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Adventure Boat Tours & Private Cruises On Sydney Harbour

One-of-a-kind experiences hosted by locals.

Explore the corners of our amazing ‘living, working’ harbour.

Learn about our unique culture, history & wildlife.

Exhilaration

Enjoy an exciting ride on the fastest charter boats in Sydney.

Private Charters

Explore Sydney Harbour in style, aboard your very own luxury sports cruiser with a knowledgeable local captain. Choose a cruise that suits, or tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll create an itinerary just for you – from sightseeing, entertaining exploring, romance, wildlife safaris and onboard lunching.

SYDNEY HARBOUR TWILIGHT CRUISE

Sydney harbour discovery cruise, sydney harbour lunch safari, sydney harbour morning cruise, sydney whales sea safari, captain's table champagne dinner cruise, shared tours.

If you’d like a great value, small-group shared experience on a luxury sports cruiser (max 10 ) with a personal guide check out our two ticketed cruises and discover the very best of Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Icons, Bays, & Beaches Cruise

Sydney secrets lunch cruise, where city meets nature, for international travellers, champagne cruise, avoid the crowds - see sydney differently.

No trip to Sydney is complete without getting on the world’s most beautiful harbour. We’ll take you in a small group or private charter to places where no other tour operators go, providing guests with a spiritual connection to our local culture, our history and environment.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

Blueyummysmurf.

We took the 3 hour tour and saw soooo many sites. We would have easily paid a lot more for this tour for the exceptional service and experience we received.

I had a fantastic afternoon with Ellie and Zain. They gave a us lovely personalised tour. The highlight was being able to step of the boat onto a secluded beach that was only accessible by boat, for a while we were the only ones on the beach. The tea and cake provided was extra nice touch too.

My husband and I and our two daughters, ages 10 and 12, really enjoyed our afternoon tour of Sydney Harbor with SHBT! It was a great introduction to all of the Sydney Harbor sights, a tour of some of the bays (homes of the rich and famous and a naval base), and a few beach stops at beautiful national park beaches.

We had a great 3 hour boat trip with the brand new Axopar boat named Spectre. A beautiful, fast and very comfortable boat. Perfect for 8 people. The crew was very professional and serviceminded. Great service also from the office. I highly recommend this company.

The best time i’ve ever had in Sydney. I got a chance to learn more about the Australian history. Overall my experience was phenomenal

Our Partners

Not on board contact us.

To find out more about our boats, our tours or to ask any questions, please either fill out the form or contact us via the options below

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Cruises from Sydney

Stay and play in one of the world’s most famous coastal cities.

Catch a wave at Bondi, shop ‘til you drop in the city or sip a long black in the vibrant inner west before a cruise from Sydney. Culturally diverse, Sydney offers plenty to explore, from art galleries and ancient Aboriginal culture, to iconic structures and a heady mix of cuisines. When cruising from Sydney’s deep-water port in the heart of the city, you can explore it all before or after your next Sydney cruise with Princess.

Find the Best Cruises from Sydney

sydney tourism cruise

New Zealand Cruises

Cruise from Sydney and head ‘across the ditch’ to New Zealand, Australia’s closest neighbour. Sample award-winning wines in Picton, discover rich Māori heritage in the Bay of Islands or explore Tolkien’s mythical Middle Earth. With Princess’ Across the Ditch program, sample the best of the region and immerse yourself in local culture on board any of our round-trip cruises from Sydney or one-way trips to Auckland.

Find Cruises

Learn more about New Zealand Cruises

The Pinnacles limestone formation, Nambung National Park, Australia

Australia Cruises

Cruising from Sydney allows you to explore the very best of Australia – including its rich culture and diverse landscape. Dive the Great Barrier Reef, browse Hobart’s Salamanca Markets or tantalise your tastebuds in the Barossa Valley and Margaret River wine regions. From bustling cities to deserted outback, coastal paradise to craggy peaks to lush rainforest, Australia is a land that has it all.

Learn more about Australia Cruises

Set out on a getaway on the ocean by taking a Princess Cruise

Australia Seacations

One of the wonderful things about Australia is the fact that you don’t have to go far to see something new. If you’re short on time, short cruises from Sydney allow you to explore some of the country’s highlights. On 2 or 3-day cruises from Sydney, browse Melbourne’s boutique stores and laneways, see a koala at Brisbane’s Australia Zoo or kick back and relax on the Gold Coast.

