tour of sydney harbour

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Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise

Luxury Private Boat

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Local Insights

A leisurely afternoon or morning cruise discovering the best of Sydney Harbour, with time to swim, explore or stop off at a local waterside café.

Choose morning or afternoon to fit with any itinerary. Includes famous landmarks & waterfront suburbs, secluded bays and coves. Time for swimming or relaxing in pristine National Park waterways, with an optional stop at a waterside bar/ cafe for refreshments.

Custom itineraries

Hidden bays and beaches

Australia's richest waterfront suburbs

Famous landmarks

Aussie flora & marine life

Sydney Harbour National Park

Middle Harbour

Get in touch to discuss your itinerary!

TRIP DETAILS

$1980 per boat

• 9.00 – 12.00 or 1:30 – 4:30

Availability

7 days a week, all year round. Surcharges may apply on public holidays and special occasions.

Pick Up & Drop Off Point

Any publicly-accessible or private harbour wharf.

Maximum Group Size

10 passengers. 

• Knowledgeable local skipper/guide
• Onboard WiFi
• Bluetooth music
• Bottled water
• BYO facilities

Please Bring

Sun protection: Glasses, hat, suncream. Warm top/jacket: It can be cooler on the harbour. Footwear: It is a barefoot boat (except in winter). Swimming:  Bring swimwear and a towel.

Spectre: Our elegant Axopar 37’ open-top sports cruiser is sleek and fast, with a touch of Italian Riviera styling. Spectre won 2017 European Sports Boat of the Year and is perfectly suited to Sydney Harbour waters. The boat seats 10 (plus skipper) and is equipped with ample shade, downstairs bedroom, kitchenette and toilet facilities, generous food and drink storage and plenty of space for lounging in the sun and moving about the boat. Find out more about your boat here .

If you have any questions or want to discuss custom designing your dream itinerary, please get in contact .

Check Out What Our Tour-Goers Are Saying

Wommo_7, february 2019.

Excellent customer service. Staff friendly and super professional. We used ‘Spectre’ for senior clients during an event, an amazing boat which fitted all our client needs, with a fantastic Captain (Justin) and First Mate (Elodie). Would highly recommend.

We had a great 3 hour boat trip with the brand new Axopar boat named Spectre. A beautiful, fast and very comfortable boat. Perfect for 8 people. The crew was very professional and serviceminded. Great service also from the office. I highly recommend this company.

Captain Elodie created a magical experience for us – somehow managing to expertly manoeuvre the boat in and out of the hidden bays; talk us through all of the Sydney sights; keep our glasses topped up; and, at the same time, create a feeling of pure privacy for us to enjoy the moment to ourselves. We couldn’t recommend the experience more!

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Guide to Sydney Harbour

Aboriginal name:  Tubowgule (pronounced Tie-bah-gool)

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• Getting to Sydney Harbour
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It's easy to see why Sydney Harbour is regarded as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world.

Sydney Harbour is an aquatic playground for Sydneysiders, with more than 240km (150mi) of shoreline, punctuated by unspoiled beaches, picturesque gardens, and pockets of natural bush. It is also home to some of Australia's big-name attractions, including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Taronga Zoo Sydney. Be sure to venture beyond the shoreline to visit some of the harbour's fascinating historic islands.

Sydney Harbour/Tubowgule has been a culturally and spiritually significant place to the Gadigal people for thousands of years. Long before Sydney Harbour’s icons, it was a place to hunt, gather, dance and feast.

Tubowgule refers specifically to Bennelong Point, which meets Warrane (Sydney Cove) and Wahganmugglaee (The Royal Botanic Garden). Learn about Sydney Harbour’s Aboriginal culture and history during an enriching First Nations tour .

• Traditional name: Tubowgule (pronounced Tie-bah-gool)
• Indigenous Peoples of Central Sydney: Gadigal peoples
• Traditional lands of Greater Sydney: Eora Nation
• Traditional languages of Central Sydney: Gadigal 
• How to say g’day in Gadigal: Budyeri kamaru

Sydney Harbour is the heart of Sydney, and sits just a short drive, taxi or train ride from the airport. 

• Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is 9km (5.5mi) from the city; international and domestic arrivals
• Hire cars, rideshare, taxis and shuttles are available to book prior to your arrival, or on the day
• The airport is also serviced by an urban train line direct to the city. Get off at Circular Quay and you'll exit the train station right on the harbour

Sydney has a great network of clean, reliable and affordable public transport services. Read more about  getting around Sydney .

