A guide to Sydney Harbour cruises

All the iconic sights of Sydney are situated around the harbour, including the Anzac bridge and the Opera House. A cruise around this spectacular stretch of water with its coves and islands and myriad sailboats is irresistible, and there are many types of Sydney harbour cruise to choose from.

Where to find Sydney Harbour cruises?

Overview
The standard Harbour tour lasts about two hours, and takes in all the major sights. Sydney harbour cruises, especially the Captain Cook and Magistic cruises, usually depart from Circular Quay.
Sailing ship cruises may depart from nearby Campbell’s Cove, in the Rocks area, and some cruises depart from King Street Wharf or Pyrmont Bay Wharf in Darling Harbour.
All Sydney's cruise operators have sophisticated websites. Points to remember
Circular Quay is a prime tourist venue in the heart of Sydney, from where most of the regular ferry services, and some sightseeing short cruises, depart.
Cruise liners occasionally tie up there, too, but a harbour cruise in high summer months like January and February will reveal several more serenely floating out in deep water.
These floating cities form an important part of the thrill of the Sydney harbour cruise experience.

Which Sydney Harbour cruise experience to choose?

Dining cruise
Sydney is famous for its sophisticated dining experience, international cuisine and fine wines.
What better way to sample these than on a dining cruise?
The early evening/late afternoon pre-concert cruise arrives back in time for a show at the unique shell-shaped Opera House.
A full-blown eating night out promises seven gourmet courses as you view the magical twinkling harbour lights of this millionaire’s playground. Dancing and weekend cruises
For more of a party atmosphere, weekend music cruises and dancing cruises, such as the salsa cruise, need to be booked well in advance.
For sun, sea and sand with a cruise thrown in, motor yachts, often catamarans, may be hired out for select groups for the day.
After touring down the harbour towards its entrance on the Tasman Sea, this cruise anchors offshore at one of the idyllic sandy coves, where swimming in the clear blue-green water follows.
Final word
The original European settlers that built Sydney traveled down Sydney Harbour under sail, and the genuine sailing ship experience can still be found.
Cruise daytime on Sydney Heritage Fleet’s1874 boat, James Craig, or take the twilight barbecue cruise on the authentic timber tall ship, Southern Swan.
What could be more romantic than a glass of wine and good company on board a ship steeped in history?