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The official Sydney Harbour Explorer

UP TO 20 DEPARTURES DAILY!

When in Sydney travel like the locals do, on the Harbour highway. We’ve selected the best Harbour destinations and combined them into one easy to follow ferry timetable. Our 1 and 2 days passes give you the flexibility to hop-on and hop-off as you like, with the expert local guidance of our onboard crew.

  • Start your day from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour
  • Visit Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay and Manly
  • Choice of 1 or 2 day passes
  • Add entry to Taronga Zoo and save
  • Smartphone Commentary and printed Map & Highlights
  • Indoor and outdoor leisure decks
  • Free Wi-Fi

Easy, fast and flexible day pass tickets

Pack your day with adventure with a 1-Day Pass, or for only a few dollars more enjoy the flexibility and leisure of a 2-Day Pass. Combine your pass with entry to the Taronga Zoo for amazing savings.

Why Choose a Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer Pass?

  • More flexibility – Instead of a fixed short cruise, you can travel throughout the day, hopping on and off at major harbour destinations like Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Manly and more.
  • Same great views – You still get all the iconic sights (Opera House, Harbour Bridge, bays and coves) but with the freedom to explore on land as well.
  • Better value – For a small price increase, you turn a one-hour cruise into a full day of sightseeing and harbour transport.
  • Choose your pace – Spend as much or as little time as you like at each stop. No pressure to finish sightseeing in an hour.
  • Spontaneity – If the weather improves or something catches your eye, you can get off and explore - something impossible on a standard cruise.
  • Double the time for almost no extra cost – The new special means you get a second full day of unlimited harbour travel for just $1. That’s unbeatable value.
  • Ideal for flexible or uncertain plans – Even if you’re not sure you’ll use both days, the tiny upgrade cost makes it easy to say yes.
  • Perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace – A second day means you don’t have to rush to fit in multiple stops. Spread your sightseeing out comfortably.
  • More chances to enjoy the harbour – If the weather changes or you discover new places you want to revisit, you already have an extra day built in.
  • Great for families and visitors – Kids tire easily, and plans shift. The second day gives you backup time to do more without paying full price again.
  • No downside – For just $1, even limited extra use (one extra ferry ride) more than pays for itself.

1-Day Pass

  • Valid one calendar day
  • Family Bonus Kids Free - see prices

$44.00

2-Day Pass

SPECIAL - Upgrade to a 2-Day Pass for only $1 More!

  • Valid two consecutive calendar days
  • Family Bonus Kids Free - see prices

Limited time specials $45.00

Add Taronga Zoo

SPECIAL - Upgrade to a 2-Day Pass for only $1 More!

  • Includes Taronga Zoo entry
  • 1-Day Cruise Pass from $85
  • 2-Day Cruise Pass from $86

From $85.00

Big Bus Combos also available

Click here for details

Must-see Harbour destinations

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

Circular Quay

Bounded by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and historic Rocks district to the west, and the Sydney Opera House and Botanic Gardens to the east, Circular Quay is a bustling ferry hub.

Taronga Zoo

Over 4,000 animals, including Australian native wildlife. Free daily seal and/or bird presentations. Purchase the Zoo and Explorer combo and save.

Shark Island

It would be hard to find a more spectacular picnic spot. Stunning, 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour and a delightfully deserted national park for your own private getaway.

Watsons Bay

Local must-do `Watto’ is famous for its seafood, waterfront pubs, picnic spots, swimming beaches and spectacular headlands walks overlooking the Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.

Manly

You don’t have to swim at this iconic beach to soak up the atmosphere. Shop at the Corso, dine at waterfront cafés, find your favourite gelato flavour or take a nature walk.

Darling Harbour

Start or finish your day at Darling Harbour, surrounded by restaurants, nightclubs and hotels at King Street Wharf, Barangaroo and Cockle Bay.

Timetables

  • Operates daily
  • Printed Timetables are issued daily on arrival or onboard
  • Special timetables may operate on selected dates - see the notes shown on the bottom of timetable.
  • Taronga Zoo: Guests holding Cruise & Zoo Combo tickets may access the zoo via the Lower Zoo Entrance just a short walk from the wharf. Guests with ferry only tickets are required to enter via the Main Entrance at the top of the hill. Access is via a public bus (at own expense).

