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
- Australian National Maritime Museum Tickets
- Australian Reptile Park Tickets
- Hunter Valley Wine Tours
Cruise Through Sydney - Discover, Dine & Relax
Why go on a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise?
Spot Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and more!
Go on the quintessential Sydney experience and see some of the most iconic spots in Sydney! Get the perfect view of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour bridge, the Rocks, Jervis Bay and more, all from the comfort of your luxurious cruise!
Find the perfect Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise for you!
Cruise name
Ideal for
Inclusions
Food & beverages
Booking link
Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise - Express
Families, couples
Sightseeing + Live commentary + Free WiFi + Indoor and outdoor seating
No
Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise - Classic
Families
Sightseeing + Live commentary + Snacks + Beverages + Activities for kids
Yes
Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise - Premium
Solo traveller, couples
Sightseeing + Live commentary + Welcome beverage + Aussie cheese and charcuterie + Reserved lounge seating + Air-conditioned super cruiser
Yes
Tall Ship Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
Families, couples, solo travelers
Sightseeing + Live commentary + 1850s cruiser + viewing decks
No
Sydney Harbour Hop on Hop off Cruise
Families, couples, solo travelers
Sightseeing + Recorded smartphone commentary + 1 or 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off + Free Wi-Fi + Entry to Taronga Zoo
No
Sightseeing Cruise on Sydney Harbour with Buffet Lunch
Families, couples, solo travelers
Sightseeing + Live commentary + Refreshments + Buffet lunch + Open-air viewing decks
Yes
What you'll see on a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise
See all photos
Know before you go on a sightseeing cruise in Sydney
Timings
Getting there
Safety guidelines
What to carry
- Timings: While there isn't a fixed time for all cruises, remember that most Sydney Harbour cruises start around 9am, or earlier in the day.
- Average duration: Sydney Harbour cruises last 60 to 120 minutes, on average.
- Crowds: To avoid Sydney Harbour cruise crowds, set sail during the shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) or even winter (June-August) for the least crowded experience, though dress warmly!
- Weather: For pleasant weather, we'd recommend going in the months of March to May (shoulder season) and September to November (spring).
- Train: Arrive at Circular Quay Station, directly connected to the wharf area.
- Ferry: Multiple ferries service Circular Quay. Wharves 2, 3, 4, or 6 are most common for whale watching cruises.
- Light Rail: Circular Quay is a stop on the light rail network.
- Walking: Easily accessible on foot from the city center (15-30 minutes).
- Train: Town Hall Station is a short walk (10 minutes) from Darling Harbour. Wynyard Station is also an option with a slightly longer walk (15 minutes).
- Ferry: Wharves 4 or 5 at Darling Harbour service ferries.
- Walking: Not as central as Circular Quay, but accessible on foot from the city center (20-30 minutes).
- Follow the crew's lead: They're there for your safety! Listen to instructions about moving around the boat, especially in rough seas.
- Life jacket: These will be provided, and wearing them might be mandatory. Know where yours is and how to use it.
- Be seated safely: Save the railing poses for calmer adventures. The crew will tell you when to sit and hold on tight.
- Be sun smart: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The sun's reflection off the water is intense, and staying hydrated is key!
- Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun, especially if you'll be spending time on the open deck.
- Camera/Phone: Capture the scenic views and memorable moments with a camera or your smartphone.
- Comfortable shoes: If you plan to explore the deck or hop off at different stops during a HOHO cruise, wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Weather-appropriate clothing: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Bring layers or a light jacket if it's expected to be cool, and wear breathable clothing if it's hot.
- Cash/Credit card: Bring some cash or a credit card for purchasing snacks, drinks, or souvenirs onboard.
- Identification: Carry a form of identification, especially if you plan to consume alcohol or if it's required for ticket verification.
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruises
What can I see on a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise?