Sydney weather  is quite predictable, with four distinct seasons. The warmer months are November to February, and the cooler months are March to August. 

• High season:  Spring and summer (November to February)
• Low season:  Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss: Sydney New Year's Eve is arguably one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world – and it all happens right on Sydney Harbour.

Trips and itineraries

4 days in Sydney

The best day trips from Sydney

How to make the most of your 10 days Down Under

9-day Sydney to Melbourne coastal drive

12-day road trip through New South Wales

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Destinations around sydney harbour.

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Port Stephens

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Sydney Harbour Experiences

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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Whale Watching starts Mid May!

Early Bird Special - Save 15% off 3hr Discovery Cruise

Sydney Harbour Hopper

Visit Sydney Harbour’s iconic destinations & discover its hidden gems.

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Private Charters & Transfers on Sydney Harbour

Your own private boat from $19 per person

We accept Parent NSW Vouchers

Save $50 off your next cruise with Fantasea Cruising when redeeming a Parent NSW voucher.

To redeem your voucher please call us on 1800 326 822 or see one of our friendly staff at our ticket offices at Darling Harbour, Pier 26 or Circular Quay, Wharf 6.

We expect high call volumes and may not be able to process every request over the phone.

Featured Cruises & Events

Fantasea Cruising operates a number of cruises and ferries on Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Ettalong and Wagstaffe, including sightseeing, sunset cruises, a direct Taronga Zoo ferry and daily whale watching cruises.

Special events in Sydney are best seen from the harbour, so we offer cruises on Australia Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and during Vivid. Plus, we can organise a private charter for a more personalised experience on occasions like weddings, ash scattering, corporate events and parties, anniversaries and birthday parties.

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Sightseeing Cruise

Includes commentary developed in partnership with Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation and the Australian Maritime Museum.

Sydney Harbour Hopper – 24 Hour Pass

Visit Sydney Harbour’s iconic destinations & discover its hidden gems: Manly, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour.

Taronga Zoo + Ferry Return Ticket

One of Sydney’s most famous attractions, Taronga Zoo is home to Australian native wildlife and rare and endangered exotic animals.

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VIVID Cruises on Sydney Harbour

Vivid Sydney is a unique annual winter event of light, music, and ideas that illuminates Sydney for 23 days from 24th May – 15th June 2024.

Manly – Watsons Bay Ferry

There’s a lot to love about Watsons Bay. It’s got lovely beaches, marvellous views and delicious seafood. Located on the South Head peninsula in Sydney’s east, it’s a delightful day out.

Taronga Zoo + 24 Hour Hopper Pass

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3hr Discovery Cruise on Ocean Dreaming 2

Sydney’s best whale watching cruise, combining high speed with 3 levels of viewing decks onboard custom built, large catamaran. Only 15min to the ocean from Circular Quay.

• My NRMA Members Save 20%

2hr Express Cruise on Fantasea Avalon

Sydney’s best value whale watching cruise. Reach the open ocean in only 20min from Circular Quay. Watch whales in comfort from the seated sun deck, covered rear deck or air-conditioned internal saloon.

2.5hr Adventure Cruise

The 2.5hrs Adventure Cruise on Totally Wild is one of Sydney’s most thrilling high-speed whale watching experiences perfect for thrill seekers wanting an adrenaline rush.

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Private charters & transfers on sydney harbour from $19pp.

With a wide range of meticulously maintained vessels , menus of the highest quality, hand selected beverages and the friendliest crews on Sydney Harbour, you can be assured day or night that our cruises are the complete package with Sydney Harbour as the star.

Let us add a little FANTASEA to your next event, be it a birthday or celebration, corporate or private event, school excursion or social function, engagement, transfer or Christmas party, the Fantasea team will ensure that all you need to do is organise your guest list.

We acknowledge the land on which we gather, from places as widespread and diverse as the NRMA. In the presence of Elders past, present and future, we recognise all journeys and our mutual role in creating new paths together.

Rated "Excellent" by 200+ Travellers!

