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- About Sydney Harbour
- Captain Cook Cruise
- Sightseeing Cruises
- Lunch Cruises
- Whale-Watching Cruises
- New Year's Eve Cruises
- Dinner Cruises
- Jet Boat Rides
- Vivid Sydney Cruises
- Scenic World Tickets
- Sydney to Blue Mountain Tours
- Sydney Opera House Tours
- Skydive Sydney Tickets
- Taronga Zoo Tickets
- Sydney Tower Eye Tickets
- SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Tickets
- WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo Tickets
- Madame Tussauds Tickets
- Mogo Wildlife Park Tickets
- Australian National Maritime Museum Tickets
- Australian Reptile Park Tickets
- Sydney Zoo Tickets
- Hunter Valley Wine Tours
Cruise Through Sydney - Discover, Dine & Relax
Experience more for less: Combo deals & city cards
Discover Sydney by land and sea! The ultimate experience for those who want to see it all.
- Elevate your Sydney trip with this 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off pass, enjoying unlimited hops to see your favorite sights as many times as you like.
- Gain access to 2 routes and more than 30 stops near all Sydney must-see sights or the eastern suburbs of Bondi.
- Upgrade your adventure with a 1-day hop-on hop-off cruise featuring Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, with a free smartphone commentary.
- With pre-recorded commentary available in 8 languages and onboard WiFi, enjoy the best views of the city in the open-top double-decker bus.
- Some of the popular stops include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour.
Discover Sydney by land and sea! The ultimate experience for those who want to see it all.
- Elevate your Sydney trip with this 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off pass, enjoying unlimited hops to see your favorite sights as many times as you like.
- Gain access to 2 routes and more than 30 stops near all Sydney must-see sights or the eastern suburbs of Bondi.
- Upgrade your adventure with a 1-day hop-on hop-off cruise featuring Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, with a free smartphone commentary.
- With pre-recorded commentary available in 8 languages and onboard WiFi, enjoy the best views of the city in the open-top double-decker bus.
- Some of the popular stops include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour.
Inclusions
- 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Access to Red & Blue routes
- 1-day hop-on hop-off harbour cruise with smartphone commentary (based on option selected)
- Pre-recorded commentary in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin, Korean, Chinese & Japanese (on the bus)
- Free WiFi & complimentary earphones (on the bus)
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points
You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Red route
- First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Circular Quay)
- Last bus: 3:30pm from stop #1 (Circular Quay)
- Frequency: every 30-45 mins
- Popular stops: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Rocks & Botanical Gardens
Blue route
- First bus: 9:30am from stop #24 (Central Station)
- Last bus: 2:45pm from stop #24 (Central Station)
- Frequency: every 45-60 mins
- Popular stops: Bondi Beach, Rose Bay & Double Bay
Hop-on hop-off cruise tour
- First cruise: 9:05am from Circular Quay - Wharf 6 (9:15am during weekends & public holidays)
- Last cruise: 4:10pm from Circular Quay - Wharf 6 (5:05pm during weekends & public holidays)
- Frequency: every 15-60 mins
- Popular stops: Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island
- The cruises and lower decks of the buses are wheelchair accessible.
- Ramps are available onboard and around the boarding areas for easy access.
- Mobility scooters and large wheelchairs are not allowed on the buses.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on the cruise.
- Facilities: restroom on the cruise.
- Feel free to pick your perfect spot on the cruise as you can choose between cozy indoor seating or enjoy the fresh air outdoors.
- Make sure to check in with Big Bus first to receive your voucher for the hop-on hop-off cruise.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
5 reasons a Sydney Harbour cruise is a must-try
Beautiful cityscape views
Whether it's day or night, the view of Sydney city from its harbor is a sight for sore eyes. During the day, you can get postcard-worthy snapshots of various landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, the National Maritime Museum, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and more! At night, the harbor transforms into a shimmering reflection of the beautifully illuminated city.
Your Sydney Harbour cruise options explained
Sightseeing cruises
Ideal for: Solo travelers, families
- Spot and learn about some of the most famous landmarks of Sydney against the shimmering backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
- Get live commentary with interesting insights, spot some rare marine wildlife, or even get around the city with ease with HOHO cruises.
Recommended experiences:
- Sightseeing Cruise on Sydney Harbour
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Buffet Lunch
Lunch cruises
Ideal for: Group of friends, families with older kids
- Enjoy a delicious meal while looking out at a beautiful view of the city skyline while floating on the tranquil waters of Sydney.
- With curated gourmet food menus that pair well with their wine and beverage selections, you can choose up to 6 courses or have your fill at a buffet and open bar.
