Sydney and Bondi Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Optional Cruise
Sydney, Australia
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to discover the highlights of Sydney and Bondi Beach. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel along two routes to top destinations including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Go in-depth wherever you like by hopping off the bus to explore. Experience the city’s most noteworthy attractions at your own pace.
- Use the pass as much as you like for either 24 or 48 hours
- Enjoy great views from the open-top, double-decker bus
- Upgrade for a 1-day Captain Cook hop-on, hop-off harbor cruise pass
- Enjoy the structure of a guided tour without a rigid schedule
What's Included
- A 24- or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket
- Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean
- Access to 2 routes covering 23 stops
- Free WiFi Onboard
- A 1-day Captain Cook Hop-on, Hop-off Harbour Explorer Pass (with selected option)
- 1.5-Hour Panoramic Night Tour (if option selected)
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Itinerary
Sydney's climate makes this open-air double-decker bus tour an ideal sightseeing option. Travel to numerous Sydney highlights, including the historic Rocks district, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District). Bondi Beach is a suburb with a popular beach located just east of Sydney’s city center. Enjoy the spacious beach and warm sea, or check out the cafés, restaurants, and shops around town, many with fantastic ocean views.
Hop off the bus to browse the stores in modern shopping areas or admire local institutions such as the bustling Sydney Fish Market. Stretch your legs as you stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens or take tree-shaded paths through Hyde Park.
Hop aboard the open-top, double-decker bus at any of the 34 conveniently located stops around the city. Enjoy pre-recorded commentary, available in several languages, as you sit back and relax on the full ride. Hop off the bus to explore any given destination at your own pace.
Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours from first use. Please check the current schedule for operating hours; the bus does not operate 24 hours per day.
Hop off the bus to browse the stores in modern shopping areas or admire local institutions such as the bustling Sydney Fish Market. Stretch your legs as you stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens or take tree-shaded paths through Hyde Park.
Hop aboard the open-top, double-decker bus at any of the 34 conveniently located stops around the city. Enjoy pre-recorded commentary, available in several languages, as you sit back and relax on the full ride. Hop off the bus to explore any given destination at your own pace.
Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours from first use. Please check the current schedule for operating hours; the bus does not operate 24 hours per day.
Red Route - Sydney City Tour
15 Stops
15 Points of Interest
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Operating Schedule: Operational Hour between 9am - 4pm Frequency every 30-40 minutes Customers are advised to visit the Big Bus website or to download the Big Bus app to see the most up to date bus stop locations and timings. For live bus tracking on the day of travel - please download the Big Bus App in advance of arrival.
1
Justice and Police Museum
2
Memory is Creation without End
3
Hyde Park Barracks
4
1 Art Gallery Rd
5
El Alamein Fountain
6
Bellevue Woolloomooloo
7
Australian Museum
8
Central Station
9
Sydney Seafood School
10
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
11
29B Harbour St
12
30A Lime St
13
Hickson Road
14
12D Hickson Rd
15
Ribs & Burgers The Rocks
Points of interest passed by on this route
Hyde Park Barracks
Australian Museum
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Darling Harbour
The Rocks
Bondi Beach
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Sydney Town Hall
Hyde Park
Circular Quay
City Sightseeing Sydney
Madame Tussauds Sydney
Big Bus Sydney
Sydney Tower Eye Observation Deck
Blue Route - Bondi Tour
9 Stops
5 Points of Interest
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Operating Schedule: Operational Hour between 9am - 4pm Frequency every 35-45 minutes Customers are advised to visit the Big Bus website or to download the Big Bus app to see the most up to date bus stop locations and timings. For live bus tracking on the day of travel - please download the Big Bus App in advance of arrival.
1
Justice and Police Museum
2
68 York St
3
The Intersection Paddington
4
52 Oxford St
5
Bondi Beach Police Station
6
296 Campbell Parade
7
401 New South Head Rd
8
Australian Museum
9
St James Station, Elizabeth St
Points of interest passed by on this route
Paddington Markets
Centennial Park
Bondi Beach
Rose Bay
Double Bay
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- When booking the 24 hour Pass, only the lead passenger name is required for a booking. At time of booking you only need to enter 1 adult to complete your booking
- Children aged 2 and under travel free of charge
- Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
- For Captain Cook ticket option: Please note that check-in for all cruises will continue to take place at the Captain Cook Cruises office at Circular Quay, Wharf 6. From 20 July to 28 August 2027, cruises will temporarily depart from Commissioner’s Steps, which is a short walk from the current departure point at Circular Quay, Wharf 6.