"It was an absolutely great whale watching experience. We saw a lot of humpback whales and dolphins. Beautiful day. Staffs were very friendly. The boat was large, comfy and clean. It was really enjoyable and I'll definitely come back. :)"

"Amazing view of the lights without the crowds. The boat was clean and comfortable and not over crowded. Lots of room to move about and get photos. All the staff were friendly and pointed out things of interest. Highly recommended!"

"We had a great morning with the Fantasea crew and saw a lot of humpback whales, really amazing experience. The staff was friendly and the facilities very good. We would definitely go again!"

"Great deal booked online and a really lovely 1 1/2 hrs cruising the harbour. We enjoyed the outdoor deck upstairs, but the inside area was just beautiful for those who preferred to be inside. Staff were lovely and overall experience was terrific. We were blessed with the weather... would highly recommend!"

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Sydney Harbour Tall Ships – Afternoon Discovery Cruise

About Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Cruises

Experience Sydney Harbour like never before with Sydney Tall Ship Cruises’ afternoon cruise. Step aboard one of our traditional tall ships, the Southern Swan or the Soren Larsen, and embark on a unique ‘historic meets modern’ journey.

Sail past iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Fort Denison, and witness the majestic Harbour Bridge from a different perspective. Weather permitting, the sails will come out and you can even enjoy a real sailing experience on a 1850’s style tall ship.

Our interactive and engaging Tall Ship Cruise allows you to try your hand at steering or help with the sails. It’s the perfect opportunity to transport yourself to the days gone by and experience life as a sailor.

Don’t forget to bring your camera, as you’ll have the chance to capture stunning views of the vibrant city of Sydney from the authentic timber tall ship. Whether you’re heaving on a rope or simply relaxing and enjoying the entertainment provided by our friendly crew, our Sydney Harbour afternoon cruise is an unforgettable experience. Book your tickets now to secure your spot!

Cruise Highlights

• 90 minute cruise around beautiful Sydney Harbour.
• Great photo opportunities as we sail past the iconic Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more from one of our historic timber ships.

Optional Add Ons

• Add a Mast Climb experience to your package for a truly memorable experience.
• Add a Drinks Package for even more sparkle in your Sydney Harbour cruise

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Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is known for being home to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but there's so much more to discover. Spend some time here and you'll be awed by its natural beauty, from hidden beaches to pristine bushland and charming islands that are made for exploring.

Things to do

If you want to explore the harbour on water, hop on a ferry at  Circular Quay   and glide past the  Sydney Opera House  and the  Sydney Harbour Bridge to  Taronga Zoo  or Manly . Choose from a myriad of harbour cruises , including lunch cruises and tall ships, or go kayaking or  boating . To learn about the harbour's fascinating history, join an Aboriginal tour .

BridgeClimb Sydney , Sydney Harbour

Did you know the harbour is also known as Port Jackson? Discover more about the area on one of the various walks that take in stunning Sydney landmarks. One of the world's best city walks is from  Woolloomooloo  to  Barangaroo , stopping at the Royal Botanic Garden and  Mrs Macquaries Chair  for a perfect postcard selfie. Alternatively, hire a bike or join a guided tour and explore on two wheels.

View from Mrs Macquarie's Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Spot native wildlife at  Sydney Harbour National Park , such as rainbow lorikeets and crimson rosellas. It's also home to The Heads, the dramatic sandstone cliffs at the entrance of the harbour, which protect the surrounding  harbour islands .

Islands that should be on your bucket list include Cockatoo Island , a UNESCO World Heritage Australian convict site.  Fort Denison’s  sandstone Martello Tower is the only one of its kind in Australia. Garden Island is home to a naval museum, the  Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre , and  Shark Island  is a lovely spot for a picnic.

Cockatoo Island's waterfront campground

For a bird’s-eye view of the harbour as it spans out, plus a little history, scale the heights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge with  BridgeClimb . Or you can climb aboard a seaplane with Sydney Seaplanes or Sydney by Seaplane , taking off from  Rose Bay  and looping the harbour so you can see it from all angles.

Sydney Seaplanes , Rose Bay

Events on the harbour

The harbour is also used as an awe-inspiring backdrop to huge events, such as the electrifying Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks . Opera Australia stages an annual opera on the harbour in March and April, the  Vivid Sydney  festival illuminates harbour icons in May and June, and it’s the starting point of the thrilling Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race  on  Boxing Day . 