Recommended experiences:
- 2 or 3-Course Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour
- Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Lunch Cruise
Dinner cruises
Ideal for: Couples, small group of friends
- End your day of sightseeing with a relaxing cruise on the Sydney Harbour and get spectacular views of the illuminated city after nightfall.
- The soothing ambiance is a perfect pick for a romantic dinner date. Enjoy live entertainment as you sip on a delicious cocktail on a Sydney dinner cruise.
Recommended experiences:
- Captain Cook Cocktail Harbour Bar Cruise
- Luxury Gold Penfolds 6-Course Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour
Whale-watching cruises
Ideal for: Families with children, nature enthusiasts
- Get the rare opportunity to spot some of nature’s gentlest giants, the humpback whales.
- If you don’t get to spot any whales, get free tickets to the next whale-watching cruise.
Recommended experiences:
- Sydney Whale Watching Cruise with Breakfast or Buffet Lunch
- Luxury Whale Watching Experience with Lunch & Open Bar
Vivid Sydney cruises
Ideal for: Friends and families, solo travelers, art enthusiasts
- Watch Sydney city get illuminated by beautiful colorful displays and art presentations projected on the sides of the city’s biggest landmarks.
- Enjoy the beautiful views as you sip on a complimentary beverage or indulge in gourmet food.
Recommended experiences:
- Vivid Festival Sightseeing Cruise on Sydney Harbour
- Vivid Festival Tall Ship Cruise with Dinner
Combos
Ideal for: Solo travelers, budget travelers, if you’re short on time
- Save a few bucks by pairing your Sydney Harbour cruise along with another experience.
- Get the rare chance to spot humpback whales and get a free cruise if you’re unable to view any whales.
Recommended experiences:
- Combo: Whale Watching Cruise + Taronga Zoo Tickets
Your guide to boarding your Sydney Harbour cruise
While the most widely used boarding points for Sydney Harbour cruises are Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, the specific wharf or boarding point you’ll need to arrive at will depend on the cruise you pick.
We suggest that you refer to your voucher to get accurate boarding point details for your cruise.
Circular Quay
Address: The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia.
Nearest train station: Circular Quay
Nearest bus stop: Circular Quay, Alfred St, Stand B
Darling Harbour
Address: Darling Harbour, Convention Jetty, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
Nearest tram stop: Convention
Nearest landmark: Darling Harbour
King Street Wharf
Address: The Promenade, Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia.
Nearest bus stop: King Street Wharf, Erskine Street
Nearest landmark: SEA LIFE Sydney
Campbell's Cove
Address: 4 Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia.
Nearest bus stop: Wharf Theatres, Hickson Road
Nearest landmark: Park Hyatt, Sydney
Here's our detailed boarding points guide, if you're looking for more information on how to get there.
Know before you go on a Sydney Harbour cruise
Timings
Best time to go on a cruise
Rules & regulations
Facilities
Tips
The timings of your cruise depend on the type of cruise you pick.
Sightseeing cruises: Available from 10am to 10pm
Lunch cruises: Start between 11am and 1:30pm; end by 3:30pm to 4pm
Dinner cruises: Start between 5pm to 7:30pm; end by 9:30pm to 10:30pm
Whale-watching cruises: Start between 9am to 1pm; end by 2pm to 4:30pm
Vivid Sydney cruises: Start between 5pm and 7:30pm: end by 9pm to 11pm
Sydney Harbour Cruises schedule
Oct-Nov & Mar-Apr
Australia experiences peak seasons in the summers from October to April when the weather is warm and pleasant. While summers here are quite pleasant compared to the Northern Hemisphere, December to February can still get quite hot. Take a Sydney Harbour cruise in the months of October & November and March to April for the best weather.
If you can’t help traveling in the peak summer between December and February, you can go for an evening or dinner cruise to avoid hot days. However, as whale-watching cruises usually take place during the day, we suggest you also carry some sun protection like hats and shades.
With the Vivid Sydney festival being from 24th May to 15th June, this is also a great time to go on a Vivid Sydney cruise. June to August is the peak winter season in Australia when it gets quite chilly over the waters. We suggest that you carry some warm layers to keep yourself comfortable at this time.
- Don't dress too casually: Casual wear may be allowed, but you may attract some raised eyebrows if you come onto your dinner cruise in flip-flops and shorts. Smart casual wear is highly recommended.
- Follow the crew instructions: Although cruise ships are quite safe, there may still be some safety instructions you’ll need to follow when on sea waters.
- Keep children close: You may be allowed to move about freely on some cruises. Keep a watch on your child, especially if the deck may have any obstructions.
- Wi-fi: Some cruises offer free wifi onboard for mobile commentary and audioguides. You can approach a crew member for access.