Driftwood on a shoreline in Conflict Islands - Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Located off the north coast of Australia, the rugged paradise of Papua New Guinea is the perfect destination for those who want to head off the beaten track. On a cruise from Sydney, relax on Alotau’s immaculate white-sand beaches, or dive the Conflict Islands’ pristine reef system to uncover the intriguing marine life within. You’ll soon realize that Papua New Guinea is a place that’s not easily forgotten.

Tasmans Arch, Tasmania

Tasmania Cruises

Located just off Australia’s mainland, Tasmania offers plenty to explore on your next cruise from Sydney. Stroll through bustling Hobart and sample some of the local produce, then uncover the state’s history as a penal colony at Port Arthur. Trek Tassie’s wilderness on a hike of Cradle Mountain, or marvel at the beauty of Freycinet Peninsula. Whether on a short cruise getaway or a longer trip, Tasmania is simply a must-see.

sydney tourism cruise

South America Cruises

From the balmy jungles of South America to the icy terrains of Antarctica, revel in the best of both worlds on a cruise from Sydney. In Puntarenas, learn how Starbucks coffee beans are harvested at the company’s only farm. Walk past pyramids in Huatulco, and uncover treasures of Mesoamerica. Or ascend to Corcovado Mountain and visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Christ the Redeemer statue.

Learn more about South America & Antarctica Cruises

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Tahiti & South Pacific Cruises

On cruises from Sydney, step into paradise as you uncover the mesmerising beauty of Tahiti and the islands of the South Pacific. Explore these dream destinations and bask in the crystal waters of Lemon Bay Beach in New Caledonia’s Noumea. Kayak within a secret oasis at Vanuatu’s Mystery Island, wander colourful markets in Fiji’s Lautoka or discover rich French Polynesian culture in Tahiti.

Learn more about Tahiti & South Pacific Cruises

sydney tourism cruise

Asia Cruises

Home to ancient civilizations and long-standing traditions, Asia welcomes you to explore age-old cultures. Learn the art of Thai dancing in Bangkok, navigate the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City or discover 8,000-year-old history at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Between the landmarks and local connections, experience a sensory experience unlike any other on a cruise from Sydney to Asia.

Learn more about Asia Cruises

What You Need to Know About Cruises from Sydney

Majestic Princess ship sailing through Sydney Harbour

Sydney at a Glance

  • Language : English
  • Currency : Australian Dollar (AUD)
  • Time Zone : Australian Eastern Time (AET)
  • Docking : Your cruise from Sydney docks at White Bay Cruise Terminal or the Overseas Passenger Terminal (Circular Quay West).
  • Attire : Opt for shorts and t-shirts during the hot and humid summer months (December to February) and long pants and sweaters in the cooler months of winter (June to August).
  • Transportation : Public transport makes Sydney easy to get around, thanks to its ferries, buses, trains and light rail. Driving in the city is not recommended, especially during peak hour, due to high density traffic.

Blue Mountains, Australia.

Things to Do in Sydney

Whether taking a short cruise from Sydney or a world tour, there’s plenty to explore in the city before or after your cruise. Foodies can indulge in diverse cuisines, while history and nature lovers can find hidden gems at every turn. Climb the Harbour Bridge, tour the Opera House or wander the Royal Botanic Gardens. Outside the city, cool off at Manly Beach, hike the Blue Mountains or catch a game at Sydney Cricket Ground.

Ships That Cruise from Sydney

Royal Princess ship at sea

Royal Princess®

Possibilities are endless aboard Royal Princess®, the newest class and our core ship that cruises from Sydney. Savor international cuisine by day and then enjoy late-night game shows with fellow guests.

Learn more about Royal Princess | Find Cruises on Royal Princess

Majestic Princess ship sailing

Majestic Princess®

From French fare and yum cha delights to the Hollywood-style pool club and private karaoke suites, you’ll feel like an international superstar on your cruise from Sydney aboard Majestic Princess®.

Learn more about Majestic Princess | Find Cruises on Majestic Princess

The Princess Seawitch beneath blue sky

On a cruise from Sydney, you can enjoy best-in-class service and expertly crafted activities on board Grand Princess® , Coral Princess® and more!

Learn more about our ships | Find Cruises

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

sydney tourism cruise

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

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Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise in Sydney. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

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New to cruising

First time cruising? Have questions? We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing.

