English
English
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tickets
- Sydney Opera House Tours
- Scenic World Tickets
- Sydney to Blue Mountain Tours
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruises
- Sydney Tower Eye Tickets
- Taronga Zoo Tickets
- Sydney Zoo Tickets
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Tickets
- Featherdale Wildlife Park Tickets
- Madame Tussauds Tickets
- Big Bus Sydney Hop-on Hop-off Tours
- Skydive Sydney Tickets
- Luna Park Tickets
- Australian National Maritime Museum Tickets
- Australian Reptile Park Tickets
Contents
Sydney is a stunning city, and one of the best ways to experience it is by cruising along Sydney Harbour. From the waterfront views of the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge to other scenic attractions, a Sydney Harbour cruise is a must-do for visitors. Scroll down to learn what you can see and do along the harbor on your cruise.
Top attractions along the Sydney Harbour
Sydney Opera House
This world-famous performing arts venue has become an iconic symbol of Australia. Designed in a modern expressionist style, it hosts resident companies like Opera Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, attracting over 1.2 million visitors annually.
Fun fact: The Sydney Opera House has a cooling system that uses seawater from the harbor.
Know more
Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge, a steel through-arch bridge connecting the CBD to the North Shore, is an iconic landmark and a favorite photo frame alongside the Opera House. It also plays a central role in Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Fun fact: The arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge have earned it the nickname "The Coathanger" for their shape.
Know more
Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanic Garden, opened in 1816 at Sydney’s eastern CBD, is Australia’s oldest scientific institution. This heritage-listed landmark offers lush gardens, event spaces, and stunning harbor views.
Fun fact: Some of the oldest trees here were planted as early as 1820.
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo, over 100 years old, is home to 5,000+ animals across 350 species. Situated on Sydney Harbour, this government-run zoo is a top tourist attraction, featuring highlights like the historic 1915 Rustic Bridge.
Fun fact: Taronga is an Aboriginal word which means "beautiful view".
Know more
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a vibrant hub with attractions like Cockle Bay Wharf, Paddy’s Markets, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship. History enthusiasts can explore museums including the Australian National Maritime Museum, Powerhouse Museum, and Madame Tussauds.
Fun fact: The Eora people would call this harbor “Tumbalong”, meaning a place where seafood is found.
The Rocks
Located on Sydney Harbour’s southern shore, The Rocks is a historic precinct with souvenir shops, handicraft stalls, pubs, themed restaurants, and street performances. It also hosts the Museum of Contemporary Art and Church Hill, home to some of Australia’s earliest churches.
Fun fact: The earliest buildings here were traditional vernacular houses but later local sandstone houses started coming up, giving the area its name.
Blues Point Reserve
Blues Point Reserve is a family-friendly park offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. With a nautical playground and shaded picnic spots under large fig trees, it’s named after local legend Billy Blue, a convict who arrived in 1801.
Fun fact: The Blues Point Reserve is used as a center point for Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Circular Quay
Circular Quay, a historic public piazza and former working port, is a must-visit Sydney Harbour attraction. Known as Warrung (“Little Child”) by the Aboriginal people, it marks the landing site of the First Fleet in 1788.
Fun fact: A series of plaques commemorating writers who are connected to Sydney, known as the Sydney Writers Walk, were installed in Circular Quay in 1991.
Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island Wareamah, the largest Sydney Harbour island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a convict settlement (1839–1869), it also holds Australia’s most significant shipbuilding history, making it a key maritime landmark.
Fun fact: The Cockatoo Island gets its name from the sulfur-crested cockatoos that once were abundantly seen on the island.
Book your Sydney Harbour cruise
Hidden gems along the Sydney Harbour
Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour’s largest island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formerly a convict settlement, it also boasts Australia’s richest shipbuilding history.
Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden
Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay is a serene public park filled with artistic landscaping and stunning harbor views. Created as a tribute to her late husband, it’s perfect for leisurely strolls and small picnics.
Luna Park
Luna Park, opened in 1935, is a heritage-listed amusement park and Sydney icon. Its famous entrance face and Art-Deco towers offer a unique and memorable harbor view, making it a must-see hidden gem.
Know moreVisitor tips
- Consider the duration: Short cruises (90 mins) give a quick overview, while full-day or meal cruises provide a complete experience.
- Plan around festivals: Cruises during Vivid Sydney or New Year’s Eve are spectacular but book early.
- Plan your route: For hop-on hop-off cruises, map out the stops you want to explore on land.
- Time your photos : Early morning and sunset offer the best lighting for Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge shots.
- Check cruise themes: Some cruises feature jazz nights, wine tastings, or cultural experiences for a unique outing.
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Harbour attractions
What are some top attractions that I can spot on my Sydney Harbour cruise?
The Sydney Harbour area is teeming with sightseeing spots. But here are some of the attractions that you can’t miss on your Sydney Harbour cruise — Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour.
What are some dining options along Sydney Harbour?
When cruising along the Sydney Harbour, it is a great idea to get tickets that include a meal, just for its unique experience. But, apart from that, you’ll get plenty of great places to eat in the area. Quay, Aria and Bennelong, some of Australia’s best fine-dining restaurants, sit right alongside the waterfront. If you’re bar hopping, definitely check out the Opera Bar, Cruise Bar, Hyde Hacienda and others. For great budget friendly options, go to The Rocks and the Darling Harbour areas.
What are some other attractions I can visit along the Sydney Harbour?
The Sydney Harbour area has a lot to offer in terms of attractions. There are a number of pub walks that you can take around the area. Apart from that, many historical sites, like the Government House, the Sydney Writers Walk and museums like Madame Tussauds also welcome thousands annually. There are also cruises dedicated to whale and dolphin-watching that you can get tickets to.
What entertainment activities are available along the Sydney Harbour?
There is no shortage of entertainment activities along the Sydney Harbour. The most iconic of them is, of course, catching a show at the Sydney Opera House. Apart from that, there are many street performances, especially at The Rocks and the Cutaway. The Cockle Bay Wharf also houses one of Australia's largest nightclubs — Home.
What adventure activities are available along the Sydney Harbour?
There are a number of adventure activities that you can do in the area. Speed boating and kayaking are very popular! Rope climbing at the Taronga Zoo is also a great offbeat activity.
What are some of the events that I can take part in along the Sydney Harbour?
One of the biggest celebrations in the area is the New Year’s Eve fireworks display. There are many vantage points to experience this like Blues Point Reserve, Circular Quay or any point with a good view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Apart from that, there are other events like the Vivid Sydney festival and Boxing Day yacht races.
I’m a history buff. How can I get to know more about the history of the Sydney Harbour area?
The Sydney Harbour cruises usually come with audio commentary that will let you know all about the history and notable facts of the landmarks you visit. If you want to explore even more, Darling Harbour has many museums that you can check out.
Where can I shop near Sydney Harbour?
The Sydney Harbour area is ideal for your shopping needs and it is surrounded by tourist precincts. The Rocks and Darling Harbour areas are especially great for souvenir shopping.
Can I cancel my Sydney Harbour cruise tickets?
You can usually cancel your Sydney Harbour cruise tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins. However, some event-based tickets cannot be canceled, like the Vivid Festival cruises. Check your tickets well before booking in case you’re unsure.