- Indoor-outdoor seating: Some cruises guarantee special seating for a small fee. You can book them while booking your cruise.
- Complimentary beverage: If included in your ticket, you will be given a free drink, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
- Diverse menu: Meal cruises usually offer diverse menus with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, along with a variety of beverage options as well.
- Dietary inclusions: If you have specific dietary requests, you can mention them while booking your cruise or contact your cruise operator beforehand.
- Wheelchair-accessibility: Some cruises may also be accessible by wheelchairs. If you’d prefer an accessible vessel, do confirm with your cruise if accommodations have been made for the same.
- Arrive early: Arrive at the boarding point at least 15 minutes early to avoid delays.
- Boarding point directions: The directions to the boarding point for your specific cruise will be on your voucher. Do check your tickets for the right directions.
- Motion sickness: If you're prone to motion sickness, carry some medication to avoid feeling queasy.
- Carry some water: Keep a bottle of water with yourself for when you get thirsty.
- Carry sun protection: Do carry a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself on hot, sunny days.
- Prepare for rain: Showers may be unexpected in the ocean. Carry a rain jacket if you see too many clouds on the day of your cruise.
- Don’t forget the camera: You’ll be able to capture some truly beautiful sceneries and memories on a Sydney Harbour cruise. Don’t forget the camera to keep these moments close.
What to expect on your Sydney Harbour cruise?
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Top sights at Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is located in such a way that you get great views of iconic landmarks every corner you look. Here are some top attractions to see on your Sydney Harbour cruise.
Sydney Opera House
The most notable highlight of Sydney, you can catch a few spectacular views of the Opera House with its sail-shaped roof. This world-renowned performance arts center is a must-visit for anyone from out of town, not just for the shows, but also for its magnificent architecture.
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Sydney Harbour Bridge
A steel arch connecting the Central Business District with the North Shore, Sydney Harbour Bridge has to be the second most popular landmark after the Opera House. Made for both rail and road, the bridge is famously called “The Coathanger” for its arch-shaped design.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Established in 1816, the Royal Botanical Garden is a heritage-listed garden spread over 74 acres and encircles the Farm Cove. Being one of the oldest surviving colonial botanical gardens in the world, it is home to some extremely rare and cultivated unusual plants that provide immense scientific value.
Taronga Zoo
Located right on the shores of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo is home to 5000+ animals and 350+ species. A pioneer in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, Taronga Zoo has various exhibits with Australian and Asian native animals, including the magnificent Sumatran Tiger.
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Darling Harbour
A popular social hub for entertainment, dining and shopping, Darling Harbour gets beautifully illuminated when nighttime hits. Lined with a variety of eateries, shops and attractions, Darling Harbour hosts events all year long and is quite popular for its vibrant nightlife.
The Rocks
Connected to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this suburb of Sydney is one of the city’s oldest establishments. The area has many buildings with old architecture, a stark contrast to relatively modern structures like the Opera House and the Bridge, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Harbour cruises
What do I need to carry with me on a Sydney Harbour cruise?
Make sure to carry a bottle of water, sun protection, a rain jacket and also some sea sickness medication, if you tend to get nauseous.
How do I find the directions to the boarding point?
The most popular boarding points for Sydney Harbour cruises are at Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. However, to get directions to the boarding point of your specific cruise, we suggest you refer to your voucher.
Is it worth going on a Sydney Harbour cruise?
While Sydney’s landmarks look beautiful on the land itself, you can’t deny the unbeatable views you can get of them when they’re illuminated at night and you catch a glimpse of their reflections in the sparkling water. Some cruises also give you the rare opportunity to spot humpback whales during their migratory periods. With a variety of sightseeing, food, entertainment and boat options, you can certainly find a cruise that perfectly caters to all your needs.
What if I can’t spot any whales on my whale-watching cruise?
You can rest assured even if you can’t spot any whales on the day of your cruise. You will be given free entry on another cruise that’s heading out for whale watching.
Will my cruise be canceled because of unforeseen weather changes?
Weather over the Sydney Harbour is usually quite pleasant with some traces of rain. However, these conditions may not be so severe that your cruise will be canceled. If the weather changes suddenly and it’s dangerous to sail, your cruise may be canceled under these circumstances, but you will certainly be provided with a refund.
What is the cancelation policy on Sydney Harbour cruises?
While most Sydney cruises allow free cancelations up to 24 hours before boarding, some cruises may only do it for up to 72 hours before boarding or may even not support cancelations. Make sure to read the cancelation policies for your specific cruise before booking the tickets.
Are Sydney Harbour cruises wheelchair accessible?
Some cruises do have accommodations for those in wheelchairs. We suggest that you read the accessibility information for your cruise carefully before booking and mention any special requests while booking.