On the water · SIGHTSEEING BOAT TOURS IN AUSTRALIA
Every trip has one free afternoon too few. These 8 sightseeing boat tours in Australia justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to packing.
Use a 1 or 2-day Captain Cook pass to explore Sydney Harbour by boat. Start at Circular Quay Wharf 6, listen to smartphone commentary, and hop off at five stops including Manly, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. Attractions and meals cost extra.
“Not all destinations are available on each ferry route. Great staff!”
Cover Sydney’s essential sights in 5 hours 45 minutes, from The Rocks and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair to Bondi Beach, then board a two-hour lunch cruise from Circular Quay. A maximum of 14 people ride in the Mercedes minibus, while the boat carries up to 80. Guides may include Graham, Nigel, Paul, Tyler, Vic, or Karyn.
“The bus driver named Graham seemed to be fixated on prostitution, and was very misogynistic in his conversation. He didn't respond at all to my reminding him over and over that females are not the only ones involved in prostitution and honestly I found it very inappropriate. It made for an uncomfortable and unpleasant bus ride as he went around and asked everyone about prostitution in their countries and women and sex and just really he needs to be reeducated. Or fired.”
Spend about 9.5 hours exploring the Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne in a small group of up to 21 people. You’ll visit London Bridge, cross Port Phillip Bay by Searoad Ferries with lunch, stop at Arthurs Seat and the famous bathing boxes, and pick strawberries from November to April. Guides such as Brooke, Kyle, Matt, and Shane are known for warm, lively commentary.
“A very pleasant day with varied activities.I felt we covered a lot of ground on The Mornington Peninsula.”
Spend about 10 hours exploring Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Mornington Peninsula by air-conditioned vehicle and ferry. You’ll visit Narana, Point Lonsdale, London Bridge, Arthur’s Seat and the Bathing Boxes, with lunch on the Queenscliff to Sorrento crossing. Guides such as Matt, Maigread and Ken add local commentary, humor and practical help.
“Our trip was wonderful. Maigread our guide took us to the Mornington Peninsula sightseeing and bay cruise. I couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide, Maigread was very informative, helpful and truly a beautiful person. She gave us a woRead more”
You’ll board a private luxury vessel at Darling Harbour for a two-hour Sydney Harbour cruise for up to six people. Your captain guides you past Barangaroo, the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Woolloomooloo, Garden Island, Kirribilli House, and Athol Bay. Sparkling wine, water, and a grazing platter are included.
“great time on the water seeing the harbor. We got AWESOME photos which is what you really want out of this trip. It is 2 hours with no bathroom so plan accordingly”
Board a 10.5 metre catamaran at Man O War Steps beside the Sydney Opera House for a one-hour harbour loop. You will pass the Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Luna Park, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour while enjoying Aussie snacks and one soft drink, juice, or water. Skipper Frank has received warm praise for his friendly service.
“Great Crew. The drinks and the appetizers were great. We had perfect weather and it was a beautiful skyline. Plenty of opportunities to take great pictures of the harbor, the famous bring and opera house. The Captain of the boat also shareRead more”
Join Sea Sydney Harbour aboard Kirralee for a relaxed one-hour catamaran cruise from Man O’War Steps. With up to 26 passengers, you’ll see the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour from indoor and outdoor decks while enjoying an Aussie grazing platter and water or soft drink. BYO alcohol is welcome with no corkage fee.
“Perfect, the staff were lovely and picky bits delicious.”
Board a modern luxury catamaran at King Street Wharf 5 for a 1.5-hour Sydney Harbour cruise. Enjoy unlimited sweet and savory scones, premium teas, and coffee while English commentary covers Gadigal history, the First Fleet, the Gold Rush, Barangaroo, and famous harbour landmarks.
“the trip around beautiful Sydney harbour was lovely..the commentary was informative with a bit of humour sometimes but when we were outside a little hard to hear..the time on board flew so we definitely enjoyed it..we had plenty of savoury or sweet scones with tea or coffee to enjoy..some hot chocolate for the kids would of been good tho..you could venture from inside or out which was good too ..also the crew were friendly”
Fifty countries, one thing in common: the best view is from the deck.
