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Captain Cook Cruises/Sydney Harbour Cruises/What's On In Sydney/Australia Day
AUSTRALIA DAY - 26 January
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, RAAF fly past, helicopter flag display, Red Beret parachutes, Boat Ballet, Australia Day Parade, Tall Ships Race & Australia Day Regatta.
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. Details for 2020 are yet to be released, please refer 2019 Download flyer as a guide ...
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Other Cruises - Special Events
| New Years Eve December 31 |
Australia Day January 26 |
Valentines Day February 14 |
Christmas Day December 25 |
Boxing Day December 26 |
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Sydney Royal Easter Show March - April |
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Reviews
Service: No better way to see Aussie Day than from the harbour. The Captain n crew had us on-board, settled, drink in hand n right in the action. It was happening, we were there. All the points of display; the ferries, the Tall ships, the yacht ballet, Qantas flyover.. and in a top spot to watch. Plus a great sausage sanga...
Although quite busy, the crew were obviously enjoying their jobs, the interaction with customers and the trip.
Another great time had by all...
Product: Always good value...
I did think the price rise may have included the sausage sanga (as part of Aussie Day BBQ)….
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Service: Great day, food, and service from the crew.
Product: Great help of adding a surprise booking to t he table
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Service: We thoroughly enjoyed our Cruise. The service was excellent and the food superb….
Product: everything was just perfect...
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
The service, food and wine provided were excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed our Australia Day evening cruise.
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: Food was great!
This was a very hot day, and a rather long queue to get seated.
Alcohol service was poor. Took way too long to get a drink when we were first seated. Got a glass of sparkling wine within 10 minutes. After asking twice for a beer I was eventually served with a flat, warm glass of beer, which was one of many glasses of beer which had been sitting on the bar since we sat down.
Not worth the money we paid considering it included the "premium" bar package which didnt allow me to drink "wild Turkey" bourbon. That was going to cost me an extra $10 per glass.
Toilets are 2 levels down. Not good.
Product: Food was great.
This was a very hot day and an uncomfortable long and hot wait to be seated. Once seated took way too long to get something to drink. Not even cold water at the table!! Finally served a glass of sparkling wine 10 minutes later. Asked twice for a glass of beer, twenty minutes after being seated I was given a glass of warm, flat beer. One of many glasses of beer which had been pre-poured and sitting on a side table for who knows how long. Finally got a cold bottle of beer. Then it was painful to get waitress attention to get further drinks. And this was the "premium" bar package.
People were initially discouraged from getting drinks direct from the bar, myself included. In the end it was the only way to get a drink.
View for fireworks was excellent.
Toilets were 2 decks down. Not good!
Response from Captain Cook Cruises:
Dear customer,
Thank you for the review of your experience of your Cruise. We continually monitor all aspects of the production chain including receipt, storage, distribution, cooking and presentation to ensure a top quality and consistent product is presented to our guests, so we’re glad that you enjoyed this aspect of your cruise. Our Sky Deck Australia Day Dinner Cruise included house spirits, superior wines, beers & soft drinks. We can assure you that our staff are trained to provide our customers devoted and efficient service. We always encourage guests to talk to the Cruise Director on board if they have any concerns, especially regarding food, drinks and service as they will be able to solve the problem immediately. Please be assured your concerns have been forwarded to our catering and hospitality manager.
Thank you once again for your feedback.
Kind Regards,
Head of Customer Service
Captain Cook Cruises
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Service: The staff area typically very good which is well known about Captain Cook.
Than again you are in a service industry as well as being in a competitive environment .Your staff seem to like their job as as I believe most are from overseas and are willing to please
Product: For the price I paid I couldn’t expect too much but I was surprised there wasn’t more people on board. And I noticed that closer to the date of cruise the price came down . I don’t know why this was except the heat and maybe plenty of options for people to spend their day elsewhere.
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
the cruise itself was wonderful, stopping at all the right places for a full view of the activities on the harbour.
