10 Harbour and Bay Cruises in Australia to Build a Day Around

1.Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

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

Board Captain Cook Cruises at King Street Wharf for an early-evening meal on Sydney Harbour. You’ll pass the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while enjoying a three-course à la carte dinner, with a four-course premium upgrade available. Choose the confirmed window option if the view matters most, and remember that drinks cost extra.

“The food and view were incredible! A very nice smooth ride! The staff were incredible! The entertainment was just okay”

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2.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 3-hour dinner on Sydney Harbour. Choose three, four, or six courses, with optional Penfolds wine pairings on the Gold menu. You’ll pass the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, with live music on Saturday and Sunday nights. Smart casual dress is expected.

“It was wonderful, the staff was very friendly. The food was delicious & entertainment was was nice.”

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3.Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

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

Sail Sydney Harbour at night aboard a Captain Cook Cruises vessel, departing around 7 pm from King Street Wharf or Circular Quay. You’ll enjoy a four-course dinner with seafood, meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, then head upstairs for views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and city lights. Window seats are available as an upgrade.

“I did inform that it was our 39th wedding aniversarey but there was no celebration from the host disapointing”

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

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

Spend about nine hours with an experienced driver-guide such as Colin, Vic, Rod, or Mark, traveling from Hobart to Port Arthur. You’ll tour the former convict site, cruise around the Isle of the Dead, stop at Richmond, Tasman Arch, Remarkable Cave, and a chocolate foundry, with hotel pickup offered.

“Our tour was very informative and the driver was marvellous. Colin was funny but also full of local history, making the day very enjoyable not boring. We are so glad we decided to book the Port Arthur tour.”

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5.Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart

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

Board at Murray Street Pier for a relaxed Derwent River cruise with captain’s commentary and clear views of Hobart’s waterfront. Choose a one-hour morning or afternoon trip, a 1.5-hour lunch sailing, or a two-hour dinner cruise with a three-course meal and one drink. The route heads north or south depending on the departure.

“Great commentary very interesting information and facts. Lunch was delicious. Staff very friendly and helpful.”

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6.From Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Cruise with Lunch

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

Board Schouten Passage II in Coles Bay for a 4.5-hour cruise along Freycinet’s granite coast. Look for dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and seabirds while guides explain the area’s geology and past. Enjoy a Tasmanian Ploughman’s lunch in the Vista Lounge, with front decks, heating, toilets, and drinks for purchase.

“Great commentary, staff were terrific and scenery was outstanding.”

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7.Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 451 reviews · from $63

Meet at Campbells Cove in The Rocks for a twilight dinner cruise aboard a restored historic tall ship. You’ll pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and more while enjoying dinner and live commentary. Hosts such as Howard and Ruth add local stories, and adventurous passengers can pay extra to climb the mast.

“It was a lovely and calm experience. We felt safe and taken care of throughout the 2 hours. The guide and crew both were friendly, knowledgeable, and assuring. Food was also plenty and fresh. Would recommend it.”

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8.Sydney Harbour: Thunder Thrill Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 372 reviews · 30 min · from $41Top rated

Take a 30-minute Thunder Thrill jet boat ride from Circular Quay to Sydney Heads. Your English-speaking skipper builds from gentle turns to fast spins, power-slides, and bursts up to 75 km/h, with views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, islands, and foreshore. Ponchos and lockers are included, but bring dry clothes.

“Definitely a must do for adrenaline seekers in Sydney. Perfect ride for a hot day - you will get wet 100% !”

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9.Port Arthur Tasman Sights with Harbour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 358 reviews · 8 hours · from $102

Travel from Hobart to Port Arthur with an English-speaking local guide, stopping at Eaglehawk Neck, the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry, Port Arthur Lavender Farm, and Remarkable Cave. Your $102 ticket includes Port Arthur admission, an audio experience, and a 20-minute harbour cruise. Guides may include Mark, Jodie, Skye, or Pascal.

“Tour guide was very knowledgeable with a great personality. A great experience”

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10.Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 342 reviews · 2 hours · from $77

Spend two hours on Sydney Harbour aboard the Southern Swan or Soren Larsen. You’ll pass the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, and Luna Park while a friendly English-speaking crew serves dinner. You can help raise the sails, steer the ship, or pay extra to climb the mast.

“Good trip. Nice food presented in a buffet style. Good team onboard the ship.”

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