CBD via King St, Phillip St, Clarence St, or Macquarie St. Parking is available at Gateway Car Park, 155 George St Car Park, Clocktower Car Park, and Sydney Opera House Car Park (all paid).
- By bus: Take bus 333 or 396 from St James Station, Elizabeth St (Stand C) to Circular Quay, Young St (Stand D). From there, it’s a 3-minute walk to the wharf.
- By train: Take a T2 or T3 train from St James Station to Circular Quay Station (3 minutes). From there, it’s a 3-minute walk to the wharf.
- Darling Harbour
- By car: Darling Harbour is about 5 minutes from Sydney CBD via Market St or Sussex St. Parking is available at First Parking Darling Quarter Car Park, Number One Dixon Car Park, Wilson Parking – Darling Park and Wilson Parking – Harbourside (all paid).
- By bus: From Sydney Airport, take the 350 from Terminal 3 Domestic to Pacific Square, then transfer to the 396 to St James Station, and finally the 500X from Hyde Park to Town Hall House, Druitt St (Stand L). From there, it’s a short walk to Darling Harbour.
- By train: From Sydney Domestic Airport Station, take the T8 train to Town Hall Station (40 mins). From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to Darling Harbour.
- Follow all instructions from the captain and crew, especially regarding movement on the boat and safety procedures.
- Life jackets are provided and may need to be worn at all times. Know their location and how to secure them properly.
- Remain in your designated seat, avoid leaning over railings, and hold on when instructed.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Pack a windproof jacket and dress in layers for changing weather.
- Wear non-slip comfortable shoes for walking on a wet deck.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay protected from strong sun reflecting off the water.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout the cruise.
- Bring medication or natural remedies if you’re prone to seasickness.
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Harbour lunch cruises
Where do the cruises depart from?
Common departure points include King Street Wharf, Circular Quay, and Darling Harbour. Always check your booking for the exact location.
Are the cruises available year-round?
Yes, lunch cruises operate throughout the year, though schedules may vary seasonally.
How far in advance should I book the cruise?
As these cruises are quite famous and could get filled up quickly, we’d recommend booking them about 2-3 weeks in advance, just to be safe.
What is the dress code for the cruise?
We’d recommend dressing in smart casuals, just note that you might not be allowed on the cruise in swimwear, flip-flops, or beachwear. Jeans, shirts and shorts are completely fine to wear!
Are there meal options for vegans?
Absolutely! All lunch cruises offer vegan and gluten free options in their menu, so feel free to let your servers know your preferences.
What happens if I get sick during the cruise?
While it’s extremely rare for someone to get seasick on a cruise due to the ship’s stability and the calm waters, cruise staff are completely equipped to deal with any form of seasickness on board.
Is the vessel accessible for guests with disabilities?
The buffet lunch cruise is not accessible for people with back and neck problems, serious medical conditions, injuries, and pregnant women. The 2 or 3 course lunch cruises are accessible to wheelchair users, and also allow service dogs and pets, as long as they’re restrained on board.
Are pets allowed on board?
Service animals may be allowed; check with the operator in advance.
Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking policies differ; some cruises have designated smoking areas, while others are non-smoking.
From happy customers
Nadia
Australiajun, 2025
The booking process was straightforward and the tickets were easy to locate after the purchase. The staff were lovely and the boat was clean. The route around the harbour ensured we saw everything.
Vivid Sydney Canapés Cruise with Complimentary Drink
Simonetta
Australiamay, 2025
We loved the whole experience.
The staff were friendly and professional.
Once on the deck, the views of the surroundings of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge were spectacular.
The meal was fresh and delicious.
Can recommend!
Multi-Course Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Troy
Canadadic, 2023
The tour was amazing, food was excellent, staff were very friendly, entertainment was Great. I'd highly recommend it!
3-Course Long Lunch Cruise in Sydney
Glenn
sep, 2022
great way to spend a relaxing day on the harbour. it was our last day and a great way to finish. beautiful food, drinks a bit ex-ey but not too bad, really good 2 piece guitarists, and the glorious harbour.
didnt realist it was a Captain Cook Cruise but when i did it gave me an immediate level of comfot as i didnt know what i was getting
3-Course Long Lunch Cruise in Sydney
Debbie
Australiaene, 2024
We loved the sunset cruise & the staff were amazing!
The whole experience & boat was even better than expected! Thankyou- we will return
Captain Cook Cocktail Harbour Bar Cruise
Quinn
jul, 2019
Didn't factor in the sea sickness and totally forgot to take my pills. Thankfully there was a lot of other stuff to focus on
Captain Cook Cocktail Harbour Bar Cruise
Susanna
Australiasep, 2024
Every thing went smoothly and we loved taking visitors on a cruise to experience Sydney. They can take pictures of the Harbour bridge, Opera House and the surrounding buildings. Lunch was very good.
Premium Multi-Course Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Tania
Australianov, 2023
We had a wonderfull relaxing Sydney Harbour Cruise. The staff were very attentive and the two course meal was most divine and served with a glass of wine. Booking was made easy and will definitely go again.
Premium Multi-Course Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour