Sydney Harbour Cruise Guide

Cruising the iconic Sydney Harbour is a must-do for all visitors to the New South Wales capital, and with the activity’s popularity, there’s an option for every type of traveler. To help you choose the right cruise for you, here are our top picks.

Best for First-Timers

Australia’s biggest city can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, so get your bearings with a Sydney Harbour coffee cruise. An onboard guide provides commentary, pointing out all the top attractions, including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and best of all, you can choose between morning and afternoon tours, so it's easy to fit your cruise in around other sightseeing experiences.

Best for Those Short on Time

If you’re trying to see as much as possible in a single day, maximize your time with a short and sweet tour around the harbor. A 90-minute highlights cruise offers plenty of photo opportunities as you cruise glide past the Botanical Gardens, the Opera House, and Sydney's elegant waterfront homes.

Best for Luxury Travelers

For those looking to splash out on an unforgettable experience, the most stylish way to cruise around Sydney’s harbor is by luxury yacht. Hop aboard a luxury cruise and you'll be whisked off to a secret beach location for a traditional Aussie barbecue lunch and the opportunity to swim and kayak before sailing back to shore.

Best for Budget Travelers

If you're on a tight budget, opt for a hop on, hop off cruise and you'll not only save money but gain the freedom to set sail at any time of day (boats depart every 45 minutes). Even better, with stops at Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and Luna Park, you won't have to shell out on public transport to get to the sights.

Best for Food Lovers

There are few more spectacular choices for a lunch date than a top deck lunch cruise in Sydney—you'll tuck into a gourmet, three-course meal while taking in a dramatic harbor view. If you'd rather finish off a day of sightseeing in style, choose an atmospheric dinner cruise and dine on an equally lavish three-course meal.

Best for Couples

Watch a sunset over Sydney on a romantic dinner cruise that offers a meal prepared by internationally renowned chefs, or surprised your loved one with a twilight dinner cruise, during which you'll share an array of fine wine and canapés aboard an authentic 1922 tall ship.

Best for Kids

Sightseeing with kids in tow can be a challenge, so keep the whole family happy by booking a tour that combines a Sydney Harbour cruise with a Taronga Zoo entry ticket. The round-trip cruise offers plenty of time to admire the waterfront attractions, but as soon as the kids start to tire of snapping photos, whisk them off to the Taronga Zoo, where they can see koalas and take in the free-flight bird show.