On the water · AUSTRALIA HARBOUR CRUISES

Australia’s 15 Best Harbour Cruises

91 tours  ·  from $26 a head

Sydney takes most of the bookings and Darwin, Hobart and Perth quietly run better-value boats. The 15 below compare the buffet lunches, the sunset sailings and the jet boats on price and sailing time.

Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour - The 5:00 pm timing needs a close look
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Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

1.Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,122 reviews · from $89Our pick

Board Captain Cook Cruises’ Sydney 2000 at King Street Wharf for an early-evening meal on Sydney Harbour. You’ll pass the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while enjoying three à la carte courses, with a four-course premium upgrade available. Add a confirmed window seat for clearer views, and expect live music on weekends.

“We had an amazing experience with the harbour cruise with guaranteed window seating. Our waiter, Kevin, was excellent, and the food was terrific. Entertainment was also first class. It was worth every penny.”

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Wineglass Bay Cruise from Coles Bay - Leaving Coles Bay at 9:45 am
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Wineglass Bay Cruise from Coles Bay

2.Wineglass Bay Cruise from Coles Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 982 reviews · from $129

Set out from Coles Bay at 9:45 am for a 4.5-hour cruise along Freycinet National Park. Expect granite cliffs, white beaches, sea eagles, seals, dolphins, and possible whales. Local crew provide commentary, with an optional fresh lunch and onboard toilets. The trip returns to the Coles Bay jetty.

“Seals and dolphins. Then the whales put on a memorable display. Ewen and his crew were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend this trip to anyone visiting the area.”

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Sydney: Harbour Dinner Cruise with 3, 4 or 6-Course Menu - Picking the right departure time
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Sydney: Harbour Dinner Cruise with 3, 4 or 6-Course Menu

3.Harbour Dinner Cruise with 3, 4 or 6-Course Menu

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 925 reviews · 105 minutes - 3 hours · from $88

Board Captain Cook Cruises’ MV Sydney 2000 for a 105-minute to three-hour dinner on Sydney Harbour. Choose three, four, or six courses, add Penfolds wine pairings, and look for sunset, twilight, or city lights. Saturday and Sunday sailings include live music. Departure points vary, so check your booking carefully.

“Great meal. The boat was huge and sensational. Overall it was an excellent night and would recommend it”

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30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride on Thunder Twist - The first view: Sydney Opera House from the water
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30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride on Thunder Twist

4.30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride on Thunder Twist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 841 reviews · from $60Top rated

Meet at Circular Quay for a 30-minute ride on Thunder, a fast jet boat that reaches 75 km/h and performs spins, fishtails, slides, and power stops. You’ll pass the Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and Rose Bay. Ponchos and lockers are included, but bring dry clothes. Captains such as John and Tom are known for clear safety briefings and lively commentary.

“Amazingly fun, great little attraction, yes you get a bit wet but don’t let that stop you as super fun.”

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Sydney: Harbour Cruise with Buffet Lunch - Meeting at Circular Quay on the Opera House side
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Sydney: Harbour Cruise with Buffet Lunch

5.Harbour Cruise with Buffet Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 804 reviews · 2h 15m · from $53

Depart Circular Quay for a 135-minute Sydney Harbour cruise with a 13-option buffet lunch, tea, coffee, and live English commentary. Guides such as Ron and Ellen add local stories as you pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden, Darling Harbour, and waterfront landmarks. Expect open decks, photo stops, and a few stairs onboard.

“Ron our tour guide was amazing. kind and thoughtful and extremely informative. made everyone laugh aswell. Great team from the ticket booth to crew on board. Highly recommend 😘👌👍🌟”

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Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour - Boarding at King Street Wharf at 7 pm
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Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

6.Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 774 reviews · from $111

Join Captain Cook Cruises at 7 pm for a two-hour evening sail from King Street Wharf, with Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House views, a four-course dinner, upper-deck access, and weekend live music. Drinks cost extra, and a confirmed window seat is available as an upgrade.

“The dinner cruise was wonderful. Servers were fantastic and food was fabulous. The views were magnificent. Highly recommend.”

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Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry - Sydney Harbour - Arriving at Taronga and choosing your route
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Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry – Sydney Harbour

7.Taronga Zoo Entry & Return Ferry – Sydney Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 722 reviews · from $56

Take a Captain Cook Cruises ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 6 to Taronga Zoo, with admission included. See the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Fort Denison from the water, then explore 2,900-plus animals at your own pace. Plan on four to eight hours, and take the first ferry so you have time for talks, shows, and the zoo’s steep paths.

“Ferry to and from zoo is an excellent experience as you enjoy the view of the bay including viewing the Opera House and the Bridge. Best to visit not an a rainy days as some animals will be hiding. Beautiful zoo.”

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Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park - From Hobart to Richmond Bridge
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Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park

8.Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 585 reviews · from $121

Spend about nine hours touring from Hobart to Richmond, Pirates Bay, Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula. Your guide leads the Port Arthur visit, while the 30-minute harbour cruise circles the Isle of the Dead. Guides such as Vic, Colin, Mark and Rod are known for clear commentary, local stories and good humour.

