The Best Way to See Sydney

Discover the most beautiful in the world - its iconic landmarks of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the natural beauty of its beaches, parks and bays, and the playgrounds of the rich and famous. Captain Cook Cruises has been at the forefront of Sydney Harbour sightseeing for over five decades. Our sightseeing cruises are world-famous, with a wealth of awards and over a million guests from all over the world.

Choose from the Harbour Experience aboard our premier sightseeing fleet OR Rocket Sightseeing aboard our red rocket catamarans. Visit our Premium Sightseeing experiences for superior comfort and style.

Harbour Experience $49 - $57

  • Leisurely cruise of Main Harbour aboard Sydney’s premier sightseeing vessels
  • Flexible boarding - up to 4 departures from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
  • Light snacks and drinks available

Rocket Sightseeing $32 - $37

  • Take the express ride on a red rocket catamaran through Main Harbour and all the way to Manly and back
  • Fully flexible ticket valid on any departure throughout the day
  • Approx. 65-80 minute round trip onboard the official Sydney Harbour Explorer stopping briefly at Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay, Manly, Circular Quay/Opera House and Darling Harbour

All options feature

  • Discover fascinating stories that bring history and culture of the Harbour city alive
  • Indoor and outdoor open seating
  • Smartphone Commentary and printed Map & Highlights
  • Family Bonus - one child free with every paying adult - see prices for details
  • Free Wifi

Download the commentary onto your Smartphone before you arrive

Take control of your sightseeing experience with digital commentary available directly on your smartphone or or printed maps. Click here for details

Timetables

⚠️ Circular Quay Wharf 6 Temporary Closure

20 July – 28 August 2026

  • Due to NSW Maritime wharf upgrade works, vessel access to Circular Quay Wharf 6 will be temporarily closed from Monday 20 July to Friday 28 August 2026 (inclusive).
  • The Captain Cook Cruises Ticket Office at Circular Quay Wharf 6 will remain open throughout the closure period.
  • Rocket Sightseeing Cruises will depart Commissioner’s Steps - located approximately 170 metres (2-minute flat walk) towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge from Wharf 6. Please note: Commissioner's Steps are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Harbour Experience Cruises will depart Eastern Pontoon - located approximately 400 metres (5-minute flat walk) towards the Sydney Opera House from Wharf 6.

The vessel picks up from Darling Harbour, then Circular Quay before making a round-trip circuit of the Harbour.

DepartDarling Harbour King St Wharf 1Circular Quay Wharf 6 ⚠️
Wed-SunDepart 12:00pm (1.5h), 1:30pm (2.5h)
Disembark 1:30pm, 4:00pm
Depart 12:30pm (1.5h), 2:00pm (1.5h)
Disembark 2:00pm, 3:30pm
⚠️ Circular Quay Wharf 6 Temporary Closure

20 July – 28 August 2026

  • Due to NSW Maritime wharf upgrade works, vessel access to Circular Quay Wharf 6 will be temporarily closed from Monday 20 July to Friday 28 August 2026 (inclusive).
  • During this period, your cruise will continue to operate as scheduled but will depart Circular Quay Eastern Pontoon, located approximately 400m (5-minute flat walk) towards the Sydney Opera House from Wharf 6
  • Guests may check in at Eastern Pontoon from 30 minutes prior to departure, or earlier at the Captain Cook Cruises Ticket Office at Circular Quay Wharf 6

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.

    See Legend below for further variations

    Departing Circular Quay Wharf 6 finishing at Circular Quay
    Sat-Sun & Public Holidays 9:15am, 10:32am, 11:55am, 2:35pm, 3:50pm, 5:05pm

    Mon-Fri excluding Public Holidays: 9:05am 11:00am, 12:20pm, 1:15pm, 1:50pm, 3:50pm

    Departing Darling Harbour King St Wharf finishing at Darling Harbour
    Sat-Sun & Public Holidays 9:50am (Wharf 3), 12:10pm (Wharf 1) 
    Mon-Fri excluding Public Holidays: 1:00pm (Wharf 1)


    Departing Darling Harbour King St Wharf finishing at Circular Quay
    Sat-Sun & Public Holidays 9:00am, 2:20pm 

    Mon-Fri excluding Public Holidays: 1:00pm (Wharf 1)




    This vessel stops briefly at a number of destinations along the way. Guests may decide to disembark at any point, however once you disembark the vessel, your ticket is considered complete. Should you wish to re-join the vessel an additional return ferry fare will apply.

