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Cruise Through Sydney - Discover, Dine & Relax
Enjoy a sumptuous meal with views on a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
With several iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches and wildlife sanctuaries to explore, Sydney offers several ways to enjoy yourself on a vacation. One popular activity along the Sydney Harbour is to unwind with a glass of wine and gaze over the beautiful city lit after dark. With Sydney Harbour dinner cruises, enjoy a delicious meal of local cuisine as you float above the harbor.
Read on to learn more about what Sydney dinner cruises offer and how to pick the cruise that best suits you.
5 reasons you can’t miss out on a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
View Sydney in its nighttime glory
Some of Sydney’s famous attractions, including the Opera House, the Darling Harbour, and the Harbour Bridge, are lit beautifully at night, the best views of which you can get from the harbor. Their brilliant silhouettes reflect off the shimmering water in Sydney Harbour, lending you some truly breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape.
Read more
Your guide to picking the right Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
- Sydney Harbour dinner cruises are usually available all year round. However, for the occasion of Vivid Sydney, you can enjoy a Vivid Sydney dinner cruises from 24th May to 15th June 2024.
- The budget dinner cruises start from around AU$54 and include light snacks, beverages and buffet meal options. Mid-range dinner cruises offer 2-3 courses and usually also include the option to purchase additional beverages. Luxury dinner cruises can go up to AU$297 and come with private or window seating, up to 6 meal courses, premium beverages, an experienced skipper and live entertainment.
- Dinner cruises usually start with 90-minute durations with short buffet meals and can go up to 3 hours, depending on the number of courses and inclusions in your experience. They start from about 5pm and can last up to 10pm. Some cruises also allow you to pick a time slot between 5pm and 9pm that best suits your itinerary.
- Dinner cruises usually take place on large and premium cruisers, including the Sydney 2000 AC cruiser for luxury dinner cruises. There is also a special Tall Ship experience that occurs atop a restored Southern Swan or Soren Larsen that allows you to experience the brilliance of sailing back in its glory days.
- You can upgrade your seating to window seats or premium deck seating for an additional price.
- There are some cruises that offer live music and dancing, usually over the weekends.
Find your Sydney Harbour dinner cruise match
Experience name
Boarding point
Timings
Food & beverages
Entertainment
Boat type
Book tickets
3 or 4-Course Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour
King Street Wharf no. 1
5pm to 7pm or 7pm to 10pm
Contemporary Australian cuisine, alcoholic beverages
Live music on weekends
Sightseeing cruiser
Tall Ship Cruise on Sydney Harbour with Lunch/Brunch/Dinner
Campbell’s Cove Jetty
5pm to 6:30pm or 5pm to 7:30pm
Canapes, Australian dinner paired with wines
Restored Southern Swan or Soren Larsen
Vivid Festival Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Dinner
King Street Wharf no. 3
6pm to 7:30pm or 7:30pm to 9pm
Buffet dinner, complimentary beverage
Luxury catamaran
Vivid Festival Sightseeing Cruise with 2 or 3-Course Dinner & Live Music
Captain Cook cruises, King Street Wharf
5pm to 7pm or 7pm to 10pm
Australian cuisine
Optional live music upgrade
AC sightseeing cruiser
Luxury Gold Penfolds 6-Course Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Check booking voucher
7pm to 10pm
Australian cuisine, vintage wines, house spirits, beers, soft drinks
Live music on weekends
Luxury sightseeing cruiser
6-Course Gold Dinner Cruise Sydney
King Street Wharf no. 1
5:30pm to 7:30 pm or 7pm to 9pm
Australian a la carte menu, beverages on purchase
Live music and dancing on weekends
Luxury sightseeing cruiser
Vivid Festival Tall Ship Cruise with Dinner
Campbell’s Cove Jetty
Slots from 6pm to 8pm; 1.5 hrs
Australian cuisine and wine
Restored Southern Swan or Soren Larsen
Know before going on a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
Timings
Best time to visit
Boarding point
Facilities
Dress code
Rules & Tips
Sydney Harbour dinner cruises usually start at around 5pm and 7pm and can go on up to 10pm. The cruise duration usually depends on the inclusions in your itinerary. However, most cruises are about 90 minutes and can go up to 3 hours.
The boarding time for your cruise is usually 15-20 minutes before the departure time mentioned on your voucher. We suggest that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time to ensure you’re able to board your cruise and settle down before the boat departs.
Dinner cruise timings
Spring and summer (from September to February)is the best time to go on a dinner cruise in Sydney. Spring and summer in Australia are relatively cool with low chances of rain, and dinner cruises are especially charming at this time of the year. However, there may be large crowds as well so you may have to make your reservations in advance.
Autumns and winters (from March to August) are a little chilly over the waters. Especially during peak winters (April to June), we suggest that you carry a few extra layers to keep yourself warm. The Vivid Sydney festival of art and lights is also usually around this time of the year, making Vivid Sydney dinner cruises an extremely popular activity amongst tourists. Expect greater crowds during the festival and make your bookings in advance to avoid missing out on them.