“Our Driver Mark was very informative and knowledgeable about Tasmania and it's history. He was happy to answer any questions”

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Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart - Boarding at Murray Street Pier
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Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart

9.Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 570 reviews · from $25Best value

Cruise from Murray Street Pier along Hobart’s Derwent River, with live commentary, waterfront views, and a choice of north or south route. Pick a one-hour sightseeing trip, a 1.5-hour lunch cruise, or a two-hour dinner cruise with a three-course meal and one complimentary drink. It is an easy, affordable way to see Hobart from the water.

“Easiest way to go site seeing around Hobart. Very cost-effective and fuss free. I'd highly recommend.”

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Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise - From Cairns waterfront to Trinity Inlet
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Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise

10.Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 547 reviews · from $99

Meet at Marlin Marina at 6:00 pm for a calm-water evening cruise aboard the Spirit of Cairns. Enjoy a complimentary sparkling wine, beer, or soft drink, then cruise past Cairns waterfront and Trinity Inlet while dining from a hot and cold buffet with seafood and local produce. Live music, open decks, and air-conditioned seating round out the night.

“This was a beautiful and relaxing rhe food was awsome and sitting on the deck wating the lights of Cairns was magical. Would highly recommend and will be going again”

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From Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Cruise with Lunch - Following Freycinet’s granite coast
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From Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Cruise with Lunch

11.From Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 539 reviews · 4h 30m · from $141

Join Pennicott Wilderness Journeys at Coles Bay for a 270-minute cruise aboard Schouten Passage II. Expect granite cliffs, sea caves, wildlife, and time near Wineglass Bay, with commentary from the crew and a Tasmanian-style Ploughman’s lunch. Captain Noah and his team are known for warm service and sharp wildlife spotting.

“Loved the whole experience The misty, rainy day just added to the experience The waterfalls were really special as were the seals”

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Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise Including Lunch - Boarding at the Eastern Pontoon
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Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise Including Lunch

12.Sydney Harbour Discovery Cruise Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 511 reviews · from $53

Spend about 2 hours and 15 minutes cruising Sydney Harbour aboard Sydney Princess Cruises. You’ll pass beneath the Harbour Bridge, photograph the Opera House, spot secluded beaches and sandstone cliffs, and enjoy a buffet lunch with tea or coffee. Commentary from hosts such as Ron and Bruce adds local history and stories.

“Ron our coach speaker delivered a great experience for everyone. He showed us parts of Sydney and their features. Lunch was great too we enjoy the atmosphere!”

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30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride - What the 30-minute ride actually feels like
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30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride

13.30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 416 reviews · from $51

Join Oz Jet Boating at Circular Quay for a 30-minute blast across Sydney Harbour. Your captain combines fast runs, 270-degree spins, power slides, and brief sightseeing stops near the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, and more. Ponchos and lockers are provided, but expect to get thoroughly wet.

“A total blast!!! The boat ride was so much fun and was a great way to see the sights. Highly recommend!”

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Journey Beyond All-Inclusive Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise - The Sydney Opera House from the water
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Journey Beyond All-Inclusive Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

14.Journey Beyond All-Inclusive Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 395 reviews · from $154

Sail from King Street Wharf for an evening meal on Sydney Harbour, passing the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and city lights. You get a three-course menu featuring New South Wales produce, wine, and time on the open decks for photos. The catamaran is wheelchair accessible on the main deck, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available by request.

“Great crew, great cruise, great food. Was amazing to see dusk fall across the harbour and see all the lights of the buildings.”

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Sydney: 3-Course All Inclusive Dinner Harbour Cruise - Bridge, Opera House, and the best photo moments
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Sydney: 3-Course All Inclusive Dinner Harbour Cruise

15.3-Course All Inclusive Dinner Harbour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 383 reviews · 2h 30m · from $121

Cruise Sydney Harbour from Darling Harbour for 150 minutes, with a three-course dinner, selected New South Wales wine and beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. You will pass the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and several bays, with outdoor decks for sunset photos and indoor seating for dinner.

“Highlight of our trip away. Food was delicious and we had a beautiful relaxed afternoon on the harbour! Highly recommend it.”

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New in Australia Harbour Cruises

★ 5.0Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay CruiseFrom $13524 reviews
★ 4.5Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner CruiseFrom $18532 reviews
★ 4.5Discover Victor Harbor Walking TourFrom $257 reviews
★ 5.0Premium Victor Harbor, Port Elliot and d’Arenberg Minibus TourFrom $17915 reviews
★ 4.5Best of SA, Hahndorf , Victor Harbor & d’arenberg ‘Cube’ TourFrom $14226 reviews
★ 5.0Sydney Harbor Lunch Cruise with Welcome DrinkFrom $815 reviews
★ 5.0Sydney Sunrise Kayak Tour on Sydney HarbourFrom $10626 reviews
★ 4.2Retro Party Cruise in Sydney Harbour with SnacksFrom $703 reviews
★ 5.0Intimate Vivid Harbour Cruise with CanapesFrom $5316 reviews
★ 4.3Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise: 360° Glass Boat Views & Buffet3 reviews
★ 4.9Harbour Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Lunch, Beer and WineFrom $2864 reviews
★ 4.4Harbour Highlights & Aussie Bites Catamaran CruiseFrom $343 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Sydney Harbour Grand Tour (self drive)2 reviews
★ 4.7Harbor Sunset Cruise with DinnerFrom $6324 reviews
★ 5.0Devonshire Tea Harbour Cruise with Live CommentaryFrom $362 reviews

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