See Legend below for variations

Darling Harbour - King St WharfCircular Quay - Wharf 6Taronga ZooShark IslandWatsons BayManly - Wharf 3Watsons BayShark Island Taronga Zoo Circular Quay - Wharf 6Darling Harbour - King St Wharf
9:00am# Wharf 39:15am9:30am9:35am9:45am10:00am10:15am10:32am
9:35am#9:50am9:50am10:05am
10:05am10:20am10:20am10:45am
10:32am10:50am10:55am11:05am11:20am11:35am11:55am
10:45am - Wharf 311:00am11:15am11:15am11:30am
11:30am11:45am11:45am12:10pm*
11:55am12:10pm12:25pm12:40pm12:55pm1:10pm1:25pm 1:40pm*
Darling Harbour - King St WharfCircular Quay - Wharf 6Taronga ZooShark IslandWatsons BayManly - Wharf 3Watsons BayShark IslandTaronga ZooCircular Quay - Wharf 6Darling Harbour - King St Wharf
12:50pm# Wharf 11:05pm1:20pm1:20pm1:35pm1:50pm
1:50pm Wharf 12:05pm2:20pm2:35pm2:35pm2:50pm3:05pm3:20pm
2:20pm# Wharf 12:35pm2:45pm2:55pm3:10pm3:30pm3:35pm3:50pm
3:20pm Wharf 13:35pm3:55pm3:55pm4:05pm4:10pm4:25pm4:40pm*
3:50pm#4:10pm4:25pm4:40pm4:50pm5:05pm
5:05pm5:35pm5:50pm


6:10pm6:25pm*


Timetable Commencing 04 October 2025 | Updated 02 October 2025

Hop On Hop Off Weekend Leisure & Tourist Services: Saturday to Sunday and public holidays

Legend: #Pick-up only | *Set down only

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

Special Timetable Operates: 31-Dec-25 (New Years Eve), 01-Jan-26 (New Year's Day)

Shark Island Closed: 25-Dec-25, 26-Dec-25, 31-Dec-25. 01-Jan-26


See Legend below for variations 

Summer Timetable from 10 November 2025

Darling Harbour King St Wharf

Circular Quay - Wharf 6Taronga ZooShark IslandWatsons BayManly - Wharf 3Watsons BayShark Island Taronga Zoo Circular Quay - Wharf 6Darling Harbour King St Wharf
7:15am#^7:35am^
7:35am^8:00am^8:00am^8:20am^
8:20am^8:40am^8:40am^9:00am^
9:05am9:15am9:20am9:30am9:45am10:00am10:20am*
9:15am - Wharf 39:30am9:45am


9:55am
9:55am10:10am10:30am
10:30am - Wharf 310:45am11:00am11:00am11:10am*
11:00am#11:15am11:20am11:30am11:45am12:00pm12:20pm
11:50am#12:05pm12:05pm12:15pm12:30pm
Darling Harbour King St WharfCircular Quay - Wharf 6Taronga ZooShark IslandWatsons BayManly - Wharf 3Watsons BayShark IslandTaronga ZooCircular Quay - Wharf 6Darling Harbour King St Wharf
12:20pm12:35pm12:50pm1:05pm1:20pm1:30pm1:35pm1:50pm
12:30pm Wharf 112:45pm1:00pm1:00pm1:15pm
1:15pm1:30pm1:45pm2:00pm2:15pm2:30pm2:45pm3:00pm*
1:50pm2:05pm2:20pm2:35pm2:50pm3;00pm3:05pm3:15pm*
3:50pm^^#4:10pm4:25pm4:40pm4:55pm5:10pm
5:20pm^5:40pm^5:40pm^6:00pm^
6:00pm^6:20pm^6:20pm^6:40pm^
6:40pm^7:00pm^7:00pm^7:20pm^*


Timetable Commencing 10 November 2025 | Updated 09 November 2025

  • Hop On Hop Off Midweek Leisure & Tourist Services: Monday to Friday
  • Commuter Services: Monday to Friday excluding public holidays

Legend: #Pick-up only | *Set down only | ^ Commuter Services | ^^ Mixed Commuter, Leisure & Tourist service

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

Special Timetable Operates: 31-Dec-25 (New Years Eve), 01-Jan-26 (New Year's Day)

Shark Island Closed: 25-Dec-25, 26-Dec-25, 31-Dec-25. 01-Jan-26, 26-Jan-26

Register for Live SMS Updates

We've launched new new software to manage our SMS updates making it easier and faster! Wherever possible we try to give our customers notice of any disruptions to our services. However, due to the nature of on-water transport this is not always possible and your understanding is appreciated.

