OUR PICKS · HARBOUR SIGHTSEEING CRUISES IN AUSTRALIA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 harbour sightseeing cruises in Australia worth the fare, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Cruise Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay for 90 minutes, with live English commentary from skippers such as Ron or Bruce. You’ll pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, and other landmarks while enjoying tea, coffee, water, fruit, and biscuits.
“Very informative guide and a really nice way to look round the harbour”
Cruise Sydney Harbour from Circular Quay for 135 minutes with a 13-option buffet, tea, coffee, live English commentary, and views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Botanical Gardens, and Darling Harbour. Guides such as Ron and Ellen add local stories and humor.
“The guide was really good, he knew his stuff and he was entertaining as well. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The food was yummy and there was a good selection to choose from. The boat was very clean and well maintained. I highly recommend this cruise!”
From Circular Quay Wharf 6, you take a one-hour Fantasea cruise past the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, Kirribilli House, and Harbour Bridge. English commentary, open views, an onboard bar, and four daily departures make it an easy first look at Sydney.
“Excellent and informative guide. Learnt so much. The crew were really so mindful and fun. Great value for money and a wonderful experience. Highly recommended A++”
Cruise Sydney Harbour for 90 minutes from the Eastern Pontoon at Circular Quay. You’ll pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Gardens, Luna Park, sandstone cliffs, and small bays while a live guide, often Ron, explains Sydney’s story. Tea, coffee, indoor seating, outdoor decks, and a restroom are included.
“Great cruise around the harbor. The guide gave us a lot of great info about Sydney. It was a beautiful cruise and a beautiful day.”
Spend about nine hours touring from Hobart to Richmond, Eaglehawk Neck, Port Arthur, Remarkable Cave, and a Tasmanian chocolate maker. Your guide, such as Colin, Vic, Rod, Mark, or Barry, provides local stories, while four and a half hours at Port Arthur includes the site talk, museum, ruins, restored buildings, and a 30-minute harbour cruise.
“Brody was great. Very informative and answered all our questions. He was patient with young and old. You could do this tour yourself as they just drop you off at the penitentiary which is mostly ruins but I was glad to get a break from driving plus appreciated the additional information Brody provided about the country, flora, animals, and culture. He made the tour worthwhile.”
Set out from Murray Street Pier for a one-hour Derwent River cruise, or choose a longer lunch or dinner sailing. Your captain points out Hobart sights, from Battery Point and Government House to Tasman Bridge, Rose Bay, and Bellerive Bluff.
“Lovely day out in the harbour. We had the fish and chips which was cooked to perfection, the cruise was very informative and the captain was very passionate about his comentry. Very enjoyable”
Depart Darling Harbour for a 150-minute sunset cruise with a three-course dinner, regional ingredients, and included wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. You will pass the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and Luna Park from indoor and outdoor decks. Staff members named Romina, Jack, Ramania, and Beatrice have earned special praise.
“Highlight of our trip away. Food was delicious and we had a beautiful relaxed afternoon on the harbour! Highly recommend it.”
Travel from Hobart with a local English-speaking guide to Eaglehawk Neck, the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry, Port Arthur Lavender Farm, and Port Arthur Historic Site. You get entry, an audio experience, and a 20-minute harbor cruise, with an optional Remarkable Cave visit.
“we had a fabulous day Mark our guide was interactive funny and just an all round awesome driver. we learnt alot on our trip out to Port Arthur. Mark also gave us an option to see remarkable cave. Thoroughly enjoyed our day”
Travel from Hobart to Port Arthur in a small group of up to 24, stopping at Pirates Bay, the Dog Line, a chocolate factory, and a lavender farm. At Port Arthur, choose four hours on site or visit Remarkable Cave after three. Guides such as Rob, Gino, Nathan, and Skye add local stories.
“Booked a bus trip to Port Arthur. Rob was a fabulous driver very knowledgeable and friendly guide too. Good value !”
Spend 4.5 hours tracing Darwin’s wartime story with guides such as Jim, Mariette, or Betty. Visit the Darwin Military Museum, Charles Darwin National Park, and Defence of Darwin Experience, then cruise Darwin Harbour past bombing and wreck sites, including USS Peary.
“Great day. We learned so much. Highlights were Charles Darwin Park and seeing the USS Peary on the harbour floor, and the Anzac biscuit of course. Nice touch.”
Board near the Sydney Opera House for a one-hour sunset cruise on a 10.5-meter catamaran carrying up to 26 people. Expect 360-degree harbour views, a grazing platter, one soft drink or water, and crew members such as Phil, Adam, Jacob, or Johana helping with photos.
“Fun harbor cruise. Skyline is fun at sunset. Entertaining crew Friendly atmosphere. Comfortable boat.”
From Stokes Hill Wharf, you cruise Darwin Harbour with an English-speaking guide, fresh wild fish and chips, and one complimentary drink. Expect local stories, sunset views and possibly a sandbar visit or a short burst of speed. Guides have included Penny, Gavin, Lydia, Linda and Adrian.
“Beautiful sunset cruise over the Darwin harbor. Our guide was knowledgeable about the area and the fish and chips were delicious!”
Spend 4.5 hours tracing Darwin’s WWII story with local guides such as Mariet and Penny. Visit Charles Darwin National Park, the Defense of Darwin Museum, East Point and Myilly Point, then cruise past the SS Neptuna and USS Peary wreck sites.
“Everything was outstanding. Very informative detailed day. Fantastic experience”
Travel from Hobart to Port Arthur with a driver-guide such as Phil, Victor or Peter, stopping at Richmond, Tasman Arch, Eaglehawk Neck and Remarkable Cave. The day includes Port Arthur admission, a Carnarvon Bay cruise and a one-hour Isle of the Dead tour, with free time to explore.
“Peter was an excellent driver guide. His driving was smooth, his commentary was excellent, funny, informative, and the right amount of detail.”
Board a 78-foot vessel at Darling Harbour for a relaxed two-hour lunch cruise past the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and Luna Park. You get a premium two-course meal, wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee, plus room to move across three decks and take in the harbour from above.
“Lovely cruise through the creeks of Sydney with valable commentaries. The food was outstanding ! Surely Will recommende this cruise. Loved it!”
An hour around a harbour, a full day with a swim stop, or a cabin and a sunrise.
