sydney

Australia’s Harbour City

About Sydney

Sydney is the vibrant capital city of New South Wales. Situated on Australia’s East Coast, the coastal city is bordered by the Blue Mountains in the West, the Hawkesbury River in the north, and the Royal National Park in the south. Sydney is blessed with towering sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, coves and estuaries, making it one of the most picturesque coasts in the world.

Iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge dominate the city’s skyline. These attractions bring in droves of tourists from all over the world to the Harbour City every year. A Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb is an exhilarating experience that rewards one with the best aerial views of the city as well as splendid photo opportunities. The Opera House, a testimony to 20th-century architectural brilliance, stands tall with magnificent grace. The Rocks, Taronga Zoo, Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach are few of the many Sydney attractions.

Home to the largest natural harbour in the world, Sydney is steeped in rich history and embraces multiple cultures. The city is a melting pot of different flavours. From bustling food streets to award winning restaurants, Sydney offers an array of culinary experiences for all. The city also hosts many coveted international events like the famous NYE celebrations and the iconic Vivid Sydney. There's always one good thing or the other happening in Sydney. Jump in the celebrations that take place during your visit!

sydney Cruise Experiences

Dinner Cruises

14 Cruises

From $85

Lunch Cruises

15 Cruises

From $75

Casual Cruises

3 Cruises

From $63

Sightseeing Cruises

2 Cruises

From $40

Sunset Cruises

4 Cruises

From $45

Whale Watching Cruises

17 Cruises

From $70

Cruise Combos

1 Cruise

From $200

Anniversary Cruises

2 Cruises

From $400

Birthday Cruises

2 Cruises

From $195

Harbour Boat Tours

4 Cruises

From $40

Christmas Party Cruises

6 Cruises

From $123

Christmas Day Lunch Cruises (25 Dec)

3 Cruises

From $229

Boxing Day Cruises (26 Dec)

2 Cruises

From $75

NYE Fireworks Cruises (31 Dec)

18 Cruises

From $402

NYE Private Boat Hire

10 Cruises

From $9500

Australia Day Cruises (26 Jan)

7 Cruises

From $105

Australia Day Fireworks Dinner Cruises

6 Cruises

From $105

Vivid Sydney Cruises

8 Cruises

From $39

Featured Cruises

9 Cruises

Clearview Deluxe Lunch Cruise

Every seat feels like a window seat as you enjoy a deluxe 3-course lunch with 360° views of the harbour on Sydney’s newest glass boat.

Duration 2hr 45min

From $110 ~~$150~~

Showboat Classic Dinner Cruise

Sydney’s spectacular dinner & show experience since 1987, delighting millions of guests with the ‘life is a cabaret' experience & restaurant-quality dining.

Duration 3hr

From $185 ~~$205~~

Magistic Sydney Harbour Buffet Lunch Cruise

An all-time favourite with tourists and locals – enjoy million-dollar views & a multi-cuisine buffet on this classic lunch cruise aboard a luxury boat.

Duration 1hr 45min

From $95 ~~$140~~

See All Cruises

Know Before You Go

National Public Holidays

Monday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Friday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 29 March: Good Friday
Saturday, 30 March: Easter Saturday
Sunday, 31 March: Easter Sunday
Monday, 1 April: Easter Monday
Thursday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Wednesday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Thursday, 26 December: Boxing Day

Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:

New South Wales
Monday, 10 June: King’s Birthday
Monday, 7 October: Labour Day

School Holidays

TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
New South Wales: 15 April to 26 April

TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
New South Wales: 8 July to 19 July

TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
New South Wales: 30 September to 11 October

TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024 - 2025
New South Wales: 23 December 2024 to 6 February 2025

Events & Festivals

Vivid Sydney (May-June)
Vivid Sydney is a one-of-a-kind annual celebration of light, music, ideas, and food. Tourists from all over the world visit Sydney to see the stunning immersive light installations, experience performances by local and international musicians, to attend public talks and debates, and enjoy the variety of flavours of the city.

Boxing Day (26 December)
One of the highlights of the day is the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, which flags off from Sydney Harbour. The Boxing Day Cricket Test Match is also a much anticipated event. It is a great day for shopping too!

New Year’s Eve (December)
Sydney hosts one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world. With the iconic landmarks of the city as the backdrop, the city proudly presents not one but two spectacular fireworks displays. Sydney Harbour is a major focal point of the celebrations.

Australia Day (January 26)
The national day of Australia is celebrated on a grand scale in Sydney. The harbour takes centre stage for a wide range of festivities and events that the city hosts, celebrating its rich culture and acknowledging its history.

Best Time To Visit

Sydney has distinct and predictable seasons, making it easy for you to choose what you want to experience in the city.

Spring and summer fall in the months between November to February, while winter is from June to August. Even during winter, the days are warm and sunny, thanks to the coastal climate.

Accommodation

From luxury hotels to service apartments, Airbnbs and converted breweries, there are plenty of great options to choose from when it comes to Sydney accommodation. Depending on your itinerary and duration of stay, you’re sure to find a place in the city or suburbs that suits your budget. Some of these places house excellent bars and restaurants too. To increase your chances of hitting the jackpot, it is advisable to pre-book.

Dining

You can find a diverse range of cuisines in Sydney. From street food to fine dining, take a delightful culinary journey through the city's streets, indulging in steaming bowls of pho, flavorful ramen, delicate dumplings, or freshly prepared pasta. Do not forget to treat yourself to a fancy meal at one of the harbourside restaurants. With its multicultural population, Sydney has truly established itself as a global hub for food enthusiasts,

Transport

Sydney is well connected with all major means of transportation available 24/7. Trains and ferries are a great way of getting to places avoiding traffic. Rideshare, hire cars, and taxi services and shuttles are all conveniently available. One can also explore the city on foot or by bicycle.

Sydney Tourist Information

Medical Services

Mishaps can occur any time. Sydney is well-prepared to handle emergencies and has efficient hospitals well within city limits.

Some of the major hospitals in Sydney with 24-hour accident and emergency departments:

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
St Vincent's Hospital
Sydney Children's Hospital

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are available round the clock.

Shopping & Market Hours

Sydney is a happy playground for shoppers looking to score great deals!
From fashion to art to vintage wine, you can get bags and bags of stuff to take home. Souvenir enthusiasts can have a good time exploring the numerous markets and shops that grace the streets of The Rocks.

Public Conveniences

There are information kiosks at four major locations in Sydney. They are: The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Sydney International Airport, and Town Hall. These kiosks offer maps, brochures, and other information needed to navigate the city.

Blogs & Articles

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Why Fort Denison Is An Interesting Sydney Harbour Attraction

If you’re willing to venture beyond famous icons such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable experience at Fort Denison on Sydney Harbour.

Posted on Jul 15, 2024

Art for All Ages: Family-Friendly Events at Vivid Sydney 2024

Vivid Sydney 2024 has kicked off to a flying start! As the festival lights up the city, it's not just an event for art aficionados but an action-packed playground for families too.

Posted on May 31, 2024

1-Day Itinerary To Experience The Harbour & Its Iconic Attractions

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and honestly, a day here wouldn’t do justice to the abundance of cultural, natural and historic attractions it offers. That being said, you can still explore some of its unmissable attractions in one day, provided you have the right itinerary!

Posted on May 02, 2024