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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

Sydney’s harbour is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world, so getting out and exploring on the water – be it by yacht, motorboat, jetboat or even sea kayak – is a must-do.

A range of boating options is available, from short sightseeing pleasure cruises, to days spent moored up (and swimming) off hidden sandy coves, to romantic sleepovers on board.

If you don’t fancy the cost or are not enamoured of boats, at least take the Manly ferry from Circular Quay and back for a similar, if less intimate, harbour experience. For a mere few dollars, it’s outstanding value.

Sail in a tall ship

For a more cultured (if touristy) twist, try a 2-hour sailing cruise aboard a vintage tall ship. It’s not as intimate, as you’ll be sharing the experience, but you’ll learn about Sydney’s maritime history and can help hoist the sails.

Spend the night on the water

EastSail offer an (expensive) opportunity to spend a romantic night on the harbour. The Overnight Indulgence package includes a private evening sail, a safe anchorage, dinner and breakfast. Your skipper will leave you overnight, return in the morning and sail back you to the marina. Choose from a yacht or motor cruiser.

Price from: £40
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

There are a number of pleasure cruise operators based at Darling Harbour, but these tend to be the touristy options (which are still fine). A better option though is to head to EastSail, based at the marina in the picturesque Rushcutters Bay, a 10-minute cab ride from the city or the Woollahra Sailing Club at the equally pretty Rose Bay, a further 5 minutes along the coast. If you want to try sailing, both offer a 2-hour ‘taster’ sailing lesson.

When to do it

Charter and sailing lessons are available all year round by private arrangement.

There’s never a bad time to be on the water, though July to October is best if you plan on swimming, otherwise the water is too cold.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Scenic Adventure Cruise

Scenic Adventure Cruise

Sydney

Experience the Incredible Scenery of the Nepean Gorge While Enjoying a Delicious and Hearty Lunch. Relax and unwind on the Nepean Belle Pad...

A66 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [34 ratings]

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Beginner's Kayak Tour in Sydney - Gorgeous Aussie Beaches and Bays

Beginner's Kayak Tour in Sydney - Gorgeous Aussie Beaches and Bays

Sydney

This mini kayak experience is the best choice for those trying kayaking for the first time or if you are a bit nervous out on the water and ...

A80 | Rating 5 / 5 [36 ratings]

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30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride: Thunder Twist

30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride: Thunder Twist

Sydney

Experience what jet boating is all about on Australia's most exciting Jet Boat! Get ready to hold on tight as the 'Thunder' opens up with am...

A85 | Rating 4.93 / 5 [461 ratings]

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Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride: 30 Minutes

Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride: 30 Minutes

Sydney

Feel your adrenalin rush on a 30-minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride. As the jet boat powers across Sydney Harbour, see the Sydney Op...

A89 | Rating 4.90 / 5 [283 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Wildlife Retreat At Taronga

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.7 miles]

A luxurious wildlife retreat offering you the chance to spend the night with some of Australia’s most colourful critters, in the comfort of an elegant guest room.

Official star rating:

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.9 miles]

A glamourous, stylish hotel in a restored heritage pier, that’s also now a buzzing wharf, with excellent restaurants. Conveniently located just 15 minutes’ walk from downtown.

Official star rating:

Spicers of Potts Point

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2 miles]

A character-filled boutique hotel set in three grand Victorian terrace houses. A convenient location for sightseeing, in one of Sydney’s nicest residential suburbs.

Official star rating:

Larmont Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.4 miles]

A contemporary hotel with affordable rooms in the heart of trendy Kings Cross, close to the city centre and good transport links. An ideal base for sightseeing away from the crowds.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Sydney

New South Wales, Australia

One of the world’s most dynamic and glamorous cities, with golden beaches, world-class eating and dining and effervescent, friendly people.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Kayaking on Sydney Harbour

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.6 miles]

See some of Sydney’s most famous landmarks – including the Opera House – from the water, with a kayak tour around the world’s most beautiful natural harbour.

Best for ages: 4+ | £70 | 2 hours

Taronga Zoo

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.8 miles]

A world-class zoo overlooking the city and harbour – the ideal place to see your first kangaroo, koala or platypus.

Best for ages: 4+ | £25

Sydney Opera House

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.1 miles]

Magnetic, enchanting and still remarkably modern, this iconic Opera House is a must-see. Walk around the outside or book in for a guided tour or performance.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Fort Denison
Experience

Fort Denison

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.1 miles]

Built during the Crimean War, this little historic gem sits in the middle of Sydney harbour. It’s now a museum, with fascinating exhibits like a canon gun powder store and a tidal gauge room. Daily ferries go from Circular Quay.

Best for ages: 6+ | £5

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An outdoor pool on the edge of the harbour in front of Sydney's skyline.
Experience

Boy Charlton Pool

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1.6 miles]

Sydney is famed for its ocean and harbourside pools and this stunning harbourside pool is a stand-out. The Botanic Gardens are on one side, harbour views on the other. Great swim and sunbathing; there’s a fine cafe on site too.

Best for ages: 4+ | £12

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Four cardboard cut outs on display in the justice museum sydney
Experience

Justice and Police Museum

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.4 miles]

This small museum, set in two former police courts and a former police station, was the original legal hub at the time of the settlers. Today it preserves the history of crime and punishment in the city, with exhibits on famous criminals, collections of weapons and restored prison cells.

Best for ages: 6+ | £7

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Vivid Sydney

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[2.5 miles]

Vivid Sydney brings some of the world’s most creative minds and the latest digital light technology together to create astonishing installations that transform the city skyline and night sky.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 3 weeks

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