Weekday cruises also tend to have fewer crowds. However, some cruises are only available over the weekends, but you may upgrade your seats for premium and private seating as well.
Sydney Harbour dinner cruises usually have multiple boarding points across the harbor. However, the most common boarding point for most dinner cruises is King Street Wharf.
Address: The Promenade, Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Find on Maps
By bus: Nearest bus stops are at the King Street Wharf stops on both Erskine Street and King Street. Buses 252 and 261 stop here.
By ferry or HOHO: Get down at King Street Wharf and walk over to the wharf number of your cruise.
Car parks nearby: Secure parking - King St. Wharf and 132 Sussex Street Car Park
- Note: Get the wharf number for your specific cruise on your mobile voucher.
- Indoor-outdoor seating: Whether you want to sit under the stars or inside the cabin, you will most likely be able to choose your seating.
- Upgraded window seats: Some cruises with multiple decks allow you to upgrade your seats to a window seat for an additional price.
- Welcome drink: Some cruises welcome you aboard with a complimentary drink.
- Comprehensive menus: Select from a wide variety of dishes and beverages for your dinner.
- Dietary inclusions: If you have any special dietary requirements, mention them while booking your tickets and the cruise will try to accommodate your requests.
- Wheelchair accessibility: Some cruises are also wheelchair accessible. Do confirm the same before booking your specific cruise to ensure that the necessary accommodations can be made.
- Trained skipper: Most dinner cruises also include an experienced deckhand or skipper to address any concerns or requests you may have during your meal.
- Live music: Usually over the weekends, some cruises offer live music and dancing.
A Sydney dinner cruise is a sophisticated affair where a certain amount of etiquette is expected. If you step aboard wearing flip-flops, you’re certain to raise some eyebrows.
We suggest that you dress in smart casuals, or if you’re willing to go the extra mile, even in semi-formals for your dinner cruise.
This means that men can wear formal and semi-formal shirts, either with a blazer or jacket. Ties and bowties are encouraged. For shoes, you can wear semi-formal derbys or loafers with a matching pair of socks.
For women, we recommend semi-formal and smart casual dresses or a semi-formal blouse with a skirt. Peep-toes or pumps with a short heel or even stilettos would be a great pick.
- Follow safety instructions: Boarding a vessel that floats atop water is bound to have some safety rules. Make sure that you follow the rules mentioned on signs or shared by the crew.
- Keep your children close: Keep your child accompanied at all times to make sure that they don’t wander off, especially if there are any obstacles on the deck.
- Arrive early: Boarding for the cruise usually starts 20 minutes before departure. Be sure to arrive on time to get some time to settle down.
- Carry medication for sickness: If you’re prone to feeling carsick or seasick, carry the necessary medication for your cruise to ensure you’re not queasy during your dinner.
Views on your Sydney Harbour dinner cruise
See all photos
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Harbour dinner cruises
Are there veg and non-veg options available on Sydney cruises?
Yes, you have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available on most dinner cruises. While booking your tickets, you can most likely also view the menu for that cruise for you to refer.
Can the dinner cruise take some special dietary requests for me?
Your Sydney dinner cruise can certainly take any special requests you may have. To make sure that the crew makes the necessary inclusions for your dietary requests, mention them while booking your tickets itself.
Can children get mocktails?
Sydney Harbour dinner cruises usually offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options. You will be provided with a beverage menu that has a selection of wines, spirits, cocktails and mocktails.
Can I get recommendations during my dinner on the cruise?
Some cruises have an experienced deckhand or skipper who can not only keep you comfortable throughout your meal but also share recommendations for your meal. Even otherwise, you can rest assured that the meals are carefully paired with curated beverage selections for your dinner cruise in Sydney.
Is it worth going on a dining cruise in Sydney?
The Sydney Harbour cruises give you a spectacular view of the cityscape, with old buildings of the Rocks on one side and the urban backdrop behind the Opera House on the other, especially after dark. Pair this with a delectable Australian gourmet meal and you have the perfect way to spend time with your close family or special someone. With a variety of food and beverage options, a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise is a must-have experience on your Sydney holiday bucket list.
What meal options can I get for my dinner cruise?
Depending on the dinner cruise you book, you can get a buffet meal, a mid-range meal with 2-3 courses and one beverage. A luxury dinner cruise usually has up to 6 courses of meals, free-flowing wine and beer and other beverage assortments.
Can I get a wheelchair accessible table?
Some dinner cruises are accessible by wheelchairs with special tables and other accommodations made available. However, we suggest that you confirm the wheelchair accessibility on your ticket before booking. Share any additional requests you may have while making the booking itself so that the necessary accommodations can be made before your arrival.
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
CanadaDec, 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
AustraliaJan, 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