Only down side was the poor starting line up, we were told to line up at one wharf and then moved to another wharf. Instructions on where exactly the cruise would leave from was not exact, and the race to secure a table for 7 people after standing in the sun for quiet a while was not appreciated.
Although we took our own food the sausage and beard roll for $5.00 was grossly overpriced.
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Waitress did a wonderful job.
However when we boarded at 10am they then said no alcohol till 11.30, and we spend $200 each.
After 500 complaints they open the bar at 10.30, shouldn’t try and play shifties on your guest.
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Service: Great service thanks
Product: Enjoyed the cruise thanks
Review for Australia Day Show Deck Lunch
Service: Very good ambience.
Product: Value for money surely good to join.
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Service: It was a fun to participate in the Australia Day parade! The crew was good, but ran out of wine :(
Product: Good value for this trip!
Response from Captain Cook Cruises:
Dear customer,
Thank you for the review of your experience of your Cruise. We are pleased you enjoyed participating in the Australia Day Parade. Unfortunately, the variety of beer and wine stock is limited, however we always endeavour to substitute these products with the closest equivalent item when the need arises.
Thank you once again for your feedback.
Kind Regards,
Head of Customer Service
Captain Cook Cruises
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Service: It was a awesome afternoon cruise my mum and i really enjoyed it alot.
Product: It was okay but not as good as the afternoon cruise
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Service: The service and value of the Australia Day Cruise on the harbour was FANTASTIC! Great value for money, we could see all the fireworks and events on water and we were very close to it all. I would do it again.
Product: Good value for money for the 4 hours and fireworks spectacular.
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Service: Wonderful time, service food highly recommend
Product: Excellent! Service, food and experience
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Service: Enjoyed the cruise which placed us right at the heart of the action. Could have better signage at the wharf to identify which cruise is departing from each wharf.
Product: The cruise was really good and would recommend to others
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Service: Excellent cruise, great staff, comfortable boat. I found it easy to access the 2nd Deck even though I have difficulty walking.
Product: Great way to see the action on the Harbour on Australia Day.
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
We had a group of 17 this is the second time we have been on the Captain Cook Cruise it was just as fantastic this time as it was last time. A massive thank you to Victoria for her help during the process of organizing our large group she was fantastic.
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Service: The service was slow to start and in the end we were having desert and cheese and biscuits 20 mins before the cruise finished. They seemed very understaffed.
Product: We have been on many Captain Cook Cruises but this one was not up to their normal high standard.
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Lunch
Service: Exceptional day, food service views all excellent
Product: The value compared to price was right on the money.
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Lunch
Service: The service was very good.
Product: I enjoyed the cruise to watch the fireworks. Would have liked to have watched the ABC coverage as well.
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Service: Purchased tickets through website which was informative and easy to use.
Took dinner harbour cruise and everything ran smoothly, easy boarding, allocated wait staff member who was exceptional from the moment we sat down throughout the evening. Food was simple but great, fantastic position for fireworks on Australia Day.
Product: Highlight of our weekend in Sydney....book in advance
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
From the easy booking site to boarding and the fantastic positions to be able to enjoy the various activities on the Harbour was 1st class The lunch was not to our liking The Staff was super and friendly.
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Show Deck Lunch
Service: We loved everything about the experience. I was concerned beforehand because the cruise was quite expensive (especially for our children) but it was definitely worth it. The service was excellent and the food was fantastic
Product: Amazing experience!! So close to the action, easy to move around the boat to get a better view. Food was fantastic and the staff were wonderful
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: This is our second Australia Day lunch cruise which was just as enjoyable and special as the last one in 2016. The itinerary varied to last time so we saw different things this time including lunch under the bridge alongside the 21 gun salute. Food, drink and staff were all excellent. Weather was perfect and where better to have spent 4+ hours than on Sydney Harbour. Will definitely plan to come along again. Thank you to everyone that made this such an enjoyable day for us.
