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Sydney (NSW Australia)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Australia - New Zealand - Pacific Ocean Islands

Local Time 2024-04-17 22:44

Port Sydney cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Sydney, NSW Australia. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Sydney Cruise Port is the busiest Australian homeport and ship travel destination. Sydney Harbour itself is a scenic destination with a lot of boat tours. The city's best-known attractions are the futuristic-designed Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The 1932-opened arch bridge carries all the traffic (rail, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrian) between the CBD (city's central business district) and North Shore's suburbs.

The cruise industry is Australia's fastest-growing economic sector with worth ~AUD 5 billion to the NSW alone. It supports over 20,000 local jobs. ISeason 2015-2016 statistics showed 325 cruise ship visits to NSW.

Port Sydney NSW

All Sydney's seaport facilities are managed by Sydney Ports Corporation - an NSW Government-owned company also responsible for the seaport's development and facilities within Sydney Metro. Two more (smaller) ports are in Eden and Yamba.

In April 2013, the NSW Government announced granted a 99-year lease (until 2112) to the NSW Ports Consortium for AUD 4,31 billion. The lease was granted together with a lease for Port Kembla for AUD 760 million. Of the sale proceeds, over AUD 2 billion were allocated for road infrastructure projects.

Under Sydney Ports Corporation management are the following ports:

• Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) with 11 berths serving dry and liquid bulk carriers, general cargo ships, cruise terminal (Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay).
• Port Botany (Botany Bay, approx 13 km / 8 mi south of city's central business district) has a terminal for liquid bulk carriers, a storage facility and 2 container terminals.
• Port Enfield (Logistics Centre) has a freight railway connecting it with Port Botany.
• Port St Peters houses the Cooks River Rail Depot and a Container Park.
• Since 2011, Sydney Ports Corporation also manages Port Eden and Port Yamba.

On April 9, 2018, the new China-built gantry crane (by ZPMC / "Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries") was delivered at Sydney Container Terminal. Same ZPMC cranes (serving large container ships ) were also delivered and installed in Brisbane (one, in April) and Melbourne (two, in March).

• The equipment (a total of 9 gantry cranes) was ordered by DP World Australia (Australia's main and largest container port and supply chain operator) to serve the country's container terminals. By this USD 180 million project were also delivered 20x straddle trucks, 4x RTGs (rubber-tyred gantry cranes), 38x forklifts (industrial trucks).
• Each of the 9x ZPMC cranes costs USD 14 million, has rated capacity 65 tons (under spreader) and 75 tons (under heavy lift beam), rail gauge 25,3 m, above rail hoist height 38 m, hoist speed 90 m per min (loaded) and 180 m / min (unloaded).

Sydney NSW cruise port

The port's cruise schedule has ships operating on Cruises to Nowhere , roundtrip itineraries to ports in Queensland, Tasmania, New Zealand and South Pacific Islands (New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu). Longer (repositioning) cruises go to ports in Asia (some all the way to China and Japan) and North America (via Honolulu Hawaii ).

On November 27, 2015, in Sydney Harbour met two of the largest Australia-homeported cruise ships - RCI Royal Caribbean 's vessels Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas , carrying over 10,000 passengers and crew. The Explorer was finishing a 16-night Australia and New Zealand itinerary from Fremantle-Perth , while the Voyager started a 7-night itinerary to Melbourne . Both ships are from RCI's Voyager-class series, with gross tonnage 138,194 tons and LOA length 311 m (1020 ft), For season 2015-2016, RCI had all 4 ships - plus the couple Radiance of the Seas (homeport Sydney) and Legend of the Seas (homeport Brisbane, currently operates as Marella Discovery 2 for Marella UK) . With this fleet, Royal Caribbean made a total investment of over USD 280 million in the Australian market.

