Top Sydney On the Water

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.

See Sydney Harbour the way it's meant to be seen: From the water. This lunch cruise passes by such world-famous sites as the Sydney Opera House as well as such hidden gems as secluded beaches and sandstone cliffs. On board, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch plus dessert with tea and coffee.

Sightseeing around Circular Quay doesn’t have to mean slow ferries and crowded lookouts. This high-speed jet boat ride rockets you across Sydney Harbour for a thrilling spin on classic views. Snap photos of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge before your captain shifts gears into spins, slides, and power maneuvers.

Escape the city and see Sydney’s marine life up close on a whale-watching cruise from Darling Harbour. Cruise through Sydney Harbour in search of migrating humpback whales, with live onboard commentary and insights into the local marine environment. A small vessel offers a more intimate experience and better viewing opportunities on the water.

There's a version of Sydney almost no one sees and it starts the moment you launch. We put in the water directly in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so you get one of the best views on the harbour right from the start, with the Bridge towering above you as the sky begins to glow. featured on Channel 7's Sunrise and Channel 9's Today. A launch point right at the Harbour Bridge, so the best views and photo moments start from minute one. led by friendly, experienced local guides relaxed, personal, and genuinely beginner-friendly. Free professional photos and video included throughout the tour, so every great moment is captured for you. Included: kayak, paddle, life jacket, full safety briefing, and free photos/video. Once you're back on land, join us for a group photo at our Henry Lawson bus stop launch point right where you started, with the Bridge behind you. It's become a bit of a tradition, and the perfect way to close out the morning.

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.

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!

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.

Discover Sydney Harbour your way with the flexible hop-on hop-off ferry pass. Cruise between must-see destinations like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and Manly—all while enjoying unbeatable views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Luna Park from the water. With frequent departures throughout the day, you can hop on and off as often as you like. Stay longer at the spots you love, skip the ones you don’t, and set your own pace. Spacious indoor and outdoor seating ensures a comfortable ride—rain or shine. Want to dive deeper into the city’s stories? Optional geo-tagged smartphone commentary is available in seven languages, letting you tune in when you’re curious and tune out when you’d rather just enjoy the moment. No live guides, no fixed schedule—just Sydney, on your terms.

Discover a new perspective on spectacular Sydney Harbour—and enjoy a gourmet accompaniment to your sightseeing—on this lunchtime cruise. Hop aboard the 78-foot (24-meter) vessel at Darling Harbour and enjoy immaculate views of sights including the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and Luna Park. Then, tuck into a gourmet à la carte lunch, spanning Hunter Valley beef to fresh seafood, with beer and local, sommelier-picked wines to go with.

Many whale-watching tours head straight into open water, but this cruise begins in Sydney Harbour, where you can enjoy breakfast or a barbecue lunch (depending on the option selected). After your meal, sail past sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge en route to the Pacific Ocean, in search of migrating humpback and southern right whales. A naturalist guide provides live commentary along the way, and helps you spot marine life.

Let us take you on a fun, memorable, and iconic Sydney Kayak Experience. Our friendly, trained, and qualified staff, will guide you through the spectacular Sydney Harbour, showing you all the sights there is to see! You'll get to enjoy a safe experience, with maximised fun factor, while we introduce you to kayaking Paddle by the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge or Luna park in the dazzling sunset, sunrise, or by the night city lights! Take in the scene from a different point of view you will never forget. We will make sure you get plenty of photos, and will always feel supported. All age and fitness levels are welcome.

Learning to surf on your own means guessing at technique and trying to access equipment—difficult to arrange on vacation. Book a small-group lesson at Bondi Beach with a local instructor to cover surf and safety basics, warm-up, paddling, catching waves, and standing up. All the gear is included, so you can turn up and get straight in the water.

Experience a close encounter with humpback whales—without having to leave the city—on this thrilling speedboat tour from Sydney. Hop on board the city’s fastest commercial ship and set off across Sydney Harbour, past landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Head out into the Tasman Sea, where you have the chance to spot whales swimming and playing in their natural habitat.

Located on the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of fascinating animals, including Australian natives such as the koala, kangaroo, and platypus. Check the schedule for daily keeper presentations, or book an animal encounter or guided tour (own expense) for a more in-depth experience.

The world’s most beautiful harbour deserves the very best cruise to experience it. Choose from two spectacular options, the Harbour Experience aboard our premier sightseeing fleet or, enhance your cruise with the Premium Harbour Experience to enjoy a house beverage of your choice and a Cheese & Charcuterie board to share, as you cruise by the majestic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison and other top sights on this 1.5 hour cruise. Listen to commentary straight from your smartphone, relax into your seat or choose to venture up to the upper open-air deck as you marvel at the beauty of Sydney Harbour.

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.

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.

Book a table for a 2-course 1.5-hour or a 3-course 3-hour lunch and sightseeing cruise on Sydney Harbour. Pass Sydney's famous landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as your boat glides along the water. Your sit-down dining experience includes attentive service for your selected 2 or 3-course lunch. A variety of fresh seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes are served as you take in the sights. Upgrade when booking to guarantee a window seat.

Combine sightseeing with meal plans on this sunset dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour. Relax as soon as you step on board, and take in the city from a unique and romantic perspective. Pass highlights including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a 3-course à la carte meal, or upgrade to a 4-course option if you choose. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion, like an anniversary or birthday.

Discover the joy of coming face to face with majestic humpback whales while cruising across the ocean on a sailing boat on this fun-filled tour from Sydney Harbour. Running between May and November, the annual whale migration is a sight to behold. This small-group sailing tour gives travelers the chance to cruise alongside these incredible creatures without noisy engines or megaphones, so you can enjoy an immersive and wild natural experience.

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.

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.