Vivid Sydney Festival May - June
Vivid Update - 16 March 2020
Unfortunately, Vivid Sydney 2020 has been cancelled on the recommendations of the Australian Government and health authorities regarding organised gatherings of more than 500 people.
We are currently working through the implications of the decision. If you have any questions please contact us here.
Vivid Sydney
Vivid Sydney is the largest outdoor lighting, music and ideas festival in the Southern Hemisphere with 'lights on' nightly from 6.00pm. This world famous festival invites aspiring artists from around the globe to put their best and brightest creative concepts on show, with Sydney Harbour as the centrepiece. Choose from a great range of cruising options from the family-friendly Vivid Lights cruise to the prestigious Gold Penfolds Dinner Cruise. Download flyer
Official Partner - Vivid Sydney `Harbour Lights'
Be part of Vivid Sydney and dine aboard MV Sydney 2000 displaying the official `Vivid Sydney' lighting installation or MV John Cadman with the ‘#ilovesydney’ installation. Both vessels travel through a spectrum of light as they cruise the Vivid Sydney Harbour precincts.
Biennale March 14 - June 8
22ND BIENNALE OF SYDNEY - 14 MARCH TO 08 JUNE 2020
Held every two years, Biennale of Sydney is the largest and most exciting contemporary visual arts event in the Asia Pacific region. Presented free to the public, the 22nd Biennale of Sydney in 2020 showcases works by over 90 artists, including artists hailing from Nepal, Georgia, Afghanistan, Sudan and Ecuador for the first time, at 6 venues including Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art, National Art School and Cockatoo Island.
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Mothers Day May 10
MOTHER'S DAY - SUNDAY 10 MAY 2020
The second Sunday in May is Mother's Day, one of our favourite days of the year. The challenge lies in where to spend it - at Nan's, Grandma's or Mum's place, or in the traffic going from one place to the next. Spoil all the mums in your life onboard one of our cruises this Mother's Day.
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Christmas Day December 25
CHRISTMAS DAY - FRIDAY 25 DECEMBER 2020
Join our family for Christmas Day, Christmas Lunch, Summer in Sydney and a spectacular cruise onboard Sydney 2000. Take in the sights from the expansive open observation deck and enjoy the feast on one of three restaurant decks. Great range of options for families, singles and travellers. Download flyer
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Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race December 26
BOXING DAY - SATURDAY 26 DECEMBER 2020
Boxing Day (26 December) is the day Sydney comes out to play. All the action is centered around the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, one of the world's greatest ocean races. Enjoy an a la carte or buffet lunch cruise aboard flagship MV Sydney 2000 and experience the thrill of the race start. Download flyer
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New Years Eve December 31
NEW YEARS EVE - THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2020
The eyes of over a billion people worldwide turn to Sydney Harbour on New Years Eve, not only because we have the first major display but one of the world's best. The Harbour Bridge, city buildings, and specially selected cruise vessels feature in a fireworks, laser display and Harbour Light Parade that cascades down the harbour from Shark Island to the Parramatta River. NYE 2020 tickets now on sale!
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School Holiday Fun April 10 - 27
NSW SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - 10 TO 27 APRIL
Sydney Harbour has so much to see and do for the kids during school holidays. Jump on a rocket ferry to Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Madame Tussauds, Sydney Tower Eye, Manly, Luna Park, Shark Island, Watsons Bay, Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. Fantastic value ferry and attraction entry passes, 2 day passes, child-friendly menus, plus kids cruise FREE selected cruises.
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Family Fun Year Round
YEAR-ROUND FAMILY FUN
There is so much to see and do on Sydney Harbour for families! With great savings on ferry and attraction combos to child-friendly menus on dining cruises, there's plenty of options to please the entire family. Make sure you check out the Family Bonus on selected cruises - one child cruises FREE per full-fare paying adult!
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Cruise for Free Year Round
The team at Captain Cook Sydney have a passion for cruising, and enjoy both seeing and hearing about passenger experiences. Every week there are a number of great prizes up for grabs - simply share your love of our beautiful harbour to be in the running, or join our Captains Club for exclusive offers and a free cruise on your birthday.
Current Promotions
- Cruise for FREE on your Birthday - With your free Captains Club membership
- See More info for full details & conditions
Darling Harbour Events Year Round
Darling Harbour is a vibrant waterfront Sydney hub, hosting a myriad of great festivals and activities all year round. Every season boasts major events like New Years Eve, Australia Day and Chinese New Year to cultural festivals, celebrations such as "Fiesta", "Santa Fest" and 'Month of Love", plus regular weekend Harbourside Fireworks.
Upcoming Events
- Fireworks - Saturdays
- Thailand Grand Festival 21 - 22 March
Happy to Help Every Friday
Captain Cook Cruises is a proud supporter of a wide range of community fundraising events and activities including hosting the the Rotary Club of Sydney Cove breakfast meetings every Friday.
Upcoming Events
- Rotary Club of Sydney Cove breakfast - Every Friday, all welcome
- Donations & fundraising
Past Events & Partnerships
Turn Sydney Harbour Pink - 2016, 2014 & 2013
Special cruises in support of the McGrath Foundation which raises money to place Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia as well as increasing breast awareness in young people.
Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife
The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is the charity partner of Australia’s National Parks. 