In 2017, RCI extended the second season (2017-2018) of the ever largest Australia-homeported ship - Ovation of the Seas - by additional 6 cruises or 5 weeks homeporting in Sydney. Ovation was scheduled to make a total of 9 itineraries during the liner's 2nd Sydney-based season (departures November 2017 through February 2018). The newly added roundtrips in 2018 were: 8-night "South Pacific" (departure February 18), 10-night to New Zealand (departures February 26, March 13), 5-night to Tasmania (departure March 8), 3-night sampler Cruise to Nowhere (departure March 23) and the 14-night repositioning cruise to Singapore (departure March 26). The mega liner arrived for the first time in Sydney on December 15, 2016. and was scheduled to leave the homeport on January 23, 2017 and return to China. However, as the large cruise ship had exceeded all the Royal Caribbean Australia's expectations, they decided to add the 4 extra itineraries to meet the market's demand.

For season 2017-2018, Australia's fastest-growing tourism sector suffered a blow with major consequences for NSW's economy as cruise shipping companies started to bypass Port Sydney in favour of Melbourne , Brisbane , Auckland New Zealand and even further (homeporting in Asia instead). The decision for ship re-deploynment was due to Sydney Harbour's Overseas Passenger Terminal incapacity to berth larger vessels.

For season 2017-2018, Australia's 2nd biggest cruise shipping company Royal Caribbean redeployed Voyager of the Seas to Singapore and China for year-round turnaround operations. RCI's ship Radiance of the Seas was also re-scheduled to not stop in Sydney, replacing the port of call with Melbourne and New Zealand. With just Voyager OTS, Port Sydney lost around 65,000 guests a year, which was estimated at approx AUD 32 million in passenger spending.

Australia's biggest cruise shipping company - Carnival Australia , represents a group of 7 brands on the market, the largest of which are P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises . A Carnival also struggles to berth in Sydney NSW, the company moved some of its vessels to Brisbane and Melbourne. For 2018, Carnival Legend had scheduled all 10 itineraries leaving roundtrip from Melbourne. Another Carnival Corporation -owned company - Cunard , was willing to homeport the ship Queen Elizabeth in Sydney for a record -2 month-long Australian season (February through April 2019) - Cunard's ever longest season in Australia. However, while the Cunard's preference was to homeport the ship in Sydney, due to unavailable berths, 3 of the pre-scheduled itineraries were changed for roundtrips from Melbourne.

• Among the suggested solutions for this crisis was for cruise ships to share access to Garden Island with the Royal Australian Navy. Previously, Royal Caribbean (RCCL) was willing to invest tens of millions of dollars in building a new cruise terminal in Botany Bay.
• Season 2017-2018 was the cruise port's record year with scheduled a total of 90 ship visits and over 130,000 passengers and crew. The estimated economic impact was around AUD 30 million.

In March 2022, the NSW government announced plans to upgrade Sydney Harbour with shore-power capabilities . The technology was scheduled to be installed at the facilities White Bay Cruise Terminal and Glebe Island and the facilities to be ready and operational in 2024. For this project wee allocated $60+ million, including for infrastructure upgrades. Shoreside power systems allow the berthed vessels to turn off their diesel engines and use the city grid's electricity for all onboard operations and hotel services.

Sydney cruise terminal

Sydney Harbour (port locode AUSYD) is one of the top cruise ports in the world. It is located on the eastern Australian coast with the Blue Mountains on the west.

Sydney Harbour (aka Port Jackson) has attracted visitors, settlers, business men and traders for a long time. The city of Sydney has a population of more than 4 million and it is the biggest Ozzie city. The harbor has two cruise terminals – the White Bay and the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Three cruise ships can anchor at the same time at Sydney Cruise port terminals.

(NEW) Yarra Bay Cruise Terminal

For 2020 was planned to start the construction works for a new passenger terminal at Yarra Bay (east of Sydney Harbour Bridge). However, these plans were temporary suspended (for 18 months) due to the global Coronavirus pandemic. The health crisis seriously impacted Australia (Sydney mostly) and resulted in worldwide shutdown of all cruise shipping operations.

The Yarra Bay project is an initiative of RCCL-Royal Caribbean, with co-funding from the NSW Government.

