Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Afternoon Discovery Cruise
Sydney, Australia
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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).
- Enjoy seeing Sydney's harbor front landmarks from an uncrowded vantage point on the water
- Learn more than you would on your own with live onboard commentary
- Snacks and light refreshments are included to keep you well-fueled
- Benefit from photo ops you won't find on land
What's Included
- 1.5 hour cruise around beautiful Sydney Harbour.
- Snacks(BBQ Chorizo Slices and Spinach & Cheese Triangles)
- Great photo opportunity.
- Sail past the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more from one of our historic timber ships.
- Weekdays in April to 1st week of October, refer to Afternoon Discovery Cruise on Coral Trekker
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Mast climb (available for purchase)
- Drinks package (available for purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Campbells Cove4 Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
The meeting point is located between Park Hyatt Hotel and the Overseas Passenger Terminal. One of the crew will be there at least 30 minutes before the cruise departure time to welcome you.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Make your own way to Campbells Cove Floating Pontoon in the Rocks, the historic neighborhood where modern Sydney began. After boarding your ship, admire the vessel as the sails are hoisted and you begin to move.
Enjoy the sea breeze and waterfront views as your ship passes the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Hear the history of Sydney’s transformation into a modern city, and how the tall ships that once filled the harbor facilitated trade across the oceans.
If you like, climb up the mast (extra cost), or simply relax on deck and admire Sydney from the water, snapping photos of architectural and natural highlights. Snack on light refreshments served during your cruise.
Your ship returns you to Campbells Cove at the end of your cruise.
Enjoy the sea breeze and waterfront views as your ship passes the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Hear the history of Sydney’s transformation into a modern city, and how the tall ships that once filled the harbor facilitated trade across the oceans.
If you like, climb up the mast (extra cost), or simply relax on deck and admire Sydney from the water, snapping photos of architectural and natural highlights. Snack on light refreshments served during your cruise.
Your ship returns you to Campbells Cove at the end of your cruise.
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ships reserves the right to add, withdraw, substitute and/or vary advertised routes, prices, departure times and locations without notice if considered necessary for the safety and welfare of the tall ship, its passengers and crew. However, reasonable effort will be made to maintain arrangements as advertised.
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ships will not be liable for any loss or expense incurred by a passenger as a result.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
This was a highly enjoyable trip. Jim, our guide, was very informative and engaging. He also encouraged participation with the ropes and was entertaining. Key information regarding safety was clear and reassuring. Overall, we would highly recommend this adventure.
Reviews
4.5
based on 297 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Such a unique experience on the Sydney Harbor! We had an enjoyable afternoon out in the harbor on this unique 1800s ship. We got lucky cause there was only a group of 10 of us, so we basically had the entire ship to ourselves. We met the captain and the crew, but our tour guide was great! He was quite the historian, and gave us so much interesting information and stories of the area. We also got to help the crew with the ails which was a lot of fun! They offered us beverages and capers which made for a super nice voyage out and then back under the bridge before returning to the dock.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re thrilled to hear you had such a memorable time sailing on Sydney Harbour with us. It sounds like you had a truly special experience with a smaller group—having the ship almost to yourselves makes it even more magical.
We’re especially glad you enjoyed meeting the captain and crew, and that your guide’s passion for history brought the stories of the harbor to life. Getting hands-on with the sails is always a highlight, so it’s great to hear you had fun being part of the action!
We hope to welcome you aboard again for another voyage in the future.
Kind Regards,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
It is very relaxing to cruise under sail on the harbour. The sound of the old ship is memorable.
View of Sydney landmarks from the water is special
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear that you found the sailing experience relaxing and memorable. There’s truly something special about the gentle sounds of a traditional ship and the unique perspective of Sydney’s iconic landmarks from the water.
We hope to welcome you aboard again for another unforgettable cruise!
Kind Regards,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
Staff was personable and insightful. Crew encouraged people to help when raising the sails. Felt comfortable and relaxed. Very pleasant time!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for the kind words!
We’re thrilled to hear you felt comfortable and relaxed, and that our crew helped make the experience enjoyable. We love getting guests involved with the sails—it’s all part of the adventure.
Hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Kind Regards,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
Ruth was a great guide. The kids loved helping to set the sails. Good view of the main sights of Sydney from the harbour
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for the lovely review!
We’re thrilled to hear you had a great time with Ruth and that the kids enjoyed helping to set the sails. There’s nothing better than seeing Sydney’s main sights from the harbour, and we’re so glad you enjoyed the experience.
We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Kind Regards,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
Leisurely cruise, charming crew, very relaxing. Would recommend this to anyone looking to get a view of the harbor and relax for a couple of hours.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!
We’re delighted you found the cruise relaxing and enjoyed our crew and harbour views. We truly appreciate the recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back.
Kind Regards,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
Our reservation was canceled. We were informed after we arrived in Sydney. We were offered a dinner cruise but declined.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hello,
We’re very sorry for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation of your reservation and for the late notice after your arrival in Sydney. We understand how disappointing and frustrating this must have been, especially after making travel plans. While we did our best to offer an alternative, we respect your decision to decline. Your feedback is important to us, and we will use it to improve our communication and processes moving forward.
Please feel free to contact us directly if you would like to discuss this further.
Kind Regards,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
This was a highly enjoyable trip. Jim, our guide, was very informative and engaging. He also encouraged participation with the ropes and was entertaining. Key information regarding safety was clear and reassuring. Overall, we would highly recommend this adventure.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hello,
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review!
