Discover Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises

One of the top attractions to visit in Sydney is Sydney Harbour and it is contained within Port Jackson in Sydney, Australia. Sydney Harbour is the best place to view the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. These are the two icons in Sydney Australia that you can’t miss.

What is the best way to explore this beautiful harbour in the world? Well, the answer is to do it with a cruise on Sydney Harbour. My parents and siblings live in Sydney and I use to work in Sydney years ago; my workplace was in Martin Place which is so near to the harbour (15 mins walk) but sad to say that I had never done any cruises until my recent visit to Sydney. I guess when you live here, you never thought of being a tourist.

There are several options you can explore Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises, with or without lunch, with or without dinner. We booked our night cruise without meals because we prefer to have early dinner in Chinatown. It really depends on your budget, time of day (day or night) – family with young children is best to opt for a day cruise and couples are best to choose for a romantic night cruise. Well, again it is really up to you.

Once you board on the cruise, choose the seats that suit you best.  Most people will go for the window seats.  There is a bar selling soft drinks, alcohol and snacks but not cheap.

Tips:  You are allowed to bring in your own drink and food to dine on the cruise.  I saw a family with young children have their sandwiches and drinks on the cruise.

There are several decks and you are free to roam around.  People usually go to the top deck and wait for the Sydney icon.  The first is the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Glad that the bridge that was first opened in 1932 was light up with colorful neons.  It was said that the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest steel arch bridge, I have seen the same one in Newcastle England called Tyne Bridge but smaller. You tell me who is the copy cat?

Sydney Opera House

Next, we spotted the Syndey Opera House opened in 1973, another iconic building on the shores of Sydney Harbour, located in Bennelong Point. The shapes of this unique building are like the sails of a boat. Concerts and events take place here daily. The architecture was designed by a Denmark architect name Utzon who gotten his inspiration from peeling an orange: the 14 shells of the building if combined, would form a perfect sphere.  This is one of the symbols of Australia

During the Sydney Vivid Light Festival, it even becomes a work of art! By the way, Sydney Vivid is an annual light and music festival held in Sydney. It has outdoor immersive light installations and projections.

Luna Park Sydney

You are also able to spot Luna Park Sydney on the other side of the water, a heritage-listed amusement park located at Milson Point, North Sydney built in 1930. The iconic entrance is so cute with the big mouth of a clown.

Vivid Sydney

Glad we are able to experience Vivid Sydney, an annual festival of lights, music and ideas. The light show has incredible graphics, bright colors which are so stunning to watch at night.

Other tips

The boarding location is at Circular Quay Wharf, you are advised to get there at least 30 mins before the scheduled departure time. Circular Quay Wharf is only 5 min walk from Circular Quay train station if you are coming by train.

I highly recommend you to book your tickets online for number of reason. You get great discounts and avoid the queuing with the big crowds.

Final thoughts:

Sydney Harbour is one of the must-sees when you visit Sydney and by doing a cruise is another great way to see Sydney’s landmark from the water. Of course, you can also do Sydney Harbour with public ferries, but Harbour Cruises certainly has more benefits over public ferries. Just to name some here, the ride is longer and offer better views on the top deck of the cruise.