View across Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney

Eat & drink

Four of Sydney's best fine dining restaurants sit on the water’s edge. Quay ,  Aria and  Bennelong , which is set inside the sails of the Sydney Opera House, are all right on the harbour.  Café Sydney  is on the rooftop of Customs House and the view takes in the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Views at Cafe Sydney , Circular Quay - Credit: Cafe Sydney

The vista is just as magical, and the prices are more budget-friendly, at more casual venues along the edge of the water.  Opera Bar  has a prime position underneath the Sydney Opera House, then there’s  Hyde Hacienda ,  Bar Patron , Graze MCA , Cruise Bar , The Glenmore and The Squire’s Landing .

Opera Bar , Circular Quay

Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La Sydney takes things to new heights, featuring what has to be the best indoor view of the harbour in the city. The vista is just as stunning at nearby InterContinetnal Sydney's rooftop bar  Aster . At Milsons Point, Ripples practically sits directly underneath the Harbour Bridge and has outdoor seating to best enjoy the scenery, while in Pyrmont, LuMi Dining matches its enviable outlooks with delicious degustations.

Aster Bar at  InterContinental Sydney

In the Barangaroo precinct, a number of venues offer dining with a water view, including Zushi , Cirrus , Lotus , Bea and Smoke . Heading east, Catalina enjoys panoramas over Rose Bay; Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel and Doyle's both dish up seafood with views of the city skyline; and at Woolloomooloo’s Finger Wharf, Otto , Il Pontile , Kingleys and Alibi make the most of their alfresco harbour-side setting.   

OTTO Sydney , Woolloomooloo

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Cruise the Harbour in luxury

Cruise around the beautiful Sydney Harbour on our exclusive 78ft luxury cruiser Spirit of Migloo. Seating just 80 people, this is the most stylish and unique way to experience one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

From the moment you step on board, you’ll feel special. We’ve designed our vessel to be spacious and stunningly beautiful, so you have room to relax and take it all in. With expansive main, upper and sun decks you’ll experience amazing and uninterrupted 360-degree views of one of the world’s most famous harbours including the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Luna Park.

regionally sourced food and fine wine

Whilst you cruise around the Harbour, we will serve you an amazing array of seasonal and regionally sourced food and wine. On our lunch cruise we treat you to a delicious two-course all-inclusive menu, including a decadent dessert. If you’re joining us on our dinner cruise, you’ll enjoy a multi-course chef-designed all-inclusive menu featuring the best of New South Wales ingredients, all of which showcase the multicultural influences on the Sydney dining scene. Pair both of these cruise menus with wines from some of New South Wales’ most prestigious wine regions and you’ve got the perfect culinary experience.

Come and experience the stunning Sydney Harbour with us. We concentrate on the little things, and that’s what makes a big difference.

an ever-changing landscape

Your experience begins by cruising under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the Sydney Opera House – two of Australia’s most iconic attractions. Heading east, pass by the Royal Australian Navy Base located on Garden Island, towards Watson’s Bay. On the return journey, via the north side of the harbour, pass by Clifton Gardens, Bradleys Head, Taronga Zoo, Kirribilli House (home of the Prime Minister) and Luna Park before returning to Darling Harbour.

*Indicative route only, subject to change.

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Iconic Harbour Cruise

A 90-minute  Private Luxury Harbour cruise  is the perfect option to discover Sydney Harbour! 

Rediscover Sydney’s world-renowned landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and marvel at impressive waterfront real estate.

MV BEL is 28 feet of pure sophistication. She is beautiful as she is unique, designed to embody the look and feel of a Venetian-style motor cruiser. Built in Sydney, MV BEL allows guests to step inside another world. Our private Skipper will stop for photographs at vantage points along the way, helping to make your day truly unforgettable.

Upon embarking your private yacht cruise, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine will be waiting. We invite you to bring food and BYO beverages on board, and to make your journey that little bit easier, we are pleased to provide plates, glasses and cutlery at no extra charge.

Ideal for Couples, Families and Small Groups

I couldn’t have pulled off my proposal without the help of Glenn. He was incredibly well organised, well coordinated with other event organisers and made sure our special day went according to plan without any issues. Thank you again Glenn! You are a skipper to remember

Danie Moussa

From the time my fiancé and I got picked up to the time we got dropped off, I couldn’t fault anything. Thankyou Glenn for a lovely cruise!!

