Sydney Harbour Australia Day Cruises

This Australia Day, take your celebrations to iconic Sydney Harbour! The much-loved events and activities are back in full flurry for yet another year and there’s no better place than the decks of one of our Australia Day Sydney Harbour cruises to take it all in!

Choose from our best-selling Australia Day cruises on Sydney Harbour and be right in the heart of all action! From the all-inclusive glass boat Australia Day lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour to fireworks dinner cruises and spectator experiences, choose what suits you best.

On a daytime spectator cruise, watch the thrilling Harbourfest that includes both classic and new events. From the incredible Ferrython and high-octane Maritime Mayhem to the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes, the day’s lineup is packed with thrills! Add the Australia Day Harbour Parade, 189th Regatta and the iconic Tall Ships Race, and you’ve got a day to remember.

In the evening, Australia Day fireworks dinner cruises on Sydney Harbour offer the perfect choice for a grand finale to the day. Cruise past the Australia Day Live at the Opera House foreshore where live music, stunning projections, on-water displays, flyovers and grand fireworks displays await!

Stealing the spotlight, the legendary Sydney Showboat will dazzle with vibrant lights during the Lit Vessels Parade and offer front-row views of Australia Day Live from the exclusion zone. All vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art dining amenities, licensed bars and restaurant-style seating. Book your Australia Day cruise on Sydney Harbour today for an unforgettable national day celebration!

See sample Australia Day events below (events and timings may be subject to change)

DAYTIME: HARBOURFEST

21-Gun Salute (11:45am - 12:05pm)
A tribute to Australia featuring a 21-gun salute, an RAAF aerial flypast and a soaring flag display by the Navy’s Seahawk Helicopter.

RAAF Roulettes (12:00pm - 12:10pm) 
The nation’s daredevil aviators take to the skies for a jaw-dropping show of aerial prowess, which includes incredible loops, rolls & high-G turns.

Australia Day Ferrython (12:10pm - 12:30pm)
An all-new Ferrython with a new and longer route, which will see the dressed-up ferries racing at speeds never seen before on Sydney Harbour.

Maritime Mayhem (12:15pm - 12:25pm)
A tug-handling display akin to ‘monster truck show on water’ choreographed to a rocking soundtrack, jet-ski stunts and fun commentary.

Harbour Parade (12:45pm - 02:00pm)
Fun afloat on Sydney Harbour as boats and crew vie for the ‘best-dressed’ prize and other ‘cheeky challenge’ prizes.

Tall Ships Race (01:00pm - 01:30pm)
Watch a magnificent fleet of Tall Ships as they race by from Bradley’s Head to the finish line under Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Australia Day Regatta (01:30pm)
The oldest continuously-run annual sailing event featuring individual events for ocean racers, classic gaff-riggers, radio-controlled yachts and vintage skiffs.


EVENING: AUSTRALIA DAY LIVE 

Australia Day Live + Lit Vessels Parade + Fireworks Finale (07:30pm - 10:30pm)
A land and water concert featuring live performances by top artists at Sydney Opera House, choreographed to a flotilla of yachts and fireworks shows.