    Guests may also choose to use their Rocket Sightseeing ticket on our mid-week commuter rocket ferries for a round trip between Circular Quay and Watsons Bay if they so prefer. See our timetable section for details

    Duration approx 1hr 5min to 1hr 20min.

    Closed: 25-Dec-26 (Christmas Day, 26-Dec-26 (Boxing Day), 26-Jan-27 (Australia Day)

    Special Timetables Operate: 3-6 Apr-26 (Easter), 31-Dec-26 (New Years Eve), 01-Jan-26 (New Year's Day)

    ROCKET SIGHTSEEING

    Valid from 20 Jul - 28 Aug 2026

    TIMETABLE: Daily

    Departing Circular Quay Commissioner Steps finishing at Circular Quay
    • Sat-Sun  9:15am, 10:32am, 11:55am, 2:35pm, 3:50pm, 5:05pm
    • Mon-Fri : 9:05am 11:00am, 12:20pm, 1:00pm, 1:50pm, 3:50pm

    Departing Darling Harbour King St Wharf finishing at Darling Harbour
    • Sat-Sun  9:50am (Wharf 3), 12:10pm (Wharf 1) 
    • Mon-Fri 12:45pm (Wharf 1)


    Departing Darling Harbour King St Wharf finishing at Circular Quay
    • Sat-Sun 9:00am, 2:20pm 
    • Mon-Fri 1:00pm (Wharf 1)




    • This vessel stops briefly at a number of destinations along the way. Guests may decide to disembark at any point, however once you disembark the vessel, your ticket is considered complete. Should you wish to re-join the vessel an additional return ferry fare will apply.
    • Guests may also choose to use their Rocket Sightseeing ticket on our mid-week commuter rocket ferries for a round trip between Circular Quay and Watsons Bay if they so prefer.
    • Duration approx 1hr 5min to 1hr 20min

    Prices & Other Info

    Prices

    Prices from 01-Apr-2026Rocket Sightseeing ⛽Harbour Experience
    Adult Retail
    Adult Online Special from
    Child 4-15yrs
    Family Bonus
    (2ad, 2ch)
    $37
    $32

    $26
    $74
    $57
    $49

    $29
    $114

    Family Bonus

    Simply book online and enter promo code FAMILY at the check-out page. One child 4-15 years cruises for free with every full paying adult. Not valid with Book Online specials. Full details

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

    ⛽Please note: A temporary fuel surcharge of $3pp applies to Rocket Sightseeing cruises Click here for more information.

    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.

    Sightseeing Experiences - FAQs

    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.

    What’s the difference between the Sightseeing Cruises?

    • Premium Sightseeing
      • The Premium Harbour Experience includes one house beverage on arrival, and an Australian Cheese & Charcuterie Board to share between two
      • The Cocktail Harbour Bar includes one welcome cocktail, one house beverage, and an Australian Cheese & Charcuterie Board to share between two
      • Both options include 360-degree views and a modern bar menu and beverage selection available for purchase
    • Classic Sightseeing
      • The Harbour Experience offers a leisurely Main Harbour cruise onboard premier sightseeing vessels with light snacks and drinks available for purchase
      • Rocket Sightseeing includes an express ride through Main Harbour to Manly and back with brief stops along the way
      • Both options feature indoor and outdoor open seating, smartphone commentary and free Wifi

    Other Information

    • Dress Code: Smart Casual

    • 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

    • For more information, visit individual cruise pages, or our Frequently Asked Questions page

    • Our Fleet: Learn more about our vessels on the Fleet Overview page

    • For more information, visit individual cruise pages, or our Frequently Asked Questions page

    Harbour Experience - Route Map

    Rocket Sightseeing - Route Map

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