Lewis Partington

Fantastic cruise with great captain. Couldn't recommend highly enough

Sophie Parry

Fantastic cruise! I had family visiting from overseas and wanted them to experience Sydney from a luxury boat on the harbour. They all loved the experience, thank you!

Johannes Eriksson

Captain Marty was an excellent host. Had a wonderful evening on the Harbour.

Karen Harris

What a beautiful way to start our girls night out, cruising around Sydney Harbour drinking champagne, dancing and hanging with my besties. Thanks Marty for a truly memorable experience on board the coolest cruiser on the harbour.

Nicholas Hall

Wow!! What a way to see the Harbour and surrounds. Our group of friends were going to celebrate an important birthday in a bar as usual but fortunately one of our crew decided we should do something a little more special this time. We booked the Sydney Secret Beaches Tour and what a fantastic time we had. The ruggedly handsome and knowledgeable Captain Marty took us on a “deck”-adent afternoon of cruising, enjoying a few drinks whilst we soaked in the sights and learnt plenty about this beautiful harbour, getting up close to places we had long admired from a distance and visiting coves we never knew existed. What a great day. Thank you Captain Marty.

Lisa Kaplan

Such an amazing evening spent with friends on "Captain Marty's" luxury cruiser! We booked the Sunset Cruise as our dearest friend was visiting from the U.K. and we thought it would be fabulous to travel to dinner taking in the stunning scenery on Sydney Harbour! Sitting on this beautifully crafted timber boat, If it wasn't for the vast water one might think you were cruising the canals of Venice! Super comfortable & a great host. Thank you Marty, we look forward to our next adventure with you!

Mitchell Day

We had a great afternoon and evening out on the boat. The whole experience was great, starting with meeting the captain and getting the first view of the boat - what a classic. We got to cruise around the inner harbour while the captain provided us with some great stories about Sydney and it’s waterways. We had a great time and I would highly recommend this experience to both Sydneysiders and visitors to Sydney.

Tameem Aswad

Great private boat cruise for couples

First time cruiser and wow....it was perfect! I saw the boat on sunrise with Michael buble and I thought that would be a special treat to do with close friends for some celebrations. We saw not only the river at dusk but all the lights if the harbour too. A magical evening, beautiful boat, delicious cheese platter and an entertaining skipper. We all said we will do it again... 5stars

Anne Arbuthnot

I am back again in Sydney and have just have enjoyed another cruise with Sydney Luxury Cruises. This time we enjoyed a long lunch cruise with Captain Glenn, a very knowledgeable, friendly and competent skipper. Food was amazing and drinks even better!! Thoroughly recommend to anyone who wants to see Sydney Harbour and enjoys the 'personal' touch.

Jolanda Schat

We booked a sunset cruise and it was definetely the highlight of our trip to Australia! Sydney Harbour is beautyfull and it was amazing to dicover it on a beautiful boat and great Captain Glenn. Thank you for a wonderfull experience!

Rhiannon West

Ultimate first class experience! We were looking for a more intimate cruise for 4 adults to enjoy the sunset on a warm summers evening on the harbour. Thanks to Captain Marty for making our private Sydney Harbour cruise the most memorable experience for us. The cheese platter was delicious and the bubbles were fantastic. We'd recommend to anyone! The boat itself is amazing...timber 'Italian' style and a dream to relax on. We were picked up from Mosman Bay half an hour before sunset and dropped off at Woolloomooloo just in time for dinner. Perfect in every way!

Kevin Treharne

The private sunset cruise was the absolute best highlight of our time in Sydney! Glenn combined outstanding customer service and great information about Sydney harbor with a smooth, enjoyable ride. Exceeded even our highest expectations and was worth every penny. Stop reading this and just book it now!

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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour National Park

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Join the friendly and knowledgeable guides of Tribal Warrior for a fascinating boat and island tour as you learn about the Aboriginal culture of Sydney Harbour.

Climb aboard the Mari Nawi, or big canoe, and explore the world’s most beautiful harbour in the relaxed and friendly company of your Aboriginal hosts and crew. Hear fascinating stories of the Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal and Wallumedegal people of Sydney and learn the Aboriginal names and meanings of significant Sydney landmarks.

