Top New South Wales On the Water - page 5

Ahoy, me hearties! Don your finest pirate gear and join Captain Pineapple and the gang aboard an 1850s-style sailing ship for the ultimate family-friendly Sydney Harbour cruise. See the essential sights, from the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House to Fort Denison, as you hunt for gold, fire cannons, and help hoist the sails and steer the ship. You can even climb the mast for an additional fee.

The landscapes of Blue Mountains National Park are often explored from lookouts—but the waterways offer a quieter perspective. This leisurely lunch cruise aboard a restored paddlewheeler follows the Nepean River through the dramatic Nepean Gorge, whose sandstone cliffs date back millions of years. As you drift along the river, enjoy a two-course lunch with coffee and tea while taking in the scenery and chatting with the captain if you wish.

Learn to surf like a true Aussie with a 3-hour surf lesson at the Bryon Bay Surfing School. Surf school founder Gaz Morgan or head instructors David and Sam, expertly guide small group classes and provide all equipment, making this the ideal opportunity for beginners to master the basics. After learning to paddle and stand-up on your board, take to the water to put your newfound skills into action and have a go at catching your first wave.

Surfing lessons in Lennox Head. Learn to surf with a professional instructor. Join a small group of no more than 6 participants All equipment provided

See colorful marine life such as stingrays and blue swimmer crabs in Batemans Bay on a kayak tour in glass-bottom kayaks. Your guide leads a fun and family-friendly tour of the Batemans Marine Park Sanctuary in stable kayaks, the perfect way to explore this otherwise inaccessible area and observe the underwater world. Light refreshments and use of equipment are included. Morning or afternoon departures are available to suit your schedule.

Savor delicious Aussie oysters as you paddle your way along Australia's Oyster Coast on this 2-hour kayaking tour of Batemans Bay. Start your oyster masterclass with an oyster tasting at the Oyster Shed, then kayak around the working oyster farms of the Clyde River. Along the way, learn more about how the oysters are cultivated and harvested, peek behind the scenes and get the inside scoop on selecting the freshest oysters. If you want, purchase some delicious fresh oysters to take away with you.

Hone your surf skills with this half-day lesson in beautiful Byron Bay. Head to a beach that suits your skill level, throw on your gear—included in the lesson price—and learn basic techniques from an expert coach. Then, continue your lesson in a small-group setting with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 7. If you don’t stand up by the end of the session, receive a free class.

Get out on the waves on this half day group surfing lesson in Byron Bay. Ride a wave for 40m or you get your money back when you book this surf lesson. Your instructor promises the quintessential surfing experience in Australia. There are 20 max per group, and each of you will be provided with all the surf gear you need, including rash vests, boards, and sunscreen.

Escape the tourist trail as you paddle your way around Sydney’s Middle Harbour on this 3-hour self-guided tour. After picking up your rental kayaks and mastering some basic techniques, set off on an independent adventure, getting close to wildlife in the Garigal National Park or exploring some of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches. With all equipment and full instruction included, this kayak rental is ideal for all skill levels, including first-timers looking for an adventure.

Discover Sydney’s green side on this small-group eco-tour and paddle your way around the Middle Harbour on a kayak. Admire the lush scenery as you cruise through the Garigal National Park, learn about the region’s diverse ecosystems from your guide, and enjoy a delicious morning tea on the beachside. With full instruction and all equipment included, this tour is suitable for all skill levels, including first-timers.

Treat your loved ones to a progressive lunch that travels by motoryacht to the most scenic parts of Sydney Harbour. Get great views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge as you cruise to Watsons Bay for your appetizer course at a classic waterside eatery. Continue past Middle Head to Balmoral where you stop at your second waterfront restaurant for your main course. Return to your boat for the cheese course. Sparkling wine and other drinks are included.

Set sail around Sydney Harbour on this private 3-hour sailing experience from Manly and see Sydney’s iconic skyline from the water. Take the helm and learn the ropes under the guidance of your private skipper; marvel at landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House; or relax on deck as you cruise out to sea.

