Looking for a way to enjoy quality time with your family? Choose a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour! The Harbour is one of the easiest places to unwind with your loved ones—and family friendly cruises in Sydney bring food, views and family fun into one simple plan so you don’t have to think about anything except enjoying the night.
Why Choose a Family Dinner Cruise in Sydney?
A stress-free environment
- A family dinner cruise in Sydney offers a relaxed environment where adults can unwind and kids are not constrained to their seats
- It takes away the negative denominators of a family night out – waiting for tables, ordering food, crowded attractions and restless kids
- Waiter service and attentive staff ensure that you are seated at your table before the cruise departs, making for a smooth overall experience
- Food is served on time in clutter free dining areas (which means no “hangry” family members!)
Safe and comfortable way to explore Sydney Harbour
See Sydney on a night cruise with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the city skyline without having to navigate crowds, busy walkways and on-road traffic.
- For families with young children, a dinner cruise is a safe way to see Sydney’s famed attractions without the worry of crowds, as they can all be in one secure space while the boat cruises by the Harbour’s top landmarks.
- It is a safer option for elderly guests as they can remain seated and enjoy views of the harbour and attractions without physical strain.
- The outdoor decks and viewing platforms on the vessel also provide an opportunity for family pictures with unbeatable views.
All-Inclusive packages
Dinner cruises combine the sightseeing experience with delicious and substantial dinners. The boats also have licensed bars onboard to buy drinks or you could upgrade your meal with a drinks package that includes beers, wines, fruit juices and soft drinks.
With restaurant-style dining, premium waiter service and ever-changing views, this experience requires little to no planning. All you have to do is book your tickets and arrive at the wharf.
Best Family-Friendly Dinner Cruise Options
A family outing includes planning while taking into consideration the likes and dislikes of the members and what suits your entire family. So here is a guide to Sydney Harbour dinner cruises that are family-friendly and still deliver a premium night out!
Magistic Buffet Dinner Cruise
Ideal for: Families with mixed food preferences and young children.
Ambience: Casual, spacious and relaxed
- The Magistic Buffet Dinner Cruise takes place on a luxury catamaran
- Enjoy a multi-cuisine buffet of hot dishes, salads, vegetarian options and dessert
- Kids meals can be ordered in advance at no additional cost.
- The vessel offers a spacious layout and access to large outdoor decks for prime harbour views
- The buffet opens shortly after departure – minimal wait time for food
Clearview Glass Boat Signature Dinner Cruise
Ideal for: Families focusing on premium views and a quieter night
Ambience: Refined dining with restaurant-style service
- The Clearview Glass Boat Signature Dinner Cruise is operated on Sydney’s only glass boat cruising restaurant
- Food-centric experience featuring a 4-course dinner freshly prepared on board
- Guests can purchase drinks from the licensed bar onboard
- A Kids meal can be ordered in advance at no additional cost, an option for families with younger children
- Floor-to-ceiling glass windows ensure uninterrupted views of the harbour from every seat
- The Sky Deck offers an open-air experience with a 360° view and harbour breeze
Showboat Classic Dinner Cruise
Ideal for: Families who enjoy live entertainment, older teens
Ambience: Lively and theatrical
- The Showboat Classic Dinner Cruise is no stranger to the Sydney Harbour. This dinner cruise runs on ‘Showboat II’ – a New Orleans-style paddlewheeler.
- Guests enjoy a 3-course plated dinner, with a separate kids menu (no additional cost) which can be pre-ordered at the time of booking
- Reserved seating and waiter service
- A licensed bar onboard offers a premium selection of beers, wines and soft-drinks.
- The signature cabaret show, ‘Voyage of Love’ runs daily, delivering music, dance and a vibrant stage performance, keeping guests entertained from start to finish.
- The outer wrap-around viewing areas let guests step outside for fresh air between courses to capture stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
*Please note that the cabaret show may not be suitable for very young children due to the extravagance and mature themes presented. Parental discretion is advised.
Special Family Discounts & Deals
The cruises offer reduced rates for children aged 4 to 15, while infants travel free (no seat allocation). Special family discounts are available for events like Vivid Sydney and during school holidays.
It is recommended to book in advance during early bird sales to unlock lower rates, and if you are travelling with extended family, cruises also offer bundled packages including drinks and food.
Amenities For Families Aboard
The Cruise The dinner cruises ensure that the experience is suited for families, offering various amenities and services.
Table-seating and waiter service
The cruises offer reserved seating and first-class waiter service, ensuring that guests do not have to wait to get seated and attended to.
Child-friendly and flexible meal options
A dedicated kids menu is available to pre-order, and vegetarian options are also available on all the cruises.
Easy Access to Onboard Facilities
- Outdoor viewing decks and restrooms are accessible to guests during the cruise
- Dining rooms are also climate controlled, making them comfortable year-round
- Staff and crew onboard are available for general assistance including seating and food
To Sum It Up:
Dinner cruises on Sydney Harbour are your best bet for a complete night out with your family! It's a great way to combine dinner, sightseeing and family time. Each cruise offers a different experience which works for all ages. So, why wait? Turn your ordinary night into something special with a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour!
