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Contents
Glide past the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge on a Sydney Harbour cruise, whether you choose a meal cruise, sightseeing trip, or a special Vivid Sydney experience. With so many options available, you’re spoiled for choice. This guide will help you navigate the boarding points and explore the easiest ways to reach them, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your cruise.
Sydney Harbour cruise boarding points
Circular Quay
Circular Quay is an important international passenger shipping terminal, public piazza and heritage area. It is situated in Sydney Cove just north of the Sydney CBD.
Address: Circular Quay, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Map link
Nearest landmark: First Fleet Park
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour lies west of the Sydney CBD and is a lively area with large recreational spaces, shopping centers and tourist landmarks.
Address: Darling Harbour, Convention Jetty, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Map link
Nearest landmark: Tumbalong Park
King Street Wharf
Situated on the eastern shore of Darling Harbour, this area is a hub for tourism, residential, commercial, retail and maritime development. It falls on the west of the Sydney CBD.
Address: King Street Wharf, The Promenade, Lime St., Sydney, Australia. Map link
Nearest landmark: SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Aquarium Ferry Wharf
The Aquarium Ferry Wharf sits on the northern edge of Darling Harbour, right by SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. It offers easy ferry access to nearby attractions like WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and Madame Tussauds.
Address: 1-5 Wheat Road, Sydney NSW 2000. Map link
Nearest landmark: Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Man O’War Steps
The Man O’War Steps are located on the eastern bank of Bennelong Point, close to the Sydney Opera House. It is a heritage-listed jetty built in 1810 that is owned by Transport for NSW.
Address: Farm Cove Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Map link
Nearest landmark: Sydney Opera House
Note: These are the main Sydney Harbour cruise boarding points to guide your way. Your exact wharf and boarding details will be provided in your voucher.
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How to get to Sydney Harbour cruise terminals
Circular Quay
Darling Harbour
King Street Wharf
Man O’War Steps
Aquarium Wharf
- 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.
- 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.
- By car: King Street Wharf is about 5 minutes from Sydney CBD via King St or Clarence St. Parking is available at Secure Parking – King Street Wharf, 10 Shelley Street Car Park, First Parking Darling Quarter, and Sun Parking (all paid).
- By bus: From Sydney Airport, take bus 350 from Terminal 3 Domestic to Anzac Pde at Garden Lane, then transfer to bus 396 to St James Station, Elizabeth St (Stand C). From there, it’s a 14-minute walk to King Street Wharf.
- By train: Take the T8 from Sydney Domestic Airport Station to Wynyard Station (36 mins). From there, it’s an 11-minute walk to King Street Wharf.
- By car: The Man O’War Steps are about 5 minutes from Sydney CBD via Macquarie St or Loftus St. Paid parking is available nearby at Domain Car Park, St Mary’s Cathedral Car Park, and Wilson Parking – Macquarie St.
- By bus: From Sydney Airport, take bus 400 or 420 to Circular Quay. From there, it’s a 5–7 minute walk along the eastern side of Bennelong Point to the Man O’War Steps. Total travel time is around 50–55 minutes.
- By train: Take the T2 or T3 train from Sydney Domestic Airport Station to Circular Quay Station (about 45 minutes). From the station, it’s a 5–7 minute walk to the Man O’War Steps.
- By car: Aquarium Ferry Wharf is about 5–7 minutes from Sydney CBD via Harbour St or Sussex St. Paid parking is available nearby at Darling Park Car Park, Wilson Parking – Harbourside, and Star City Car Park.
- By bus: From Sydney Airport, take bus 400 or 420 to Town Hall Station, then walk 8–10 minutes along the northern edge of Darling Harbour to reach the wharf. Total travel time is around 55–60 minutes.
- By train: Take the T2 or T3 train from Sydney Domestic Airport Station to Town Hall Station (about 45 minutes). From there, it’s an 8–10 minute walk to Aquarium Ferry Wharf.
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Harbour cruise boarding points
What is the best way to get to Circular Quay?
Get a train when you’re going to the Circular Quay if you are okay with some moderate walking. It takes 13 minutes and the nearest station is Circular Quay Station.
How do I know which wharf I’ll have to be at to board my cruise?
When booking your Sydney Harbour boat cruise tickets, look at the boarding information carefully. This will tell you which boarding point you should use.
What is the best way to get to Darling Harbour?
It is best if you drive to the Darling Harbour area from Sydney CBD. It is just 5 minutes away and you’d easily be able to find parking here.
What is the best way to get to King Street Wharf?
The best way to get to King Street Wharf is by car. The drive is just 5 minutes from Sydney CBD and parking is also easily available.
What kind of public transport is available in Sydney?
Sydney has a great public transport network that can take you around the city without hassle. You can avail of trains, light rail, buses, ferries and the Sydney metro to get to your destination.
Can I find a parking spot in the Sydney Harbour area?
There are a large number of parking spots near Sydney Harbour, mainly because it is a big tourist hub. However, keep in mind that most parking here is paid.
How much in advance should I reach the boarding point before my cruise?
You should reach your boarding point at least 15-30 minutes before the scheduled start of your cruise. This will avoid delays and unnecessary hassle.
Is Sydney a safe city for pedestrians?
Sydney is a very pedestrian-friendly city with wide sidewalks and great traffic control. You can walk around Sydney and access public transport points easily.
Can I change my boarding point after booking?
No, the boarding point is fixed and will be listed on your voucher. Contact your cruise provider if you have any concerns.
Are the boarding points wheelchair accessible?
Most major wharves, including Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, have wheelchair access. Check with your cruise operator for specific accessibility details.
Are pets allowed at the wharves or on cruises?
Pets are generally not allowed, except for service animals. Check with your cruise operator for specific rules.