CRUISE, EXPLORE & DISCOVER
Sydney is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, famous for its sparkling harbour, golden beaches, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering your own backyard, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Sydney - and why exploring with Captain Cook Cruises Sydney Harbour is the ultimate way to see it all.
No trip to Sydney is complete without a cruise on Sydney Harbour. Glide past world-famous icons like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while soaking up panoramic views from the water.
Cruise Sydney Harbour - A Sydney Harbour cruise is the most comfortable and memorable way to experience the harbour’s world-famous landmarks. Purpose-built cruise boats offer spacious decks, gourmet dining, guided commentary, and all-weather comfort - giving you the best views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and sparkling skyline in one seamless journey. Captain Cook Cruises is Sydney’s most trusted cruise operator for over five decades with a range of sightseeing cruises, premium dining experiences, and a flexible hop-on hop-off ferry pass for those who want to explore at their own pace.
Take a Ferry on Sydney Harbour - Sydney ferries are a fast convenient way to cross the harbour, just remember they’re designed for transport, not sightseeing. With basic seating, fixed point-to-point routes, and little guidance, ferries don’t provide the relaxed atmosphere, commentary, or premium experience that a cruise does but are a great alternative if on a tight budget.
Sail on Sydney Harbour - Sailing on a glamorous yacht offers a sense of adventure and intimacy on the water, especially for those with big budgets. If you have limited time, the unpredictability of wind and weather conditions can affect the journey, and smaller, cheaper yachts often lack the space and comfort of larger vessels. But hey, who wouldn't love to live the high life, if only for a day!
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House is must-see. It lies right on the city foreshore facing the Harbour and the best photo opportunity of its striking sails is from the water. You can also take an Opera House guided tour, or catch one of the variety of performances from Opera to Theatre.
Known locally as “The Coathanger,” the Sydney Harbour Bridge dominates the stunning views of the city’s north and south. Selfies taken cruising under the Bridge are an Instagram favourite. You can also walk across it for free, or for the ultimate adventure, book a BridgeClimb. On the northern side of the bridge, lies Luna Park Sydney - a historic amusement park with rides, carnival games, and loads of family fun. It’s dazzling lights add to the kaleidoscope of harbour lights at night - perfect for romantic dinner cruises.
Home to more than 4,000 animals from Australia and around the world, Sydney’s famous Taronga Zoo is set right on the harbour’s edge with unbeatable city views. The most scenic and fun way to get there is aboard the Taronga Zoo Express ferry from Circular Quay. With daily keeper talks, entertaining bird and seal shows, and close encounters with koalas, dingoes, and giraffes, it’s a family favourite. Kids love the adventure of arriving by boat, while adults appreciate skipping the traffic and taking in spectacular harbour vistas.
“Seven miles from Sydney, a thousand miles from care.” That’s how locals describe Manly, a relaxed beachside suburb accessible by ferry. Enjoy the scenic ride across the harbour, then spend the day swimming at Manly Beach, enjoying an ice cream on the promenade, or relaxing at one of the waterfront cafés and restaurants. The Manly experience is Sydney at its laid-back best.
Sydney’s most famous beach is known for its surf, sand, and coastal walks. Spend the day swimming, dining at trendy cafés, or strolling the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail. For a broader view of the city’s stunning eastern bays, hop on a Big Bus Sydney tour, which takes you past spectacular harbourside neighbourhoods, parks, and beaches before arriving at Bondi.
Escape to the middle of the harbour with a visit to Shark Island, part of Sydney Harbour National Park. A short ferry ride with Captain Cook Cruises takes you to this peaceful island, where you can picnic, swim, or simply enjoy 360-degree views of the city skyline and surrounding bays. It’s one of Sydney’s true hidden gems.
For a classic Sydney experience, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay, a charming harbourside village. Stroll along the foreshore, explore scenic walking trails, and enjoy fresh fish and chips by the water. With easy ferry connections, Watsons Bay is an ideal half-day escape that feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. Combine lunch with an afternoon trip to Manly with a Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer day pass.
Right beside the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a peaceful city oasis. Wander lush gardens, enjoy a picnic, and capture postcard-perfect views of the harbour, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. A serene escape just steps from the city’s bustle.
Darling Harbour is a lively precinct packed with attractions, dining, and entertainment. From SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo to waterfront restaurants, there’s so much to explore. The precinct is also home to the International Convention Centre (ICC), where you can catch concerts, theatre performances, or major exhibitions. Ferries operate between Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, and many cruises also depart from Darling Harbour, so you can easily combine an onshore attraction with an on-water Harbour experience simply.
With over 55 years of experience, Captain Cook Cruises is Sydney Harbour’s premier operator, offering unmatched expertise, award-winning service, and the largest range of sightseeing and dining cruises. From quick ferries to luxurious dinners, Captain Cook Cruises sets the standard for unforgettable experiences on the world’s most beautiful harbour.
Join the celebration for your chance to win up to $24,000 Cruise Cash, half of which will go exclusively to our Captain's Club Members as our way of saying thank you!
Here’s to 55 years of magic on the world’s most beautiful Harbour – and many more to come!
When it comes to a dining cruise on Sydney Harbour there is only one brand locals trust. Captain Cook Cruises has been at the forefront of quality on-water dining experiences on Sydney Harbour for over five decades. Our award-winning range of dinner cruises, high teas and lunch cruises Sydney Harbour are all prepared freshly onboard by our international chefs.
Dine from $89.00 per adult
Celebrate on the World’s Most Beautiful Harbour. With over five decades of experience, no one throws a Harbour celebration quite like Captain Cook Cruises. From birthdays, anniversaries, and engagements to bridal showers, Hens and Bucks celebrations, school formals, and long-awaited reunions – we’ve hosted them all in unforgettable style.
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