Top New South Wales Day Cruises

Sydney's harborfront landmarks are best seen from the water, but working out vantage points and timing takes local know-how. Board a cruise past the city's historic sights, tucked-away beaches, and sandstone cliffs, with the route handled for you. Listen to commentary on the harbor's history as the views roll by, and pick the morning or afternoon departure that suits your day.

Enjoy unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour's landmarks from a 35-foot (10.5-meter) catamaran during this evening cruise. Sail past the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sky shifts from sunset colors to city lights. Light snacks and soft drinks or water are provided on board, and you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages with no corkage fee. Settle in and enjoy the views without the hassle of battling the crowds on land.

See the city of Sydney at sunset on the water while you enjoy a multi-course dinner. Set off on a sunset cruise with incredible views of Sydney Harbour including the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the sparkling city skyline at night. While on board, enjoy a 3- or 4-course dinner featuring lamb shoulder and live music on weekends for an unforgettable Sydney experience.

Experience the magic of sailing Sydney Harbour—without fighting the crowds on dry land—during a twilight cruise aboard a restored historic tall ship (traditional sailing vessel with rigging). See the city from a new perspective as it lights up for the evening, and sail past must-see landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. While onboard, enjoy an included dinner—saving you from finding a restaurant after the cruise ends.

Relax and admire the sights of Sydney Harbour on a leisurely two-hour cruise. Sit out on the deck or inside in the comfy lounge or at a reserved table as you sip cocktails and snack on a charcuterie board with Australian cheeses. Take great photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and other landmarks as you sail past. On the weekends listen to live music on board.

The coast off Port Stephens often sees whales and dolphins pass by, although they can be challenging to spot from the land. Get closer to the action by setting out onto the open ocean with this wildlife-watching cruise. Learn about whales and dolphins from commentary aboard the catamaran and benefit from their experienced eyes to better spot any nearby creatures.

Between May and November, take to the water to see migrating humpback whales off the coast of Port Stephens. Find a comfortable spot on board your cruise vessel, grab a drink (own expense), listen to the live commentary, and look out for breaching, slapping, or rolling humpbacks. Also, keep an eye out for dolphins, which can often be seen in the same area.

Enjoy all the sights Newcastle Harbour has to offer as we cruise the working port and picturesque foreshore. See the harbours coal loading facilities, tug boats and big ships up-close. Indulge in our freshly prepared buffet lunch consisting of seasoned roasted chicken, double smoked leg ham hand carved off the bone, fresh local prawns, and a selection of salads to compliment. Enjoy a selection of petit fours for dessert with complimentary tea & coffee or select from a full range of drinks available from our fully licensed bar.

Experience the beauty of Sydney Harbour on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise from Circular Quay. Glide past iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Discover historic sites such as Fort Denison and Garden Island Navy Base, and enjoy stunning views of islands like Clark and Shark Island. Sail by Bradley’s Head, Taronga Zoo, Kirribilli House, Luna Park, and more, with live commentary bringing the sights to life. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, this fun and scenic cruise offers a fresh perspective on Sydney’s highlights. Book now for an unforgettable harbour adventure!

Experience the thrill of a whale-watching tour aboard an eco-friendly RIB, guided by a marine biologist. Witness migrating whales up close as they journey between Antarctica and the Coral Sea, often breaching and tail-slapping along the way. Enjoy stunning coastal views near Terrigal Haven while learning about whale species and contributing to ongoing research.

Step aboard HEAVEN or FLEETWING II, our multi-level power catamarans, for a 90-minute Sydney Harbour sunset cruise. Experience Sydney at golden hour as the city skyline lights up and iconic landmarks come alive, including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. This intimate small-group cruise (max 40–45 guests) offers relaxed comfort with 360° views from indoor and outdoor decks—perfect for sightseeing and photos. Enjoy a complimentary beverage and grazing platters on board, with a licensed bar available for additional drinks as you cruise Sydney Harbour. A must-do Sydney Harbour experience combining sightseeing, sunset views, and relaxed small-group cruising. Ideal for couples, visitors, and locals seeking a scenic twilight experience on the water. PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a guided tour and a sunset cannot be guaranteed.