We're delighted to hear you had a highly enjoyable trip and that Jim made the experience informative, engaging, and fun. It’s great to know his guidance with the ropes and clear safety information helped you feel confident throughout the adventure.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back on board for another memorable experience!
Kind Regards,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
For the money you can’t go wrong. Ships very cool. Views are fabulous. But Howard and the captain made the sailing. Definite must.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the experience and the beautiful harbour views. Howard and the captain will be delighted to hear your kind words they really do make the sailing special.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you on board again soon!
Kind regards,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
Great talks by Jim. Sailing on an old wooden ship is a great experience. We put up two of the three square rigged sale on the forecast. Very relaxing.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello,
Sounds amazing! There’s something so special about being out on the water, especially on a classic wooden ship. Glad you had such a relaxing time!
Kind regards,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
Fantastic experience! Captain James was knowledgeable and entertaining. Ruth was well organized and provided interesting information about the sites we saw. Wonderful opportunity to sail on a majestic ship! Highly recommend this activity!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for joining us and sharing your experience on our tall ship cruise!
This experience was so fun! Absolutely would recommend it to anyone of any age. Kids and adults will all love it.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for joining our tall ship cruise and sharing your experience!
Sydney Tall Ship afternoon cruise was ideal. The captain and crew were very friendly. The boat ride was a lot of fun and we would recommend as a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for joining us on our tall ship cruise! Happy to hear you had fun!
It was a great ride around the harbor. The views were stunning! The captain was very knowledgeable about the sites and history.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
It makes us happy to hear you enjoyed the cruise and the experience! Thank you!
This is a ship that is over 100 years old! It was cool to explore and the crew were very knowledgable & friendly.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for sharing your tall ship experience with us! Hope to have you again
It's all about relaxed cruising. Taking time to see the city from the bay. The operators were very knowledgeable and the boat had character.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thanks for joining us. Happy to hear you enjoyed the cruise :)
Great trip on a lovely afternoon. Guide was fun and full of good stories. Good to have a few snacks and options to buy drinks. Client participation in raising the sails was fun.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for joining us on the cruise :)
I was a bit late and couldn't find the pier so I literally missed the boat!! Oh well, I took a ferry ride and it was great!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience. We are only allowed to stay at the jetty for 15 minutes for disembarking and embarking passengers. This is the reason why we send out reminders to our customers. Unfortunately, we are unable to wait for late passengers and we can't let our other passengers wait as well. We hope you understand. Thank you.
A lovely afternoon. Very pleasant
Very simple seating but it was easy to move around the vessel. Very friendly staff
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for joining us on our cruise. Hope you can join us again :)
Well worth doing. Our guide was super- and all crew were welcoming. Great way to sail the harbor for a couple of hours to see Sydney from the water. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for recommending us! We appreciate your review!
Recommend for couples
Instead of going on a ferry you can choose the iconic tall ship for couples of extra dollars and have a unique cruise memory.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your recommendation!
My girlfriend and I had a brilliant time. Would highly recommend. Im looking forward to doing this again.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Happy to hear that you and your girlfriend enjoyed the cruise. Thank you for the recommendation!
The boat in the photos is not the boat you will be “sailing” on.
Highly disappointing. Recommend finding other ways to see Sydney.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Hi there! Thank you for your feedback. We apologize if you were disappointed with you cruise with us. May we kindly find out what date you went on the cruise please?
Wanted a relaxing and informative sail around the Harbour, even joined in with raising some of the sails.
Great experience thanks team.
John and Bev.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hi John and Bev! Thanks for joining us on our tall ship cruise! We're happy you had a great time. Hope you can join us again on our tall ship!
This is an incredible experience....our host was so knowledgeable and friendly..as was every single crew member...I did the Mast climb and it was something I will never forget..
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your tall ship experience. We're happy that your mast climb was memorable!
Lovely time to be on the harbour. 3.15. Crew were great and Craig's information just enough.. No overload... with a touch of humour and wit. Small group the afternoon we went. My Grand daughter enjoyed the experience and climbed to the crows nest. Thankyou.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for sharing your lovely experience on our tall ship cruise! Happy to hear both you and your granddaughter enjoyed!
It was interesting to just sail along with the tall ship. Ship crew was very informative and had interesting information tidbits as well.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for joining us on our tall ship cruise. Hope to see you again!
Lots of fun. I appreciated being on such a historical vessel.
I also enjoyed learning more about the Harbour.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for time on our tall ship cruise!
We had a great time-traveling with James and Jim.As it gave us a tour, me and my family also were able to work on the ship Hoisting up the sails, and also to climb up to the crows nest and steer the ship. We love that.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for your feedback. Great to hear that you enjoyed your tall ship cruise with us!
Fantastic experience with a friendly and knowledgeable crew. Even with a shower of rain, we still had a great time
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Great to hear you enjoyed our tall ship cruise even in wet weather! Thank you for joining us!
Great old ship, and a great sight seeing tour and taste of the tall ship sailing experience! Our host (Howard), Captain, and crew were all extremely friendly and informative and it is clear that they love what they do. Highly recommended way to see a lot of Sydney harbor from the water in a short order. Thanks, Howard!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for the recommendation! We're happy to hear you enjoyed our tall ship experience!
Member Pricing
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$47.82
per personWas $50.35(-5%)
-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Afternoon Discovery Cruise
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