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Aerial over Circular Quay and Sydney Icons at Sunrise

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Cruising to Sydney – everything you need to know

Sydney is one of the world’s great harbour cities and an essential stop for any cruise to Australia. Whether arriving or departing, you’ll cruise past the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and through the dramatic sandstone cliffs of The Heads at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean. 

A key cruise destination

Sydney offers a spectacular blend of art, culture, dining, events, outdoor activities and grand colonial architecture. It’s the ideal destination to start or finish your cruise, and it’s compact enough to explore on a day in port. It’s also the only Australian city to have two dedicated cruise terminals – the Overseas Passenger Terminal and White Bay Cruise Terminal. View the  cruise schedule  for more information on domestic and international cruises to and from Sydney. 

Dining at Cafe Sydney in Circular Quay - Sydney Harbour

Cafe Sydney , Circular Quay

Overseas Passenger Terminal

Located at Circular Quay in the heart of Sydney, the Overseas Passenger Terminal has uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour and the city. It’s beside the historic Rocks neighbourhood , with its cobbled laneways, artisan markets and some of the oldest pubs in Australia. Just outside your cabin door, find attractions like zoos, aquariums, restaurants, bars, theatres and world-class shopping. 

The terminal can accommodate some of the largest cruise ships in the world. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to Circular Quay station for trains, buses and ferries. Taxis and cars can also drop off or pick up passengers right in front of the terminal. Parking is not permitted in the terminal precinct, however passengers may be set down or picked up. 

To get from Sydney Airport to the Overseas Passenger Terminal you can take the train to Circular Quay (17 minutes) or catch a taxi, which takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. 

Family in front of cruise ship at Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay

Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay

White Bay Cruise Terminal

White Bay Cruise Terminal sits further into the harbour in the suburb of Rozelle, so passengers will have the thrill of sailing right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge . It’s close to the Balmain area, a trendy neighbourhood with relaxed pubs, top restaurants and boutique stores. The  Sydney Lyric Theatre  and  The Star Sydney  are also nearby. 

White Bay is mostly used by smaller ships and many of Sydney’s home-ported ships are based here. The terminal is only five minutes by car or taxi to the city and there are large car parks for passengers embarking. Most cruise lines offer the option to book transfers from Sydney Airport to White Bay Cruise Terminal or to and from Central Station. 

Aerial view of cruise ship arriving at White Bay Cruise Terminal, Sydney

White Bay Cruise Terminal, Sydney

Customs and immigration 

If you’re departing on a domestic cruise you’ll need to complete a health questionnaire, while international cruise passengers must complete a health questionnaire as well as an outbound passenger card. Both documents are available inside the terminal upon arrival. 

Bring a passport with at least six months’ validity for international voyages and a government-issued photo ID for domestic trips. Your booking itinerary is required for all cruises. Most cruise ships will not allow you to board with alcohol. You can surrender the alcohol and collect it at the trip’s end. 

Person holding US passports

Person holding passports - Credit: Unsplash

Tourist Refund Scheme

A  Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)  desk is available at both cruise ship terminals for international cruises. TRS enables you to claim a refund for the Good and Services Tax (GST) and the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you paid on goods purchased in Australia, after you’ve checked in. 

NSW cruise ports

Wollongong Sunset Aerial - NSW South Coast

Port Kembla (Wollongong)

Angourie Beach in Yamba at Sunrise

Coffs Harbour

Aerial over Trial Bay - NSW North Coast

Trial Bay (South West Rocks)

Newcastle Memorial Walk

Batemans Bay

Aerial overlooking Kiama Harbour

Visiting from overseas

Australian Customs and Quarantine Control

Customs & quarantine

Consumer Rights

Consumer rights

Health & Safety

Health & safety

Visas

Useful information

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COMMENTS

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    Explore Sydney Harbour in style, aboard your very own luxury sports cruiser with a knowledgeable local captain. Choose a cruise that suits, or tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll create an itinerary just for you – from sightseeing, entertaining exploring, romance, wildlife safaris and onboard lunching.

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  6. Cruising to Sydney – everything you need to know | Sydney.com

    Sydney is one of the world’s great harbour cities and an essential stop for any cruise to Australia. Whether arriving or departing, you’ll cruise past the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and through the dramatic sandstone cliffs of The Heads at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean.