Australia · SYDNEY HARBOUR CRUISES

The 15 Sydney Harbour Cruises Worth Boarding

24 tours  ·  from $23 a head

Every boat leaves from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour and every one of them passes the same two landmarks, so the choice comes down to lunch, sail and length. The 15 below are priced by the hour with a note on which serve a real meal.

Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour - Choosing between three courses and four
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Sunset Cruises, Sydney Harbour Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney

Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

1.Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,122 reviews · from $89Our pick

Board Captain Cook Cruises at King Street Wharf for about 1 hour 45 minutes of Sydney Harbour views, a three-course à la carte dinner, and weekend live music. Choose the premium four-course menu or pay extra for a confirmed window seat. The vessel may change to Captain Cook 3 in winter.

“Two hour cruise from Darling harbour (also picks up at Circular Quay. Great views of the city, the bridge and of course the Opera House. Good food - wine is extra.”

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30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride on Thunder Twist - Safety briefing, ponchos, and the wet factor
Cruises & Boat Tours, Jet Boat & Jet Ski Rides, Jet Ski Rides in Sydney, Sydney Harbour Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney

30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride on Thunder Twist

2.30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride on Thunder Twist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 841 reviews · from $60Top rated

Hold tight for a 30-minute Thunder Jet Boat ride from Circular Quay, reaching up to 75 km/h with 270-degree spins, fishtails, slides, wave riding, and power stops. You will pass the Opera House, Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, and Rose Bay. Drivers such as John and Tom are known for clear safety briefings and lively commentary. Ponchos and lockers are included.

“Absolute blast. Thank you. We were pleasantly greeted, assisted with putting on coats and life jackets. All the staff were friendly and welcoming. They made sure to help everyone on the boat, doing checks and explaining things thoroughly. The driver was full of personality and tbh I laughed and cheered and some might find this strange but it was soooo peaceful for me roaring and spinning and turning in the boat around the harbour. And boy, does that boat have a motor. Thanks guys.”

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Sydney: Guided Daytime Summit Climb of Sydney Harbour Bridge - A calm pace with room for stories
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Sydney: Guided Daytime Summit Climb of Sydney Harbour Bridge

3.Guided Daytime Summit Climb of Sydney Harbour Bridge

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 817 reviews · 3 hours · from $257

Join a small group of up to 14 people for a three-hour guided climb to the summit of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Your Climb Leader shares stories as you follow the upper arch toward panoramic views of the Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Sydney skyline. The climb suits most fitness levels, with gear provided for changing weather.

“This was a professionally organised ‘must do’ experience. From reception to the bridge walk and talk the activity was top drawer. Wouldn’t have missed for the world. Thank you🙏👌”

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Sydney: Harbour Cruise with Buffet Lunch - Finding the boat at Circular Quay
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Sydney: Harbour Cruise with Buffet Lunch

4.Harbour Cruise with Buffet Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 804 reviews · 2h 15m · from $53

Cruise Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay for 135 minutes with a 13-item buffet, tea, coffee, and live English commentary. You’ll pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Botanical Gardens, and Darling Harbour. Guides such as Ron and Ellen are known for lively local stories, while the upper deck gives you the best photo views.

“From start to finish this was a great trip. The staff were all very welcoming and polite. As a family of 4 we all enjoyed the buffet and my son was very happy to be invited to refill his plate as often as he wanted. Our guide was informative and friendly and the tour ran to time. Would definitely recommend!”

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Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour - What you see from King Street Wharf to the Harbour Bridge
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Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

5.Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 774 reviews · from $111

Join Captain Cook Cruises at 7 pm for a two-hour evening sail from King Street Wharf or Circular Quay. You’ll enjoy a four-course dinner with seafood, meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, then head upstairs for 360-degree harbour views. Drinks cost extra, and a confirmed window seat is available as an upgrade.

“Nice dinner in a nice venue with views of Sydney Harbor and skyline! Wind in your hair on a warm night while passing under the bridge, with closeup view of the Opera House!!!!”

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Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise from Circular Quay - Boarding at Circular Quay Wharf 6
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Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise from Circular Quay

6.Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise from Circular Quay

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 727 reviews · 1 day · from $23Best value

Board at Circular Quay Wharf 6 for a one-hour Fantasea cruise past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, and harbour islands. An English-speaking guide provides live commentary, with an audio guide also available. Choose an outside seat for photos, but sit where you can hear the speaker.

“Great narration from our guide, as she was informative and pointed out all the major sites along the harbour. Good value for the money. Cruise is only an hour so not too terribly time consuming but covers a good bit of ground.”

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Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry - Sydney Harbour - Boarding at Circular Quay Wharf 6
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Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry – Sydney Harbour

7.Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry – Sydney Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 722 reviews · from $56

Take a Captain Cook Cruises ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, with harbour commentary and views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Fort Denison. Your zoo ticket covers more than 2,900 animals across 10 themed areas. Plan 4 to 8 hours, check the ferry timetable, and use the free shuttle to reach the hilltop entrance.