White Bay Cruise Terminal

White Bay cruise terminal operates since 2013. It is transformed ro-ro (grain) terminal. The Sydney cruise port terminal is open and large, capable to process more than 2000 tourists. Next to White Bay there is a drop off areas and a short time park zone. The Sydney cruise port terminal can accommodate two vessels at the same time – at pier 4 and pier 5. White Bay is close to the center of Sydney and close to Sydney Harbour Bridge. That makes it unavailable for the biggest cruise vessels due to under Sydney Harbour Bridge height restrictions.

Overseas Passenger Terminal

The second Sydney Cruise port terminal is situated at the Circular Quay. It is very close to main sights in Sydney, just across the Opera House. The building is a modern one with a lot of facilities.

The Overseas Passenger Terminal offers also a breathtaking Sydney Harbour view. The terminal serves larger cruise ships.

The NSW's capital city Sydney is among the high-ranked for quality of life cities and one of the most beautiful vacation travel destinations to visit, so try not to miss:

• The Rocks: historical area with cafes, bars, shops, restaurants and galleries. Explore the Campbells Storehouse, Susannah Place, the Merchants House and Cadman’s Cottage. Next to Circular Quay. Is the Rocks area.
• Sydney Opera House: located on the Sydney Harbor at Bennelong Point. Jørn Utzon is the designer of this world architectural wonder. Its opening was in 1973. It is near the Overseas Passenger Terminal and there you can enjoy amazing opera or ballet performances.
• Royal Botanic Gardens: a green oasis located between the busy downtown and the blue ocean.
• Sydney Harbour Bridge: see the Pylon Lookout or participate in the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb.
• Bondi Beach is great for surfing. Enjoy that beautiful white-sand beach just 45 min away from Circular Quay (by bus 380).

Sydney tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Cruising to Sydney – everything you need to know

Sydney is one of the world’s great harbour cities and an essential stop for any cruise to Australia. Whether arriving or departing, you’ll cruise past the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge and through the dramatic sandstone cliffs of The Heads at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean. 

A key cruise destination

Sydney offers a spectacular blend of art, culture, dining, events, outdoor activities and grand colonial architecture. It’s the ideal destination to start or finish your cruise, and it’s compact enough to explore on a day in port. It’s also the only Australian city to have two dedicated cruise terminals – the Overseas Passenger Terminal and White Bay Cruise Terminal. View the  cruise schedule  for more information on domestic and international cruises to and from Sydney. 

Cafe Sydney , Circular Quay

Overseas Passenger Terminal

Located at Circular Quay in the heart of Sydney, the Overseas Passenger Terminal has uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour and the city. It’s beside the historic Rocks neighbourhood , with its cobbled laneways, artisan markets and some of the oldest pubs in Australia. Just outside your cabin door, find attractions like zoos, aquariums, restaurants, bars, theatres and world-class shopping. 

The terminal can accommodate some of the largest cruise ships in the world. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to Circular Quay station for trains, buses and ferries. Taxis and cars can also drop off or pick up passengers right in front of the terminal. Parking is not permitted in the terminal precinct, however passengers may be set down or picked up. 

To get from Sydney Airport to the Overseas Passenger Terminal you can take the train to Circular Quay (17 minutes) or catch a taxi, which takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. 

Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay

White Bay Cruise Terminal

White Bay Cruise Terminal sits further into the harbour in the suburb of Rozelle, so passengers will have the thrill of sailing right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge . It’s close to the Balmain area, a trendy neighbourhood with relaxed pubs, top restaurants and boutique stores. The  Sydney Lyric Theatre  and  The Star Sydney  are also nearby. 

White Bay is mostly used by smaller ships and many of Sydney’s home-ported ships are based here. The terminal is only five minutes by car or taxi to the city and there are large car parks for passengers embarking. Most cruise lines offer the option to book transfers from Sydney Airport to White Bay Cruise Terminal or to and from Central Station. 

White Bay Cruise Terminal, Sydney

Customs and immigration 

If you’re departing on a domestic cruise you’ll need to complete a health questionnaire, while international cruise passengers must complete a health questionnaire as well as an outbound passenger card. Both documents are available inside the terminal upon arrival. 