They are a non-government organisation with a mission to protect Australia’s ecosystems and native wildlife for generations to come. FNPW funds projects that support the permanent preservation of Australia’s unique natural environment. Since its founding in 1970, FNPW has funded over 600 scientifically-based Australian conservation programs. Find out more.
Christmas in July July
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Winter is a magical time on Sydney Harbour. Grab your yuletide cheer and join us on a special Christmas in July Lunch Cruise for traditional northern hemisphere wintry treats. More Info ...
Christmas in July 2020
- Details coming soon ...
Fathers Day September 6
FATHER'S DAY
The first Sunday of Spring is Father’s Day in Australia. It’s a special day to show our appreciation for the fathers, stepfathers, fathers-in-law, foster fathers and father figures in our lives. Spoil him with a special dinner cruise or take in the sights over a leisurely Long Lunch or Buffet.
Father's Day Cruises 2020
- Details coming soon ...
Grandparents Day October
GRANDPARENT'S DAY
The last Sunday of October marks Grandparents Day in Australia. It’s a special day to show our appreciation for the contribution Grandparents and older people make to our lives and community. Join us for a special lunch or high tea cruise to celebrate.
Grandparent's Day Cruises 2020
- Details coming soon ...
Melbourne Cup November 3
MELBOURNE CUP LUNCH
Get that winning feeling and celebrate the race that stops the nation aboard Sydney's thoroughbred cruise ship MV Sydney 2000. The Melbourne Cup Lunch cruise will get you to the winners circle in style with premium 3 course dining and all the action of race day live plus race sweeps, best dressed and lucky door prizes to be won. Secure your seats now and join all the fun on the first Tuesday in November.
Melbourne Cup Lunch Cruise 2020
- Details coming soon ...
Christmas Parties November - December
CHRISTMAS PARTY CRUISES
A unique venue with private dining options and amazing views - make this year's Christmas Party one your crew will be raving about for years! Secure the best vessel, on the best date, at the best price with these special Christmas Party packages.
Christmas Party Cruises 2020
- Details coming soon ...
Australia Day January 26
AUSTRALIA DAY - SUNDAY 26 JANUARY 2020
Sydney Harbour takes centre stage for an amazing array of events on Australia Day, 26 January. The action is non-stop during the day with the iconic Ferrython, Salute to Australia 21-gun salute, helicopter flag display, Red Beret parachutes, Boat Ballet, Australia Day Parade, Tall Ships Race & Australia Day Regatta.
- Daytime Fun from $35
- Lunch & Drinks from $179
In the evening, `Australia Day Live’ features a maritime extravaganza including Parade, Boat Ballet, an exciting on-water show and spectacular finale with jet skis, flyboards and a breathtaking lighting and fireworks display.
- Evening Parade/Watershow from $49
- Dinner & Drinks from $149
Australia Day flyer | Australia Day program
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Valentines Day February 14
VALENTINE'S DAY
Celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day, and be seduced by the spectacular beauty of Sydney Harbour. By day sip champagne as some of the world's most beautiful bays and beaches glide by. In the evening discover the magic that is Sydney by night. Choose from our great range of Valentines dinner and lunch cruises that will impress from the moment you arrive. Download flyer
Valentine's Day Cruises 2021
- Details coming soon ...
Seniors Festival February
NSW SENIORS FESTIVAL CRUISES
NSW Seniors Festival is the largest celebration for people over 60 in the southern hemisphere. Captain Cook Cruises is proud to support this event annually with special seniors cruises. Download flyer
Seniors Festival Cruises 2021
- Details coming soon ...
Sydney SailGP 2020 Spectator Boats February
SYDNEY SAILGP 2020 - Friday 28 & Saturday 29 February 2020
The countdown is on! The world's fastest and most exhilarating sail racing returns to Sydney Harbour over two heart-pumping days in February 2020. An international league will race identical supercharged F50 catamarans capable of breaking the 50-knot barrier.
Competing Countries Announced
SailGP have announced the addition of the Spain SailGP Team and Denmark SailGP Team, for the season 2 lineup. Replacing China, Spain will join Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan and the United States in the world's fastest sail racing as the league visits six iconic venues across the globe in 2020.
Official On-water Spectator Boats
SailGP has partnered exclusively with Captain Cook Cruises again in 2020 to deliver the official on-water fan experiences. All Official Spectator Boats have exclusive viewing positions inside the public exclusion zone, plus live race commentary. Download flyer
SailGP Spectator Cruises 2021
- Details coming soon ...
Chinese New Year Festival January
SYDNEY LUNAR FESTIVAL
2020 is the year of the Rat and the City of Sydney will host a wonderful program of Chinese New Year events to celebrate, including events like the Lunar Lanterns trail, Lunar Lanes, festival markets, and the largest Dragon Boat races in the southern hemisphere.
Sydney Lunar Festival 2021
- Details coming soon ...
Earth Hour March
EARTH HOUR
Over a billion people from seven continents, 150 nations around the world turn participate in Earth Hour each March. Show your support, turn off your lights at home and join us on Sydney Harbour for dinner. View the lights go out in Sydney between 8.30pm & 9.30pm and weather permitting you may even see the stars come out to play!
Earth Hour 2021
- Details coming soon ...
