Exquisite Gold Dining with Paired Wines

The quintessential gourmet food and wine experience on Sydney Harbour. For that truly special occasion or corporate entertaining, our Gold Penfolds Dinner is an unforgettable waterfront restaurant experience where every detail matters. Leave inspired, sated and breathless as you and your guests are treated to not only the view, but a swathe of plate matched Penfolds wines.

Penfolds collection of benchmark wines are compelling for collectors and drinkers the world over. Since 1844, Penfolds has played a pivotal role in the evolution of winemaking in the constant and endless pursuit of quality. They exude both celebration and excitement.

All options feature

  • Stunning Sydney Harbour city lights by night
  • Premium seating and million-dollar views
  • Six Course Degustation Dining including our famous Seared Scallops and Beef Tenderloin
  • Live music most evenings
  • 2-3 hours on Sydney Harbour onboard our air-conditioned super-cruiser with expansive windows throughout the vessel
  • Live music most evenings
  • A photographer’s and Instagrammer’s dream with spacious outdoor open leisure decks to capture Sydney’s iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge by night

Captain's Recommendation

  • We highly recommend joining the cruise from Darling Harbour King St Wharf 1 at 7.00pm on Friday and Saturday nights, to enjoy the full 3-hour Gold Dining and Cruise experience.
  • Other nights there is a choice of departures at 5:00pm from Darling Harbour or 5:30pm from Circular Quay for a 2-hour experience.
  • Gold guests joining the early mid-week departure can choose to extend their cruise by an additional 30 minutes by disembarking at an alternate location to their boarding location - Depart Darling Harbour 5pm, disembark Circular Quay 7:30pm, OR Depart Circular Quay 5:30pm, disembark Darling Harbour 8:00pm.
  • Please check Departure Details for timetable variations.

Gold Penfolds Dinner

Includes premium beverages

  • An outstanding Gold beverage selection
  • Penfolds' private bin and vintage wines to complement each course
  • House spirits, liqueurs, beers and soft drinks

$289.00 per person including premium beverages

Gold Dinner

Beverages not included but available for purchase onboard

  • A comprehensive range of Sydney inspired cocktails, Champagne, Sparkling, Red and White Wines
  • Spirits including a selection of Gins, Whisky & Bourbon, Vodka, Brandy
  • Top shelf liqueurs
  • Soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea

$215.00 per person

Gold Penfolds Dinner & Wine Menu (PDF)

Gold Dinner - No Drinks Menu (PDF) | Beverage List

Celebration Desserts & Cakes (PDF)

Special Menus and Dietary Requests: As this is a specialty menu we regret there are no special diet variations available. If a guest in your party is vegetarian or gluten free, we can offer an entrée, main-course and dessert from our Starlight Dinner menu, however discounts do not apply. Most à la carte menus in our public restaurant contain vegetarian and gluten free options. Requests made for specialty diets, substitutions and modifications will be politely declined. View our menus for full details.

    Prices

    Valid to 31-Mar-2026Price
    Gold Penfolds Dinner
    Gold Dinner (no drinks)
    $289
    $215
    Valid from 01-Apr-2026Price
    Gold Penfolds Dinner
    Gold Dinner (no drinks)
    $299
    $225

    Optional Extras

    Guaranteed Window Seating

      Expansive windows throughout our vessels offer superb viewing no matter where you are seated. For those who wish to guarantee window seating, surcharges apply. Please note surcharges apply to all guests on the same table/booking and minimum numbers apply to window seats.

      Valid to 31-Mar-2025$19 per person
      Valid from 01-Apr-2026$20 per person

      Retail prices valid to 31-Mar-2027. All prices are per person. Specials subject to change.

      Weekly Schedule

      The vessel picks up from Darling Harbour, then Circular Quay before making a circuit of the Harbour. View the full timetable.

      Depart Darling Harbour King St Wharf 1

      RECOMMENDED

      Circular Quay Wharf 6
      Fri & SatDepart 7:00pm
      Disembark 10:00pm
      Disembark 9:30pm
      Wed, Thu & Sun Depart 5:00pm (boarding 4:45pm)
      Disembark 7:00pm
      Depart 5:30pm
      Disembark 7:30pm

      Check availability for additional departures.

      Please note special timetables and vessels operate on selected dates. Please recheck this webpage closer to departure and any email updates for the latest information.

        Groups of 10 or more guests

        10% OFF online prices!
        We love a party or a get together
        , that's why we've added a special discount to our range of dining experiences for groups of 10 or more, including our famous Gold Dinner, Starlight Dinner, Premium Sunset Dinner, Sunset Dinner, Harbour View Lunch, Harbour View Long Lunch and High Tea cruises. Excludes selected special events, public holidays and private dining rooms.
        Book online and only pay 30% deposit
        with the balance due 7-days prior to cruise date
        More Info - How to Book & Pay for a Group Online
        Private Rooms
        Book a private room with your own private cocktail deck. Private rooms are suitable for 2 to 60 guests. Private decks are available for larger groups. Prices are based on bespoke food and drink menus. Contact our Events Team.


        Save on City Parking

        Wilson Parking

        Captain Cook Cruises' guests receive special rates at selected parking stations when you pre-book your car park online with Wilson Parking.