Bring a passport with at least six months’ validity for international voyages and a government-issued photo ID for domestic trips. Your booking itinerary is required for all cruises. Most cruise ships will not allow you to board with alcohol. You can surrender the alcohol and collect it at the trip’s end. 

Person holding passports - Credit: Unsplash

Tourist Refund Scheme

A  Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)  desk is available at both cruise ship terminals for international cruises. TRS enables you to claim a refund for the Good and Services Tax (GST) and the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you paid on goods purchased in Australia, after you’ve checked in. 

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Darling Harbour

Amazing entertainment, fascinating museums, incredible wildlife and delicious dining options

This waterside pocket of Sydney has got it all; amazing entertainment, fascinating museums, incredible wildlife and delicious dining options right on the water plus a brand-new food precinct. Darling Harbour is a fantastic family-friendly destination right in the heart of Sydney that has something for everyone.

Discover one of the tall ships at the  Australian National Maritime Museum . If you’re looking for something less active and more zen, head to the Chinese Garden of Friendship which is a tranquil haven.

The Sydney Harbour Hopper operates between Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo and Watsons Bay. See calendar with days of operation.

Due to increment weather Wharf 3 in Manly is closed on Friday the 5th of April and the Sydney Harbour Hopper service will depart from Manly Wharf 2 instead. Please expect some slight delays.

• Chevron down Current Timetable
• Chevron down 1st Loop Only
• Chevron down 2nd Loop Only
• Chevron down Loop 2 + Loop 3 Default
• Chevron down Loop 1 + Loop 2
• Chevron down 2 boats, no manly
• Chevron down Single Ticket Fares

Single ticket fares between Darling Harbour and one destination from the list below can be purchased from one of our ticket offices at Circular Quay Wharf 6, Darling Harbour Pier 26 Shop 2b or onboard the vessel.

It’s easy to keep kids entertained, with four attractions within walking distance. They can take selfies with their favourite stars at  Madame Tussauds wax museum, meet the dugongs at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium , get up close to koalas at  WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo or burn off some energy at Darling Quarter Kids Playground.

You can see world-class shows at ICC Sydney, a convention, exhibition and theatre complex that hosts everything from theatre to concerts. Darling Harbour also holds a variety of food and cultural festivals throughout the year at Tumbalong Park.

Related Cruises

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Sydney Harbour Hopper – 24 Hour Pass

Visit Sydney Harbour’s iconic destinations & discover its hidden gems: Manly, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour.

Sydney Harbour Hopper – 48 Hour Pass

Taronga zoo + 24 hour hopper pass.

One of Sydney’s most famous attractions, Taronga Zoo is home to Australian native wildlife and rare and endangered exotic animals.

We acknowledge the land on which we gather, from places as widespread and diverse as the NRMA. In the presence of Elders past, present and future, we recognise all journeys and our mutual role in creating new paths together.

Sydney Cruise Port Overview | 10 Best Things To Do In Sydney Port

Welcome to Sydney cruise port, Australia!

Home to the world-famous Opera House and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney is the capital of Australia’s southeastern state of New South Wales and the busiest Australian seaport. It is the major homeport in Australia which means that the majority of cruises to Australia and New Zealand start and end in Sydney.

Often nicknamed the “Emerald City” and the “Harbour City”, Sydney is a multicultural and bustling place known for its magnificent harbor filled with yachts, beautiful beaches, amazing shopping and attractions including the famous Opera House. In this Sydney cruise travel guide, read about:

• Sydney cruise port (Sydney cruise ship terminal, getting around the port)
• Top 10 things to do in the port of Sydney , the best shore excursions, useful tips

Visit also our cruise port guides to Melbourne ,  Brisbane , Adelaide , Darwin , Esperance , Cairns and New Zealand cruise ports

Sydney Cruise Port

Sydney Cruise Terminal consists of two major docking locations: Overseas Passenger Terminal and White Bay Cruise Terminal. Besides these two main cruise terminals, ships sometimes dock at the navy pier located east of the Sydney Botanic Garden.   

Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT)

• Overseas Passenger Terminal is the most popular cruise passenger terminal that offers outstanding, direct views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is situated in the Circular Quay, a major Sydney harbour, transportation hub and neighborhood packed with eateries, cafes, bars, museums, parks and other tourist attractions.
• Officially known as Sydney Cove Passenger Terminal , this terminal accommodates the majority of the large cruise ships and those that cannot fit under the Harbour Bridge. It is located close to the heart of the city known as CBD (Central Business District), the main historical and commercial center of Sydney where the majority of the attractions are located.
• Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) has one berth and can accommodate one cruise vessel of any size. It boasts a modernly designed terminal building equipped with all necessary facilities for cruise passengers including luggage storage areas, security screening, a tourist information center, and a great number of eateries and shops nearby. Wheelchair assistance is available upon request. Embarkation and disembarkation are handled smoothly and efficiently, with a minimum waiting time.
• The Circular Quay train station and Circular Quay ferry terminal are located nearby, only 450 meters away from the terminal building.
• A large taxi rank and a passenger pick-up/drop-off area are available on George Street, right outside the terminal area.
• There is no parking available at the terminal, however, there are private parking areas nearby such as the Wilson Parking lot on Harrington St.

Within Walking Distance of the Overseas Passenger Terminal

• Bridge Climb Sydney , one of the greatest attractions of the city, is situated only a 3-minute walk from the Overseas Passenger Terminal building. From here, guided tours are organized to climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking city views.
• Near this terminal, you can visit the city’s historic streets, The Rocks Discovery Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Opera House, Government House, Sydney Observatory, Museum of Sydney, Royal Botanic Garden, the city’s beautiful parks, numerous restaurants, pubs, cafes, shops and so much more!
• Queen Victoria Building, the famous shopping mall, and the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium are both located within a 25-minute walk from Sydney Port (Overseas Passenger Terminal).

White Bay Cruise Terminal

• This terminal opened in 2013, replacing the former wharves of Darling Harbour. White Bay Cruise Terminal (WBCT) can accommodate two small/medium-sized vessels (that can pass under Sydney Harbour Bridge) at the same time – at Pier 4 and Pier 5.
• White Bay Cruise Terminal is located around 6 km/3.7 miles from the Sydney Opera House and the city center. There is no public transport from the terminal to the center and cruise lines often offer shuttle transfers to the main Sydney train station (Circular Quay Station).
• The terminal building features some basic facilities for the cruise passengers, including check-in counters, a tourist information desk, security screening, escalators, passenger lifts, a cafe and lots of seating. Embarkation and disembarkation are handled smoothly and efficiently, with a minimum waiting time.
• There is no luggage storage area at this terminal. Wheelchair assistance is available upon request.
• Captain Cook Cruises operates ferries between White Bay terminal and King Street Wharf, Barangaroo, near the city center. The ride takes less than 15 minutes and there is free wi-fi onboard. See the ferry timetables
• A taxi rank, a large short-term parking lot and pick-up/drop-off areas are right outside the cruise terminal.

Getting Around Sydney

• The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). 1 AUD equals approximately 0.66 USD. Only local currency or credit cards are accepted in stores and other public places.
• If your ship docks at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, everything is pretty much within walking distance from the pier. However, if you want to use public transport , keep in mind that Sydney has an excellent public transport network with ferries, buses and suburban rail. White Bay Cruise Terminal has no access to public transport.
• Check out public transport timetables (metro/train/ferry/bus) at https://transportnsw.info/routes/
• Paper tickets are not available in Sydney; the city uses the contactless smart card “ Opal ” instead, for all transport networks. You can read about how Opal works on https://transportnsw.info/
• Sydney Hop on Hop off bus tours are available close to the Overseas Passenger Terminal. You can hop off at any of the 34 designated stops and then hop on the next bus that comes along.
• The Circular Quay train station and the Circular Quay ferry station are located a 3-minute walk from the Overseas Passenger Terminal. Ferries offer transfers to Bondy Beach, Manly Beach and other popular spots.
• Sydney International Airport is located around 14 km / 8.7 miles (25 minutes) from both Sydney cruise terminals.
• Major cruise lines sailing to/from Sydney cruise port include Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Royal Caribbean Internationa, Disney Cruise Line, Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line. 
• Explore Sydney tours and activities
• Book transfers to/from Sydney port
• Check out the best hotels in Sydney

Top 10 Things to Do in Sydney Cruise Port

1. sydney opera house.