Finding somewhere special to eat on Christmas Day in Sydney can be difficult, especially once restaurants and waterfront venues book out. This harbour lunch cruise brings sightseeing and dining together in one seamless experience. Cruise across Sydney Harbour while enjoying a buffet-style Christmas lunch with roasted meats, fresh salads, seafood, and traditional puddings. Pass landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and enjoy unobstructed photo ops from a vantage point on the water.

The Whale Watching Cruise gives you the rare opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of our migrating Humpback Whales. On the Northern migration we sight Whales traveling further out in the ocean. During the Southern migration we begin to get mothers and their new born calves coming closer to shore which gives you a chance to observe the mothers teaching and nursing their young ones. Pregnancy policy: Not recommended for passengers over 24 weeks.

A great way to explore the Tweed River—and discover more about the fish, mud-crabs, yabbies, and pelicans who call it home—this family-friendly boat trip is perfect for learning more about the local waterways and their ecosystems. You’ll also cruise across the Terranora Lakes, head out to the sandbanks to try your hand at pumping yabbies, and marvel at huge pelicans during pelican-feeding time on the banks of the river.

Enjoy the ultimate viewing platform for the Sydney VIVID festival during a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a buffet-style meal and a cash bar as your boat sails around the harbor. Take in spectacular views of iconic sights, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, as they transform with light art projections by international artists.

Spend a memorable Christmas Day in Sydney on board a cruise on the harbor. Enjoy a buffet with seafood, roast meats, salads, and desserts. Dance to Christmas music while admiring great views of the harbor. The cruise makes a good gift, and is a fun way to spend the day with travel companions or friends and relatives.

Hop on board a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise for a comprehensive, yet speedy introduction, to all of Sydney's waterfront landmarks. Keep your camera handy for great photo ops of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, and admire pretty harborside suburbs such as Point Piper and Balmain. It’s the perfect sightseeing tour for first-timers and those short on time, plus you can enjoy being out on the water instead of inside a tour bus. With a central departure point at Circular Quay, you are perfectly positioned for sightseeing nearby.

Sydney's busy roads can make sightseeing tricky. Skip city traffic and combine a ferry ride with admission to Taronga Zoo. Depart from Circular Quay and sail across Sydney Harbour, taking in panoramic views of the skyline along the way. At the zoo, spot koalas and kangaroos, along with wildlife from around the world. Your package includes round-trip ferry transfers, so getting back to the city center couldn't be easier.

Escape the crowds on land and admire Sydney’s top landmarks—including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House—on an evening dinner cruise that includes a 3-course meal with food and wine sourced from New South Wales. Sailing at sunset means that you can admire Sydney Harbour when it's at its most photogenic, while a top deck provides you with panoramic views of the scenery.

Step aboard a traditional tall ship for a sail out of Sydney Harbor in search of migrating whales. Help sail the ship and climb the mast for epic views if you wish; otherwise just relax and keep your eye out for signs of humpback and southern right whales. Over the course of the half-day cruise, you'll learn about whale biology and behavior and dig in to a hearty hot lunch on board.

Swap a guided tour for the flexibility of exploring Sydney your own way. This 2-day hop-on hop-off sightseeing cruise pass allows you to set your own pace, see the sights, and visit up to five harborside areas, including Circular Quay, Shark Island, Manly, Watsons Bay, and Taronga Zoo. This value-for-money pass also includes tickets for the Taronga Zoo

Most harbor cruises focus on modern vessels, making it easy to miss Sydney’s maritime heritage. This afternoon sailing experience offers a different perspective aboard a historic tall ship on Sydney Harbour. Learn about traditional sailing and the ship’s history as you cruise past landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and Fort Denison. Enjoy open-deck views for photography, and choose whether to climb the mast for an added thrill (own expense).

Lunch with 360 degree views! Cruise Sydney Harbour onboard flagship super-cruiser MV Sydney 2000. Enjoy stunning views from the upper dining deck as you enjoy your 2 or 3 course a la carte lunch with attentive service and optional guranteed window seating.