        Remember to check with local authorities for special event road closures.

        Dinner Cruises - FAQs

        What’s the difference between the different Dinner Cruises?

        At Captain Cook Cruises we create individual dining experiences to suit a wide variety of guest expectations and budgets across multiple levels and dining rooms aboard our flagship. Each option may include a different menu, departure time, duration and enhanced guest experiences.

        • The Sunset Dinner includes a 3-course menu with approximately 2 hours on Sydney Harbour, offering a relaxed evening cruise
        • Both the Starlight Dinner and the Sunset Premium Dinner feature a 4-course menu with and expanded menu selections

        • The Gold Dinner features a 6-course degustation dining experience, an unrivalled level of service, with an option of matched wines and premium beverages

        • Both Sunset Dinner Cruises depart early from 5:00pm with up to 2-hours on Sydney Harbour Wednesday to Sunday, whilst the Starlight Dinner departs from 7.00pm on Friday and Saturday with a duration of up to 3-hours under the full kaleidoscope of city and night lights.

        • The exceptional Gold Dinner departs at 7:00pm on Friday and Saturday, and 5:00pm Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday

        • All options include premium Harbour views, exceptional service, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

        Is the food prepared onboard?
        Yes. All meals are freshly prepared onboard by our professional culinary team using quality Australian ingredients.

        Are beverage packages available?
        Not for early dining cruises, but beverage packages are available on our later Starlight Dinner for groups of 10 or more. The Gold Penfolds Dinner features an exceptional selection of matched wines and premium beverages.

        Can I buy drinks onboard?
        Absolutely. We proudly serve a curated selection of Australian wines, Young Henrys craft beer brewed in Sydney, a full bar with spirits and cocktails, plus tea and espresso coffee, all available for purchase during your cruise.

        Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
        Most à la carte menus in our public restaurant contain vegetarian and gluten free options. Requests made for specialty diets, substitutions and modifications of menus for our public cruises will be politely declined.

        Is the experience suitable for special occasions?
        Definitely. Our Dinners are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, romantic date nights, proposals, and other special celebrations on the Harbour.

        Can I bring a cake onboard?
        Absolutely! We love a celebration and would be delighted to help make your special occasion memorable. You're welcome to bring your own cake – just let us know in advance. We'll keep it refrigerated until it's time to celebrate, then present it with sparklers and a big birthday cheer! We'll also provide plates, cutlery, and a knife so you can cut and serve it at your table. We also have Chef Plated options for a small cakeage fee. More Info

        Is window seating guaranteed?
        Expansive windows throughout our vessels offer superb viewing no matter where you are seated. For those who wish to guarantee window seating, a small surcharge applies - we recommend booking early.

        Are private dining rooms available?
        Yes, private dining rooms are available on our super-cruiser Sydney 2000 for the following experiences only:

        • Harbour View Long Lunch

        • Premium Sunset Dinner

        • Starlight Dinner

        • Gold Dinner

        We offer two elegant private rooms. Note prices as at 23 June 2025 and subject to change

        • The Sirius Room — Minimum 20 guests, maximum 36 guests.

          • Room hire: $250 (January to October 2025) | $500 (November & December 2025).

        • The Endeavour Room — Minimum 40 guests, maximum 60 guests (seated).

          • Room hire: $500 (January to October 2025) | $1,000 (November & December 2025).
            Please contact our team to check availability and secure your preferred space.

        Is there a group discount available?

        Yes. We offer a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more guests when you book online with us.

        We love a party or a get-together - that’s why we’ve added a special discount across a range of dining experiences for groups of 10 or more, including our famous Gold Dinner, Starlight Dinner, Premium Sunset Dinner, Sunset Dinner, Harbour View Lunch, Harbour View Long Lunch, and High Tea cruises.

        Please note:

        • This discount applies to the dining experience only

        • It excludes beverage packages, private dining room hire fees, and beverages purchased onboard

        • Not valid for selected special events and public holidays

        Why choose Captain Cook Cruises?
        When it comes to cruising Sydney Harbour, no one does it better than Captain Cook Cruises. Recognised as the harbour’s premier operator, we combine over five decades of experience with award-winning service, a modern fleet, and unrivalled views of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. From luxury dining cruises and sightseeing adventures to private celebrations and special events, we set the standard for unforgettable experiences on Sydney Harbour. Trusted by more locals, more visitors, and more industry experts - choose Captain Cook Cruises. Read more about Our Story.

        Other Information

        • Dress Code: Smart casual (jackets optional but encouraged in cooler months)

        • Children: All guests under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult

        • Wheelchair Access:

          • Accessible: Sydney 2000 (Ocean Deck), Captain Cook 3 (Main Deck), The Jackson (Main Deck)

          • Not suitable: Starship Sydney and Starship Aqua

          • Please check our Accessibility page for full details and wharf access considerations.

        • Responsible Service of Alcohol: Our staff follow RSA guidelines at all times

        • Credit Card Verification: At check-in, you will be required to present the credit card used for your online booking

        • Terms & Conditions: Visit our Terms & Conditions page for full booking and cancellation policies

        Map & Directions

        Wharf Check-in Offices

        Please ensure you check which of these locations your cruise departs from, this information can be found on your booking documentation.

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