You’ll spot iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour bridge, and hidden gems like secluded coves and Kutti beach. On some cruises, you could even see some dolphins and whales!
What are the different types of Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruises available?
You can go on a Sydney Harbour Hop on-Hop off cruise, which will let you choose between 1 or 2 day cruises, on which you can get on and off whenever you want! Choose the Tall ship cruise if you want an 1850s vibe, and the classic sightseeing cruise if you just want to revel in the sights of the glorious Harbour. The express cruise is for fast cruising, and will finish in just 80 minutes, while the premium cruise will treat you like royalty, with charcuterie boards and lounging areas.
Is the cruise safe for children?
Sydney Harbour cruises are a great option for families. Most cruises have plenty of space for children to move around, and life jackets are always provided for every family member on board.
Which is the best cruise for me?
If it’s your first time in Sydney, we’d recommend going for the classic or premium sightseeing cruise, as you’ll get to enjoy a scrumptious meal while savoring the views of Sydney Harbour and its surroundings.
How long is the cruise?
You’ll be able to choose from a variety of timings for your express cruises that last 1-1.5 hours, Standard 1-2 hour cruises, or splurge on a premium cruise to spend 2-3 hours exploring the harbor, learning the history of Sydney, and spotting hidden beaches.
Where can I board the cruise?
Most cruises depart from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. Your specific boarding location will be provided on the ticket upon booking.
What are the peak times or dates that require early booking?
Weekends, holidays, school breaks (summer months - November to January) and special events like Vivid Sydney or New Year's Eve fill up fast! Make sure to book your cruise tickets in advance (2 weeks to a month) to secure your spot.
Are there any discounts for children and senior citizens?
Avail a special family bonus on your Express sightseeing cruise. Get one child’s ticket free with every paying adult! For other sightseeing cruises, children below the age of 12 years get a special discount.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
All Sydney Harbour cruises, except the Tall Ship cruise, are completely wheelchair accessible, with features like ramps, accessible restrooms, and wide aisles to facilitate moving around easily.
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
Mary
United StatesJun, 2025
Pleasant way to see the harbor area, nice charcuterie plate, good view from upper deck, easy to book.
However, there was some confusion about where and when to board, we had expected a commentary on what we were seeing, but that required us to download an app we would never use again! And use up the phone battery.
Captain Cook Premium Harbour Experience: 1.5-Hour Cruise
Phillip
AustraliaJun, 2025
We made it just in time due to Vivid road closures but once on board the experience was wonderful. We felt we were well taken care of and the food was excellent.
Multi-Course Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Howard
AustraliaMay, 2025
My wife and I enjoyed the hospitality of server "John" - a young man from Brazil studying engineering. We also appreciated the way in which an older Japanese couple were taken care of by a Japanese speaking crew member. Please pass these compliments onto Sydney 2000.
Multi-Course Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Lucy
United KingdomOct, 2025
Good tour that covered a lot of the city and was split into two. Commentary was good and not rushed. It was pre recorded which I prefer. Bus drivers were friendly. Only slightly disappointing thing us that whilst its 24 hours, the tour stops after 4 so you have you get it all done in the early part of the day.
Big Bus: Sydney Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Hop-on-Hop-off Harbour Cruise
Veronica
IrelandAug, 2025
The headout ticketing system worked perfectly and we used the tour to see Sydney in one day! It was the perfect way to see the whole city with s couple of dtops at major sites of interest! Well worth it
Big Bus: Sydney Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Hop-on-Hop-off Harbour Cruise
Belbinder
United KingdomJun, 2025
Experience was nice, waters was a little choppy and never managed to spot a whale. Have been given a free voucher valid for 3 years to rebook for free.
Sydney Whale Watching Speedboat Cruise
John
AustraliaNov, 2025
We felt very lucky- sailed out of the Sydney heads and quickly saw a whale with calf. Followed them and saw lots of action, the boat felt safe and the sun was shining on us.
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Onboard Buffet