Then step onto the shores of Be-lang-le-wool, the Aboriginal name for Clark Island, to learn about the lifestyle of a pre-European Aboriginal coastal settlement. From your Tribal Warrior hosts, you’ll hear all about traditional fishing methods and food gathering techniques, before joining an exciting Aboriginal cultural performance. Tribal Warrior is a licensed commercial tour operator with a Parks Eco Pass .

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Operated by

• Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation
• 02 9699 3491
• [email protected]
• (02) 9699 3441
• 27 Cope Street, Redfern NSW 2016
• in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

Park entry fees:

Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app .

Other fees:

Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

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• Cultural heritage (6)
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• Environmental appreciation/study (1)
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• Other experiences (6)
• Photography (1)
• Picnics and barbecues (57)
• Sailing, boating and cruises (17)
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• Visitor centres (5)
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Immersive stories (2)

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Sydney city guide: Best things to do and where to stay in Australia’s magnificent harbour city

S prawling around one of the planet’s biggest and most beautiful natural harbours, Sydney is perhaps the ultimate city destination in Australia . With its swoonworthy physical attributes, laidback charm and trio of icons – namely the opera house, Sydney Harbour Bridge and sweeping Bondi Beach – the New South Wales capital almost effortlessly wows.

Though the city stretches westwards way beyond Parramatta (Sydney’s geographic heart) to the base of the Blue Mountains, nearly all of its visitor appeal lies in the city centre, central suburbs and beaches . Founded in 1788, Australia’s first British settlement has evolved into a true world city that’s liveliest when Mardi Gras fills the streets with sequins, parades and parties.

If you’re heading down under, our Sydney guide provides a heads-up on what to do, where to eat and drink, and the best spots to stay in the Harbour City.

Access all arias

You can’t miss Sydney Opera House . Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973, this concrete-and-ceramic-tile masterpiece celebrated its 50th anniversary with a major renovation of its performance spaces. Ideally, immerse yourself in an opera, concert, recital or play; otherwise take a tour (from £22pp) to discover those rooftop sails and the building’s history.

Read more on Australia travel :

• Mornington Peninsula: How travellers are seeking out Australia’s hot springs
• The best deals for a luxury Australia holiday in 2024
• Why you should book a holiday to Ningaloo, Australia’s ‘other reef’

Bridge the gap

Sydney’s second major landmark, the Harbour Bridge, unites the CBD (central business district) with the North Shore suburbs. For those with a head for heights (and the best part of £150 to spare), Bridge Climb is the classic experience. Alternatively, take the train to North Sydney and walk back over the bridge for free, with the opera house and city skyline before you.

Sydneysider culture goes big on the beach. Bondi is the icon, for its fine sand, surfer scene, and Icebergs saltwater pool, or hop on the ferry to Manly and its similarly sandy, pine-tree-lined promenade. Not a fan of waves? Stay within the harbour: the North Shore’s Fairlight Beach or more hidden-away Castle Rock Beach are fantastic.

Go walkabout

All around the harbour, fragments of foreshore and bushland constitute Sydney Harbour National Park . Weaving much of it together is the 80km Bondi to Manly Walk , via woodland, beaches, parks and urban promenades. En route, enjoy Aboriginal rock carvings, wildlife encounters (kookaburras, bush turkeys, water dragons) and cooling dips. Ferry and bus connections break it into manageable chunks.

Art and culture

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is lauded for its sculptures, exhibitions and collections, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks. Qtopia , meanwhile, is a must for LGBT+ travellers and allies. As befits a city known for its massive Mardi Gras celebrations, this museum tells the story of community trailblazers whose actions helped decriminalise homosexuality in New South Wales in 1984.

Where to stay

Base yourself central to everything at Paramount House Hotel. Located where the CBD crashes into Surry Hills, this former movie company headquarters has been transformed into a 29-room boutique hotel, with rooms (nearly all of which have outdoor spaces) that are cosy, colourful, and come with the feeling of staying at a cool friend’s apartment. Room-only doubles from £175.

Find a similar price point just round the corner at Ace Hotel Sydney, where the concrete-meets-carpet aesthetic and a slightly retro vibe make the guest rooms at once supremely comfortable and delightfully homely. Top-floor restaurant Kiln is a community favourite, while the street-level diner and coffee shop keep things buzzing throughout the day. There’s also a bijou but excellent gym.