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.0
based on 2,825 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
roohi_a, Jul 2026
Had to wait for 45 minutes to be picked up. Call centre did not answer phone despite leaving a message. Did take us to the described stops . But its not as described that if you hop off the next bus is in half an hour to get on. Not worth the money spent.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're sorry to hear about the long wait, the difficulty reaching our customer service team, and that the service did not meet your expectations. We appreciate your comments, as they help us identify areas where we can improve, and if you would like to discuss your experience further, please don't hesitate to contact us directly. Best regards, Denis @BigBusTours
Grainne_W, Jul 2026
Very informative. It was presented in an informal fun way. I like the many voices, it added variety. I liked the quizzes.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi, Grainne!
Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback. We're delighted to hear that you found the commentary informative and enjoyed its fun, informal style. It's great to know that you appreciated the variety of voices and enjoyed the quizzes—they're designed to make the tour even more engaging and enjoyable.
Thank you for choosing Big Bus Tours. We hope to welcome you on board again for another memorable sightseeing experience! Andreea@BigBusTours
Pauline_B, Jun 2026
Great value. We did both the red and blue tours with stops.Also included the night tour which was great to see the city lights. Also the harbour cruise with a visit to Manly.
Great way to start a holiday in Sydney
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed both the red and blue tours, as well as the night tour with the city lights. The harbour cruise and visit to Manly are great highlights, and we are delighted they helped make the start of your Sydney holiday so memorable.
Alexandra@BigBusTours
Bruce_G, Jun 2026
My guide was young, fun, and erudite. Very nice walking tour! She knew a lot and made the time so pleasant. I recommend it to others as a nice way to see Syd!!!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
We truly appreciate your lovely feedback! We’re delighted you enjoyed the walking tour and that your guide made it such a fun and informative experience. It’s wonderful to hear you would recommend it as a great way to explore Sydney. Adrian @BigBusTours
Donna_M, Jun 2026
Informative tour. We did both the red line and blue line tours. Be sure to download the app so you can track where the buses are at. They supplied the ear buds for the narration and rain ponchos on the day it rained.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed both the red and blue routes and found the journey informative. It’s great that the app helped you track the buses easily, and that the earbuds and rain ponchos added comfort on a rainy day. We really appreciate you sharing your experience and hope to welcome you back again soon for more city adventures!
Denis @Big Bus Tours
Bob_M, Jun 2026
Originally it said it went to 5 pm, but for some reason they concluded at 4 pm and we had to walk back to our hotel. Otherwise it was a great way to spend a day seeing Sydney all over the sights. We really enjoyed it.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re sorry for the confusion regarding the operating time ending earlier than expected, and we understand how inconvenient that must have been. We’re glad to hear you still enjoyed seeing Sydney and had a great overall experience—your comments help us improve.
Raul@BigBusTours
Ken_S, May 2026
Great way to see and learn about Sydney. Easy to find pick up locations would highly recommend. 5 stars
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback!
We’re delighted to hear that you found the tour a great way to see and learn about Sydney. It’s fantastic to know that the pickup locations were easy to find and that the overall experience met your expectations.
Your recommendation and 5-star rating truly mean a lot to us. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
We hope to welcome you on board again in another city soon!
Flavius@BigBusTours
Cecilie_O, May 2026
Although it seems like traffic, the bus moved at a great pace. We came during Vivid so road closures. Follow the live map in the ap. Its how I figured out we were detouting. The driver explained and let me off since the desire stop I needed was missed. He was kind and let me off. Wish they would have announced some stops would be missed prior to getting on.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear the tour ran smoothly despite the traffic and road closures during Vivid, and that the app helped you stay informed along the way. It’s great to know the driver was helpful and accommodating when your stop was missed.
We also appreciate your suggestion regarding clearer communication about route changes before boarding, as this is very important for planning. Your comments have been shared with our team, and we’re glad you still had a positive experience overall.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Maureen_J, May 2026
It’s not only the experience of seeing all the sights you also get an informative history lesson.
It’s one of the best hop on hop off bus tours I’ve been on
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed not only seeing all the sights but also learning about the city’s history along the way. It’s wonderful to know this was one of the best hop on hop off experiences you’ve had. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Nikhil_G, May 2026
I had a few hours to spare. The app made booking easy. The routes and services provided were clearly articulated. It is important to note the distinction in operating time for day tickets and night tickets respectively.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback!
We’re glad to hear you found the booking process easy and the information clearly presented. Your note about the difference between day and night ticket operating times is very helpful and appreciated.
We hope to welcome you on board again soon.
Florin @ Big Bus Tours
TerrySharon_M, May 2026
Interesting trip commentary through headphones.
Convenient drop off and pick up locations. We changed from the red bus to the blue Bondi bus return.
Buses run pretty well to time and appear to be reasonably maintained.
Enjoyable reasonably priced touristy thing to past some time.
Regards Terry and Sharon Mc (Brisbane).
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback, Terry and Sharon! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the commentary and found the stops convenient for exploring and switching between routes. It’s great to know the service ran smoothly and that you found the experience enjoyable and good value. We’re so glad Big Bus Tours helped you make the most of your time and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Linda_G, May 2026
This Big Bus package is a MUST!! We only had 2 days in Sydney but we were able to see all of the hightlights including a stop at Bondi beach to put our feet in the sand and have lunch. We took the boat tour to Manly and the Taronga Zoo for one of our afternoons. And the night tour was heavenly to see Sydney in all its glory at night!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for such an amazing review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you made the most of your time in Sydney and were able to experience so many highlights across the city. It sounds like you enjoyed a fantastic mix of sightseeing, from Bondi Beach to Manly and Taronga Zoo, and we’re so glad the night tour added that extra special touch.
We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation, and we’re thrilled Big Bus Tours helped make your short stay so memorable. We hope to welcome you on board again for another great adventure!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Julie_M, May 2026
Excellent ride through city. The sound quality of tour was poor. Quality of info from tour was average.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the ride through the city and had the chance to take in the sights.
We’re sorry that the audio quality and commentary did not fully meet your expectations, as we understand how important clear and engaging information is to the experience. Your comments have been shared with our team so we can continue improving.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Jovan_L, May 2026
It was pleasant experience. Sharp on time departures, kind and helpfull bus staff, very interesting audio guidance. Warmly recommend
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had such a pleasant experience, with punctual departures, helpful staff, and interesting audio commentary. Your kind recommendation truly means a lot to us. We’re so glad you enjoyed the tour and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Keith_A, May 2026
Enjoyable experience with friendly staff. We were a little unsure of where to hop on after getting off and walking around that area. We felt the second day allowance should allow off and on option as well where you still have a time allowance from the first day.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had an enjoyable experience and found our staff friendly and helpful throughout your tour. We also appreciate your comments regarding bus stop locations and ticket flexibility, as we understand how clearer guidance and additional hop-on, hop-off flexibility could make the experience even more convenient. Your feedback is valuable and will be shared with the team as we continue improving our service.
Denis @Big Bus Tours
Darren_C, May 2026
Always wanted to do this but never managed to find the time. Totally awesome trip travelled both directions around the CBD area and also out to bondi beach.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We’re so glad you finally got the chance to experience the tour and that you had such an awesome time exploring both the CBD and beautiful Bondi Beach with us. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed travelling across the city from different perspectives. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you on board again for another adventure soon!
Denis @Big Bus Tours
Kit_M, May 2026
Awesome experience in Sydney! Started with Amalah (sp?) who assisted us at stop one of the red route, and provided valuable information on the blue route as well as the harbor cruise which we also booked. The entire experience was so worth it and our guide shared awesome history with us! We thought the city itself was fabulous and would love to return. The harbour tour is a great added enhancement, and one I suggest guests purchase.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an awesome experience in Sydney and that Amalah made such a great impression by helping you get started and sharing useful tips. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the tour, the history shared by your guide, and the addition of the harbor cruise. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are so glad Big Bus Tours helped make your visit memorable. We hope to welcome you back on board again for another great adventure!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Michael_W, Apr 2026
Good experience getting a layout and some history of the city. Got off at a stop for lunch and took 1:30 for next bus. Drivers did a great job maneuvering the city. Buses were packed with many people having to wait for the next one.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re glad to hear the tour helped you get a good layout of the city and learn more about its history, and it’s wonderful to know our drivers did a great job navigating busy streets. We appreciate your comments about wait times and higher demand, especially during popular hours, as this helps us continue improving our service. Thank you for riding with us, and we hope you still enjoyed exploring the city with Big Bus Tours.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
jayne_r, Apr 2026
The buses do not coordinate so when I got off the red line the blue had just gone and there was a 40 minute wait for the next leaving me without time to take the blue line and missing a significant part of the tour.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re sorry to hear that the connection between the Red and Blue lines didn’t work out as smoothly as expected and that the wait time impacted your ability to complete the full tour. We understand how frustrating that can be when you’re trying to make the most of your time in the city. Your feedback is very helpful and has been shared with our team as we continue looking at ways to improve line coordination and timing. We truly appreciate you choosing Big Bus Tours and hope to welcome you back for an even more seamless experience in the future.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Deborah_L, Apr 2026