Start your day in the most spectacular way possible on our Middle Harbour SUNRISER Sea Kayak Tour—a guided sunrise experience that reveals Sydney at its calmest and most beautiful. Paddling in the protected waters of Middle Harbour, a stunning offshoot of Sydney Harbour, this tour explores a variety of scenic locations depending on the conditions. We launch just before sunrise and glide across glassy water as the sun rises over Sydney Heads, bathing the harbour in golden light. We may paddle toward Grotto Point Lighthouse, slip into the peaceful coves of Chinaman’s Beach or Cobblers Beach, or cruise across to Balmoral. Wildlife sightings are common, and the early morning stillness makes this a truly special experience. We pause at a beautiful shoreline spot to enjoy a hot coffee and a light breakfast, including fresh fruit and juice. We use premium double sea kayaks—lightweight, stable, & smooth—perfect for relaxed touring. We are a proud members of the Tourism NSW Hall of Fame.

Seeing Sydney Harbour in a limited amount of time works best from the water, without the crowds around you. This private cruise places you aboard a luxury vessel with the itinerary handled for you, allowing time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Take in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House as you cruise the harbor, enjoying the breeze and a glass of sparkling wine along the way.

Explore Sydney Harbour and its stunning landmarks in a unique way when you book this private sea kayak tour. Glide along the water on single (for experienced paddlers) or double kayaks and enjoy a tailored route selection based on your group's abilities, interests, and the day's weather conditions. Complete your experience with a fully catered gourmet morning or afternoon tea.

Travelers who love both rugged outdoor adventures and the finer things in life will enjoy this kayaking adventure in the wilderness accompanied by a selection of gourmet food. Paddle down the Nepean Gorge at your own pace as this is a private tour. Admire view of the bush and rock formations, and get up close to a range of birds and animals in your quiet kayaks.

Discover Sydney’s local fur seal colony during this private kayak tour. Gear up and paddle out to the seal colony where you can observe the animals in their natural environment for as long as you want. Then, head to Pittwater to enjoy a gourmet lunch on a secluded beach, a perfect way to spend a day in Sydney.

Seeing Sydney’s most famous sights from shore often means crowded viewpoints. This luxury lunch cruise offers a more relaxed way to experience the harbor from the water. Board your yacht at Circular Quay and set out across Sydney Harbour, gliding past landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge—with plenty of opportunities for photos. Cruise into quieter, pristine corners of the harbor, then enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue lunch served with beer and wine on board.

Get out on Sydney Harbour in two different ways with this convenient combo package that combines a 2-day hop-on hop-off cruise pass and a whale-watching cruise. Enjoy a whale-watching cruise on the morning of your first day, then explore up to six of the city's harbor precincts over the next two consecutive days.

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.

Planning the perfect way to ring in the new year can be stressful, so leave the planning to the experts. This New Year's Eve cruise on the waters of Sydney Harbour promises a luxurious experience. Onboard, enjoy fine foods and Bollinger Champagne, top-class wines, and premium beers as you enjoy the harbor's famed fireworks display from a crowd-free vantage point.

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.

Heighten your appreciation of the flora and fauna that make Australia’s Coff’s Harbour so special on a kayak tour with a marine scientist. Get way more insight into local wildlife than you would on your own as you explore in an eco-friendly kayak at sunset, when temperatures are cooler, and animals tend to be more active.

Join us on the region's #1 experience and witness jaw-dropping whale encounters within Cape Byron Marine Park - the only local tour guided by a passionate Marine Biologist. Departing daily from Ballina's Richmond River (May - October), witness the magnificent Humpback Whale migration as thousands pass our coastline. Listen to live whale song through our underwater hydrophone, soak in the stunning scenery, and enjoy expert commentary from our friendly Marine Biologist. Relax aboard our modern eco vessel with spacious seating, 360° views and individual seating, perfect for spotting whales in comfort. We’re so confident you’ll spot a whale that we offer a free return trip if you don’t see one on your first tour! - Daily departures from Ballina during Whale migration season - Guided by a qualified Marine Biologist for expert insights -Live hydrophone whale listening experience - 100% whale sighting guarantee or receive a free return trip - Comfortable eco vessel with 360-degree views