The Best Sydney Harbour Cruises for Sightseeing, Drinking and Dining

When it comes to Sydney Harbour, the best way to appreciate it in its full glory is with a leisurely cruise.

Unlike the ferry (which runs for 30 minutes), the best Sydney Harbour cruises take at least an hour-long to give passengers the chance to really soak in the views. You also have plenty of time to take photos with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the backdrop. Cruises also take place in spacious vessels, giving you plenty of room to mingle and sightsee.

If that’s not enough reason for you, dining cruises are also available and perfect for foodies. From freshly-caught Crystal Bay prawns to seasonal fruit and cocktails, your taste buds are in for a treat!

The only question left is: what is the best Sydney Harbour cruise for you? We’ve narrowed it down to these two experiences to help you choose.

Take the party to the harbour for an unforgettable floating bar experience with your best mates! On the Sydney Harbour Bar Cruise, you can indulge in beers, cocktails, and wines complemented by a delicious tapas-style menu.

Departing from Darling Harbour or Circular Quay, you’ll be taken on a relaxing journey through the harbour onboard a spacious Sydney 2000 vessel. Marvel at the 360° views and see the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and more along the way. Order sliders, chips, or oysters to go with your drink for the best Sydney Harbour cruise experience.

There's live music, free Wi-Fi, and a cosy Ocean Deck aboard the vessel to maximise your experience. The cruise also has enforced COVID-19 initiatives like accepting contactless payments, introducing hand sanitising stations, and requiring proof of vaccination upon entry to keep everyone safe.

Find out why this is one of the best Sydney Harbour cruises! But don’t just take it from us, check out what people have to say about the harbour cruise:

Wondering about the best Sydney Harbour cruise with food? Look no further than the Sydney Harbour Seafood High Tea Cruise, where you can experience the classic British tradition with Aussie flavours. 

After boarding the cruise, you’ll be served a refreshing glass of pink champagne (locally made, of course). As you toast with your friends, you’ll be greeted with unobstructed views of Sydney’s finest sights, from the Opera House to the Harbour Bridge.

As you continue one of the best Sydney Harbour cruises, you’ll be served with a tiered platter of sweet and savoury goods fit for a queen. Enjoy tea to complement your scones, fruit tartlets, and beef sausage rolls for a culinary experience to remember. Before you go, make sure you enjoy the chocolate-coated strawberries to end your cruise on a sweet note.

This is one of the best Sydney Harbour cruises around, boasting premium upper-deck seats, personalised service, and a wide ranging menu. Vegetarian and gluten-free menu options are available!

Enjoy a dinner experience aboard this Sydney Harbour cruise and enjoy stunning views of Sydney Harbour during golden hour as this cruise sails for three hours during sunset. You'll be served with a 3-course a la carte menu with contemporary Australian food.

If you want to experience a fine dining cruise experience, get a taste of pure luxury aboard this Sydney Harbour Gold Penfolds Dinner Cruise! This is a quintessential gourmet food and wine experience on Sydney Harbour. You'll be treated to a Gold selection of Penfolds' private bin and vintage wines including the classic St Henri Shiraz to complement an exquisite 6-course degustation dinner.

If food and bevvies aboard a boat aren't your cup of tea, experience an extraordinary whale watching cruise in Sydney and witness the gentle giants of the sea on their annual migration. This Sydney Harbour cruise offers a family-friendly, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating over multiple viewing decks to give you unobstructed views of the whales.