Product: Great value and worth every cent.
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Service: They did everything well. The food was good the service was good and the the drinks went down well. The cruise was a great day out.
Product: This lunch cruise was the best.
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Lunch
Service: We had a great trip... couldn’t be better
Product: It was more than we expected. A wonderful day.
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Service: Food was excellent and the evening well enjoyed by our visiting relatives from Italy
Product: Wonderful atmosphere and service was great
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Only thing wrong was no soft drink water was hot
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Service: It was a great cruise but could of been better there was no commentary ran out of beverages and there was no music at all they had the tennis on the TV
Product: A lot of money for a family to sit on the harbour with no drinks
Response from Captain Cook Cruises:
Dear customer,
Thank you for the review of your experience of your Cruise. Our staff unfortunately made an error when undertaking a stocktake before our cruise departed, resulting in a lower number of alcoholic beverages than was needed. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience. As you’re aware, finding the right balance between entertainment options can be difficult as each customer has tastes and preferences. However, please be assured your thoughts will be forwarded to our hospitality manager for review.
Thank you once again for your feedback.
Kind Regards,
Head of Customer Service
Captain Cook Cruises
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Entertaining, comfortable...great air conditioning
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Service: Brilliant dinner cruise round the Harbour on Australia Day. Excellent opportunity to get photos of the bridge and opera house. Prime location for the fireworks. Just amazing.
The food was excellent and the atmosphere perfect with the live band. Highly recommend.
Product: Brilliant dinner cruise round the Harbour on Australia Day. Excellent opportunity to get photos of the bridge and opera house. Prime location for the fireworks. Just amazing.
The food was excellent and the atmosphere perfect with the live band. Highly recommend.
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: good service is good business - the experience you provided for us was absolutely excellent
Product: more than i could have expected
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Service: Extremely enjoyable trip in the harbour to watch the Fireworks ,Australia Day.
Sydney 2000 was part of the flotilla circling Circular Quay.Great views of the Opera house and Bridge.Service was very good ,plenty of water ,good menu and attentive steward.
Product: Good food, Great Service .Fun party atmosphere.Best view of the Fireworks.
Review for Australia Day Show Deck Dinner
Service: The skydeck experience was terrific on Australia day, great service, friendly staff and prime position for the fireworks display. The experience delivered on every level.
Product: The experience delivered on every level.
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Service: The cruise itself was great and the people on the boat did their best however to not have the items as advertised on the boat was not acceptable - there was no BBQ as per the information I saw and the fridge was not restocked between cruises hence we ran out of the drinks that we wanted to purchase and this took a shine off the night
Product: The cruise itself was great and the people on the boat did their best however to not have the items as advertised on the boat was not acceptable - there was no BBQ as per the information I saw and the fridge was not restocked between cruises hence we ran out of the drinks that we wanted to purchase and this took a shine off the night
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Service: Food was superb, staff friendly and obliging. The musical numbers early in the evening were disappointing to me. The positioning of the boat at Circular Quay was not as good as 2018.
Product: Food and service superb with a nice atmosphere.
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Service: Couldnt fault the evening. Food, wine, service, ambiance all excellent. A fabulous night.
Product: Sensational night! Amazing views. Loved every moment
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: Excellent way to spend Australia Day. It was relaxing, not over crowded which was wonderful and a day full of things to see and hear. The captain was witty with her commentary and very entertaining while still full of information. There were 6 of us who took our own snacks, we went upstairs when we felt like it or sat with a drink and some snacks as we pleased. With no real formalities like eating a set meal at a set time made it more relaxing. We've already decided it will be how we spend Australia Day again, next year!
Product: Excellent! We saw the ferrython and parade and many other events during the day in a very relaxed and friendly environment. A great day had by all!
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Well catered for and plenty of room to move around.
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Service: The boat was on time and they delivered what they promised. The boat was very clean.