The bus is location is close to public transportation to the bus stops. Great way to tour the city of Sydney.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re glad to hear you found the bus stops conveniently located near public transportation and that the tour was a great way for you to experience Sydney. It’s wonderful to know Big Bus Tours helped you explore the city with ease. We hope you had a fantastic time and would be delighted to welcome you on board again.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Brad_D, Apr 2026
We love these buses and they’re always fun and easy to Hop On And Hop Off. You learn and enjoy a lot on the stops that you want to explore.👍😊👍
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoy our hop‑on hop‑off buses and how easy and fun they make exploring the city. It’s great to know you enjoyed learning along the way and taking time to explore the stops that interested you most. We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and hope to welcome you on board again soon! 😊👍
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Christina_B, Apr 2026
This is one of the best hop on, hop off bus situations I have had the pleasure of utilizing. The buses are clean. The narrators are clear, easy to hear. They cover a fabulous amount of space. The ease of getting in and out is great. Good locations to hop about. Will suggest and do again when I bring my family.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Christina_B, thank you for the wonderful review. We are happy that you had such a positive experience. Thank you for recommendation. We look forward to your next visit! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Kenneth_B, Apr 2026
Need to have at least three hours of time for each of the red and blue bus routes due to the wait time for the bus to arrive and traffic slowing down the bus. Also download a map of the bus routes so you know where the bus stops are located. We went on a weekday and there was only one bus running so it took 45 minutes before the bus arrived. Suggest calling the bus service number to find out the estimated time for the bus arrival at the stop you are at. We did enjoy the sites that we saw and the narrative was good.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed and helpful feedback. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the sights and found the audio commentary informative. We appreciate your tips about allowing enough time for each route and using maps or contacting our team to plan ahead, especially when traffic or reduced frequency can affect arrival times. Your insights are valuable for both us and future guests, and we’re grateful you highlighted what worked well for you. Thank you for choosing Big Bus Tours, and we hope to welcome you on board again for an even smoother experience.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Chari_L, Apr 2026
Best hop on and off I have been on
Lots to see and explore
Bus stopped and slowed down in the right places loved it
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Chari_L, thank you for the wonderful review. We are happy that you had such a positive experience. We look forward to your next visit! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Karen_T, Apr 2026
Easy to book and fun to use. As a solo traveling female I felt safe and the driver and reps were very helpful.
The bus stop signs could be a little larger and easier to see, especially from down the block both ways and from across the street.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Karen_T, thank you for the wonderful review. We are happy that you had such a positive experience with our staff. We'll pass further your suggestion. We look forward to your next visit! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
susan_g, Apr 2026
So easy to hop on and hop
off. Saw the entire city and visited some amazing sites! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi susan_g, thank you for the wonderful review. We are happy that you had such a positive experience. Thank you for recommendation. We look forward to your next visit! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Deborah_W, Apr 2026
My tour guide was amazing and also gave us a history of music and played some awesome songs. The whole tour was more than I ever expected.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Deborah_W, thank you for the wonderful review. We are happy that you had such a positive experience with our tour guide. We look forward to your next visit! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Donna_Z, Apr 2026
The blue bus is less frequent than the red bus. We waited over an hour for the blue bus, while 2 red buses went by.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Donna_Z, thank you for the wonderful review. Indeed, the blue bus is less frequent than the red one. We are happy that you had a positive experience with us. We look forward to your next visit! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Glen_W, Apr 2026
Has 15 stops - .more if you are on both red and blue routes. Covers alot of attractions. Well worth the price!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Glen_W, thank you for the wonderful review. We are happy that you had a positive experience with us. We look forward to your next visit! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Carol_K, Apr 2026
Buses were few and far between…. They were so full they couldn’t stop to pick people up. In some cases it was hard to find the bus stop … the picture on the app is useless. People ride the bus like a tour bus and never get off. We wanted to go to Bondi Beach and by the time we got a bus it was too late in the day to even get off the bus for fear the next bus would be full.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re sorry to hear that bus availability, crowding, and difficulty locating stops impacted your plans, particularly your visit to Bondi Beach. We understand how disappointing it can feel when buses are busy and timing becomes tight. Your feedback about stop visibility and the app imagery is especially helpful and has been shared with our team as we continue working to improve clarity and capacity during peak periods. We truly appreciate your comments and are glad you still had the opportunity to see the city with us. Thank you for choosing Big Bus Tours, and we hope to welcome you back for a smoother and more relaxed experience in the future.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
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