Registrations for the Hop On Hop Off Harbour Tourist Ferries last 48 hours after which you will no longer receive notifications and your registration deleted from the system

Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer*

Prices & More Info

Hop On Hop Off Cruise Only

Valid to 31-Mar-20261-Day Pass2-Day Pass
Adult Retail
Adult Online Special from

Child 4-15yrs
Child Online Special from

Family Bonus
(2ad, 2ch)
$44
n/a
$29
n/a
$88
$60
$45
$40
$30

$120
Valid from 01-Apr-20261-Day Pass2-Day Pass
Adult Retail
Child 4-15yrs
Family Bonus
(2ad, 2ch)
$45
$29
$90
$65
$40
$130

Taronga Zoo Combos

Valid to 31-Mar-20261-Day Pass + Zoo2-Day Pass + Zoo
Adult Retail
Adult Online Special

Child 4-15yrs
Child Online Special

$85
n/a
$55
n/a
$89
$86

$65
$56
Valid from 01-Apr-20261-Day Pass + Zoo2-Day Pass + Zoo
Adult Retail
Child 4-15yrs
$87
$59
$92
$65

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 or Attraction Combos. Full details

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

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.

Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer - FAQs

What’s the difference between the Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer and Sightseeing Cruises?

  • Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer (HOHO)
    • Explore Sydney Harbour at your own pace with unlimited travel between key Harbour destinations - Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Shark Island and Manly
    • Hop on and off as often as you like throughout the day, making it ideal for flexible sightseeing and exploring harbourside attractions
    • Includes Smartphone Commentary, a printed Map & Highlights, free Wi-Fi, and access to both indoor and outdoor viewing decks
    • Available as 1-day or 2-day passes, offering great value for visitors wanting to see multiple destinations around the Harbour
    • Choose the HOHO for freedom and flexibility
  • Sightseeing Cruises
    • Continuous cruises offering guided commentary and panoramic Harbour views
    • Options include Premium and Classic sightseeing experiences featuring welcome drinks, cheese & charcuterie boards, or light snacks and bar service
    • Ideal for a relaxed cruise experience without disembarking

Is the Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer worth it?

Yes - it’s one of the best-value ways to see Sydney Harbour

  • You can visit multiple top attractions on one ticket, including Taronga Zoo, Manly and Watsons Bay
  • The flexible schedule means you can explore at your own pace without being tied to a single cruise time
  • It’s a scenic and convenient transport option, often cheaper and more enjoyable than taking separate ferries
  • Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to see Sydney’s highlights by water

How long does the Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer take?

  • A full circuit (without hopping off) takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and stops
  • With a 1-day or 2-day pass, you can hop on and off as often as you like during operating hours - typically from 9:00am to 5:00pm
  • Timetables vary slightly by season, so check the latest schedule before you travel

What stops are included on the Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer?

Typical stops include:

  • Circular Quay - main departure point near the Sydney Opera House
  • Barangaroo or Darling Harbour – for dining and attractions
  • Taronga Zoo – for the zoo and panoramic Harbour views
  • Watsons Bay – great for beaches, seafood and scenic walks
  • Manly – famous for surf beaches, cafes and coastal trails
  • Shark Island – a beautiful picnic and swimming spot

How does the Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer ticket work?

  • Purchase a 1-day or 2-day pass, valid for unlimited travel on the HOHO route
  • Simply show your ticket (digital or printed) when boarding at any designated stop
  • You can start at any point and hop on and off throughout the validity period

Can I use the Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer to visit Taronga Zoo?

  • Yes! The HOHO ferry stops directly at Taronga Zoo Wharf, making it one of the easiest ways to get there
  • You can combine your HOHO pass with zoo entry for a great-value combo ticket
  • Check-in at our Circular Quay office to collect your ferry and Zoo entry tickets (tickets cannot be collected directly from the Zoo)
  • Spend a couple of hours or all day - it's up to you! Please check the day's timetable so you are familiar with ferry return times
  • After your visit, simply re-board at the same wharf and continue exploring the Harbour

What’s included in the Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer ticket?

  • Unlimited ferry travel between designated stops for 1 or 2 consecutive days
  • Smartphone Commentary, printed Map & Highlights, and free Wi-Fi
  • Indoor/outdoor seating with panoramic views
  • Combo options may include entry to attractions such as Taronga Zoo

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

  • Still Looking? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page

Hop On Hop Off - Route Map

Wharf Check-in Offices

Choose a departure from Circular Quay Wharf 6 (Daily) or Darling Harbour King Street Wharf 1 (Sat-Sun) based on the Hop on Hop off timetable above to collect your boarding passes and daily timetable.

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