For a fun, yesteryear resort vibe, Oxford House in nearby Paddington wins for its laidback style, cheerful service, and poolside restaurant that doubles as a popular brunch spot for locals. The 55 light-filled rooms benefit from colourful artworks, warm tones and quality amenities, and doubles start from £145.

For more in the way of budget stays, Space Q Capsule Hotel delivers conveniently located, quirky, cool and cost-effective digs within a five-minute walk of Central station.

Where to eat

Asian flavours abound in Sydney. Ever-popular Chin Chin in Surry Hills is the go-to for beef rendang, crispy duck pancakes and prawn summer rolls, all bursting with freshness (mains from £12-20). Similarly upbeat is Uncle Mings : a quirky dumpling den serving small bites and cocktails on a CBD laneway. For something simpler, Japanese temaki are a commonplace, cheap (around £2 each) and healthy on-the-go snack; Hero Sushi is a good place to find them. Also refreshingly affordable is Spice Alley : a Chippendale backstreet whose hawker-style outlets span Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian, Cantonese and Japanese favourites, from satay skewers to special fried rice.

This being a coastal city, there’s no shortage of waterfront restaurants. The Boathouse on Manly’s Shelly Beach wins for its indoor/outdoor ambience, great design, and High Tide Happy Hour (alternatively, try the Balmoral Beach branch). At Bondi Pavilion, meanwhile, a much-needed renovation to mark its centenary has given this seafront landmark a buzzing brunch spot in Glory Days , with poke bowls, avo-on-toast breakfasts, and great coffee as the standouts.

Casually upmarket Café Sydney is perfect for special occasions. Situated atop Circular Quay’s historic Customs House, this classic spot enjoys foreground-filling Harbour Bridge views and a menu celebrating Aussie produce from barramundi to Sydney rock oysters, supported by thoughtful cocktail and wine lists.

Where to drink

Get a hint of its history at The Treasury , where coffee and cocktails are sipped in what was the courtyard of an 1851 building. Now enclosed to form a light-filled atrium, it’s a chic space with monochrome floor tiles, velvet booths, and an Art-Deco-style bar that complements the grand brick-and-sandstone architecture.

Elsewhere in the CBD, enjoy elevated views from Dean and Nancy on 22 , where inventively quirky cocktails (brought to life with candy floss or smoke-filled bubbles) come with a side of highrise scenery. Try the gin-based Alien on Holiday or colourful Watermelon Sugar High, all priced at around £14.

Rather more hidden away are the bijou bars on the YCK Laneways , a lively precinct around York, Clarence and Kent Streets. Highlights include Sammy Junior , which segues from daytime coffees to evening cocktails, or speakeasy-style Stitch Bar , which you’ll find behind a faux frontage.

Where to shop

Of the CBD’s major shopping malls, QVB stands out for its beautifully restored Victorian architecture (all tiled floors, balustrades and glass domes) packed with mostly international brands. Over in Chippendale, Central Park is a much more modern affair good for youth-oriented fashion and footwear from the likes of Glue Store and Hype DC, plus Pigeonhole and its range of gifts and clothing with a sustainable slant.

Also worth checking out are the boutiques in Paddington along Oxford Street, or continue down it all the way to Bondi Beach, which has evolved from its “daggier” backpacker days into something much more credible. Gould Street and Hall Street are the go-to spots here; check out Tuchuzy for its Aussie and international fashions.

Architectural icon

Sydney Tower (formerly Centrepoint) is the city’s tallest structure, whose golden turret (with observation deck ) sits atop a slender shaft.

What currency do they use?

Australian dollar.

What language do they speak?

Should i tip.

It isn’t expected, but 10 per cent is appreciated.

What’s the time difference?

Average flight time.

Around 22 hours from London , depending on layover duration. Emirates offers convenient connections from London , Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle and Birmingham, via Dubai .

Public transport

AirportLink trains whisk travellers into the city in 15 minutes to connect with buses, trams and ferries. Top up an Opal (like London’s Oyster card) for seamless travel, or simply touch on and off with your credit card.

For that classic shot of the opera house with a Harbour Bridge backdrop, head to Mrs Macquarie’s Point in the Botanic Gardens . Otherwise, take the ferry to Cremorne Point to see towering skyscrapers crowning the opera house.

Insider tip?

If jetlag has you up pre-dawn, go watch the sun rising over the opera house from Hickson Road Reserve.

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