Product: The fireworks cruise was worth every cent
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Service: Service was exceptional
Food and beverage was excellent
View of fireworks and attractions was wonderful
Getting on and off was done with extreme ease
Product: Overall a wonderful night with excellent service and food
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Service: You had a non published start off policy of board at 1000 and wait until 1130 to get a drink which are all included.
Thankfully, the Women in charge decide after a couple of complaints to over-ride that decision and then everyone was happy.
Product: We have sailed before and this time, the window add on cost was a bit excessive even though we did pay for it.
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Fabulous! Boat was closest to the fireworks and we were in the parade around circular Quay. Would highly recommend.
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks
Service: This was a fantastic experience. The staff were excellent, food was good. We had a great view of the fireworks and festivities on the harbour. Highly recommend.
Product: Everything was as advertised. It was a really great experience. Food was good and the staff were excellent particularly the wait staff.
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: Informative guide
Great positioning of craft to see events
Product: 4.5hr cruising great value
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Service: We thought the food & service was excellent.
Product: The excellent service by the young Brazilian lady was well beyond what you would expect. Made our day special. Good value for the cost involved.
Review for Australia Day Show Deck Lunch
Service: Cruise was good food was good amazing to watch the fireworks on the water
Product: Good value for money & ideal length of time on water
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
The cruise set up where we could bring on board our own food was refreshing. Low stress cruise but still got to see the highlights on the harbour for Australia Day
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Service: The staff was very freindly , the boat was clean and comfortable. The view was fantastic
Product: A great day out , the staff where great , the boat was clean and comfortable . Bar staff and food was great
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Service: Staff very friendly,food wonderful.
The only disappointment was the windows were not clean on Australia Day lunch cruise and my photos can out with dirty rain drop. It diod not rain in the morning and I would think on such a big day the Windows would have been cleaned.
Product: Excellent service, food very good.
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Service: The captain had us in a great position on the harbour for all the main events. All the service personnel were friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble for Mickey. Our table with a window was excellent as was the food. A great adventure!
Product: I was very happy with this purchase, refer to previous comments.
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Service: Great welcome from all crew. Our waitress was very attentive and smiled all day. Food as always brilliant.
Product: Best harbour experience ever.
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Service: I would highly recommend a Captain Cook Cruise to all of my friends as every single one we have done we have thoroughly enjoyed. Will be back again & again .
Product: Amazing great service staff excel.
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Service: Excellent night with first hand experience of Sydney Australia Day night fireworks and other activities. The food and drinks were very good.
Product: Fantastic service and occasion.
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Liked commentary.
Thought sausage sizzle was bit small!!!!!!!!!!!!for $5
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
Service: Seating was great, not overly squashed in, a/c worked well, hosts very attentive and efficient, food was plentiful and of good quality
Product: Fresh and plentiful with a good variety
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Service: We had the best service with Joe he was fantastic!!! We highly recommend him and want him to serve us next year!! Was a bit different from last years Australia Day as when we got on the boat last year we were offered food and drink when walking in the room this year we had to wait 45min for the bar to open upstairs. We noticed people going down stair for drinks and they were being served alcoholic beverages. We paid more so I think we should have had the bar open upstairs as well. I also think if we don’t like the food or some of the food being served upstairs we should be able to go downstairs and get some of the food! Some of the people on the table didn’t like some of the food upstairs and tried to go downstairs to get food and was told if they wanted there food then we had to pay more. We were already paying $229 a person so why should we have to pay more? Maybe a seafood/roast/salad buffet should be considered for upstairs. We really like that spirits are included in upstairs though as not many drink wine! We were a table of 10.. we will be going again next year as we did last year maybe a big group discount could also help.. thank you for the experience,
Product: Please see my review earlier in this survey!!
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Lunch
Service: Lovely day on the harbour.
Australia Day cruise, beautiful seafood lunch with wines included.
Beautiful weather & commentary from cruise team on harbour events during the day
Product: Perfect day with seafood lunch with wines
Review for Australia Day Show Deck Lunch
Service: From the minute step on board Sydney 2000 we were welcome and served spotlessly from drink order to our dinner .
No waiting time at all very well organized for direction where we should be.
The firework were so beautiful .Love it
Product: The price is ok for people who drink a lot
For us it is a bit expensive as we do not drink much alcohol at all .
is there any way to compensate for those who do not drink ???
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: Service was excellent. Meals came out orderly, cooked as ordered, drinks supplied all night
Product: Definitely value for dollar. 4 hour cruise, 4 course meal, front row position for fireworks, thoroughly recommended
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
We had a fantastic Australia Day aboard MV Sydney 2000 on Sydney Harbour. The day was complimented by being right in the heart of all the Australia Day activities with great commentary, a superb buffet lunch and outstanding service.
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Very helpful and attentive
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Show Deck Dinner
Service: The table and location of our table was excellent The service and the food and presentation also much appreciated WE love this sirius room and always request this
Product: 😊We always p[refer and request the Sirius Room The staff are excellent and well trained and the food and service excellent
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Lunch
Service: We do several dinner cruises a year, have tried all available from Sydney harbour, and rate the Captain Cook Sydney 2000 dinner cruise the best.
Product: Completely enjoyable experience.
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Dinner
Food was good, service a bit slow at times. Our area seemed to get neglected. As an experience in the whole, was disappointing compared to last time. We could not hear anything the commentator was saying, and there didn't seem to be much for those who could. This does lessen the experience when you don't know what is happening and when.
Review by Anonyomous
Response from Captain Cook Cruises:
Dear customer,
Thank you for the review of your experience of your Cruise. We can assure you that our staff are trained to provide our customers devoted and efficient service. We always encourage guests to talk to the Cruise Director on board if they have any concerns, especially regarding food, drinks and service as they will be able to solve the problem immediately. Please be assured your concerns have been forwarded to our catering and hospitality manager.
Thank you once again for your feedback.
Kind Regards,
Head of Customer Service
Captain Cook Cruises
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Lunch
every things come fabulus, only the air con too cool on our deck.
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: Was a lovely day. Enjoyed every minute of it.
Very relaxed but saw everything we wanted to see.
Love Australia Day on our beautiful harbour
Product: Easy to purchase but lucky I distracted the first time I went to buy as went I went back later that night they were on special.
Review for Australia Day Ferrython and Parade
we had a great night. better than any other cruise.
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: Service was first class. Food was delicious. Thank You.
Product: The priority position in the Harbour made for a truly special evening. The food was beautifully prepared and the service was outstanding.
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: The cruise was great but getting to Kings Wharf from the Quay is not easy early in the morning there are no transfer services
Product: Super lunch and great view. A/c on the boat was struggling
Review for Australia Day Sky Deck Lunch
Service: Have been on many Captain Cook harbour cruises over the years. Always pleased with the service!
Product: Good value. Number of visitors on island limited. Would have liked to stay longer till around 4pm or later. Would be great if there were 2 possible return trips so that those who wish to stay longer can.
Review for Australia Day Shark Island
Service: Excellent Food, excellent wine ( loved the Shaw &Smith ) ; great service and loved the fireworks
Product: Excellent meal and wine . Great selection
Review for Australia Day Club Deck Dinner
Service: We had a great time. The dinner was first class. Individual seating was great. We will definitely be doing it again. Australia Day 2020 or sooner.
Product: Loved the Fireworks. Dinner was first class.
Review for Australia Day Show Deck Dinner
Confusion as to when alcoholic beverages were to commence. Arrived at 10am and told no service until 11.30am. Decision was reversed at 10.30am. Very odd and poor that this was not advise at time of booking.
Review by AnonyomousReview for Australia Day Club Deck Lunch
Service: Amazing service - great crew, clean vessel and a well-behaved crowd!!
Product: Up close to the fireworks, well inside the exclusion zone. Great view!
Review for Australia Day Parade and Fireworks