“This was an easy way to see the Zoo and get a round trip ferry ride. Highly recommend this tour option.”

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Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Morning or Afternoon Departure - The Sydney Opera House from the water
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Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Morning or Afternoon Departure

8.Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Morning or Afternoon Departure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 704 reviews · from $39

Cruise Sydney Harbour for 90 minutes from the Eastern Pontoon near Circular Quay, with live commentary from guides such as Ron, close views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Luna Park, plus indoor and outdoor seating, tea, coffee, and onboard restrooms.

“The speaker was wonderful. Lovely chap. Didn’t need a cruise After going to Manly via ferry though. Do NOT recommend if you’ll already be traveling somewhere by ferry…unless you really want to hear the details of Sydney.”

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Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Flight - Botany Bay, Maroubra, and the eastern beaches
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Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Flight

9.Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 649 reviews · from $179

Fly from Sydney Airport over Botany Bay, Maroubra, Coogee, Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House. Your pilot provides live commentary through a headset, and shared flights carry up to six people. Hotel pickup is available from two central hotels, with a shuttle back to Circular Quay after the flight.

“We loved the helicopter experience. We were able to take beautiful pictures of Sydney harbor and Bondi beach. Would highly recommend. Based on our experience, the right side had a better view than the left side. Perhaps, in the future, they could find a way to alternate so there is a better viewing experience.”

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Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park - Leaving Hobart for Richmond Bridge
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Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park

10.Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 585 reviews · from $121

Spend about nine hours touring from Hobart to Port Arthur with a guide such as Vic, Colin, Mark, or Rod. See Richmond Bridge, Pirates Bay, Tasman Arch, Remarkable Cave, and Maingon Bay, then explore the convict site and cruise around Isle of the Dead. Hotel pickup, transport, admission, and Wi-Fi are included.

“Fantastic trip to Port Arthur from Hobart. Barry, our driver, was very informative and humorous. A trip not to be missed.”

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Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart - Commentary that adds more than scenery
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Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart

11.Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 570 reviews · from $25

Set out from Murray Street Pier for a relaxed Derwent River cruise through Hobart. The north route passes the Botanical Gardens, Government House, Tasman Bridge, Rose Bay, and Montagu Bay. The south route reaches Battery Point, Sandy Bay, the casino, Bellerive Bluff, and Kangaroo Bay. Choose a simple one-hour ride, lunch, or dinner with commentary.

“Great thing to do in Hobart, very smooth running experience. We enjoyed the lunch and the commentary about the sites we were passing by.”

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Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise Including Lunch - Passing beneath Sydney Harbour Bridge
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Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise Including Lunch

12.Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 511 reviews · from $53

Cruise Sydney Harbour for 2 hours and 15 minutes with a buffet lunch, dessert, tea, and coffee included. You’ll pass under the Harbour Bridge, pause near the Opera House, and see beaches and sandstone cliffs from the water. Ron and Bruce are among the hosts praised for lively commentary. Extra drinks cost more.

“The cruise was really good and organised. The food is ok. You need to pay for other drinks that you like. The trip was carried by the commentator. He was really good in describing the places we went.”

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Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise - Dinner begins as the ship leaves the harbour
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Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise

13.Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 451 reviews · from $63

Meet at Campbells Cove in The Rocks for a twilight sail aboard a restored tall ship, sometimes the 104-year-old Southern Swan. Enjoy dinner, live commentary, and views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and more. Bring a jacket, as the harbour breeze can be cool.

“What an experience and what a wonderful crew onboard Southern Swan. This beats any sunset cruise you’ll find in Sydney. The atmosphere, the ship, the sails and the peace and quiet…truly wonderful!”

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30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride - The Harbour Bridge From Below and Beside It
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30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride

14.30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 416 reviews · from $51

You’ll race across Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay at up to 75 km/h, passing the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, and more. Your captain mixes local facts with 270-degree spins, power slides, and sharp stops. Ponchos and lockers are provided, but plan to get soaked.

“A total blast!!! The boat ride was so much fun and was a great way to see the sights. Highly recommend!”

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Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Afternoon Cruise - Meeting at Campbell’s Cove Jetty
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Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Afternoon Cruise

15.Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Afternoon Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 412 reviews · 1h 30m · from $48

Spend 90 minutes aboard an 1850s-style wooden tall ship, sailing past the Opera House, Fort Denison, and Harbour Bridge. You can help with ropes, try the helm, and hear Sydney stories from guides such as Ruth and Jim. A bar and light snacks may be available, while mast climbing costs extra.

“We had a fantastic time on our tall ships tour with the kids. The guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the history come alive in a way that kept both adults and children interested. The stories and insights really added to the experience, and the kids loved being part of it. Highly recommend for families looking for something fun and memorable.”

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New in Sydney Harbour Cruises

★ 4.9Sydney Harbour: 45-Minute Extreme Adrenaline Rush RideFrom $8491 reviews
★ 5.030-minute Private Sydney Harbour Helicopter Tour for 2From $35321 reviews
★ 4.930 Minute Shared Sydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter TourFrom $25467 reviews

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