A masterpiece of 20th-century architecture and the most iconic building in Sydney, the world-famous Sydney Opera House lies on the banks of the Sydney Harbour and dominates the city landscape.

This multi-venue performing arts center for opera, music, theater and dance has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You can join one of the guided tours through the building’s halls and foyer spaces, get creative with an art tour, or enjoy one of the foodie tours with a spectacular view of the Opera House.

Check out Sydney Opera House tours and activities

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Also known as “The Coathanger” because of its arch-based design, Sydney’s world-recognized bridge   opened in 1932 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive steel construction spans Sydney Harbour from the Central Business District to the North Shore and offers unmatched views of the city.

This iconic 1.149 meters (3.770 ft) long bridge is not only the largest steel arch bridge on the planet, but it also spans one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. Besides the regular rail and vehicular traffic, the bridge features walking and cycling paths, and the two major attractions – the BridgeClimb and Pylon Lookout , are incredible experiences that allow visitors to fully enjoy this special place.

Explore Sydney Harbour Bridge tours and activities

3.  Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a very famous and popular harbour adjacent to Sydney’s city center, located southwest of the Central business district. This waterfront destination is home to some of Sydney’s major attractions including Wildlife Sydney Zoo, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds wax museum, Australian National Maritime Museum, Pyrmont Bridge, and others.

This vast area has been designed to host indoor and outdoor large-scale events such as festivals and live concerts, exhibitions, celebrations, and sporting events. Darling Harbour has also been officially recognized as Sydney’s best precinct for its great variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options.

On the Kind Street Wharf, you’ll find numerous nightclubs, wine bars and bistros serving delicious fine food and amazing cocktails. One of the biggest Darling Harbour attractions is the world’s largest screen cinema at IMAX Theater Sydney , a movie theater chain known for presenting 3D films on giant screens.

Darling Harbour is reachable within a 35-minute (2.6 km/1.6 miles) walk from the dock at Circular Quay, or 10-20 minute drive, depending on the traffic. From the White Bay terminal, it takes only a 5-10 minute drive to get to Darling Harbour.

Check out Darling Harbour tours and activities

4. Australian National Maritime Museum

On the western side of Darlin Harbour is located the Australian National Maritime Museum, a waterfront attraction featuring naval vessels, a replica of Captain James Cook’s Endeavour, various events, and temporary and permanent exhibitions.

5. Chinatown 

Located in the Haymarket district that lies at the southern end of the Central business district and a 10-minute walk from Darling Harbour, Sydney’s Chinatown is a bustling zone featuring lively markets, late-night karaoke shows, shopping malls, countless street shops, restaurants and so much more.

Chinatown is open 365 days a year and here you can find everything, from small specialist stores and Asian grocers to noodle bars and fine dining restaurants (among the best ones are Eating World Cantonese restaurant, Sussex Centre and Dixon House on Dixon Street).

Visit the Market City shopping complex where you can find an Asian supermarket, factory outlets and a large food court, browse for authentic souvenirs at Paddy’s Market and check out the World’s Square with high street shops and restaurants!

The buzzing Dixon Street is a popular venue for Lunar New Year celebrations for the Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Mongolian lunisolar calendars, and everyone is welcome as the celebrations are going on for weeks.

Within a short walking distance from Chinatown, you’ll come across the Chinese Garden of Friendship , a beautiful walled garden filled with waterfalls, ponds, lakes, and exotic plants. Your kids will be entertained for hours in the garden because of the multiple water games, climbing ropes, slides and swings.

Chinatown is located a 10-20-minute drive from Sydney cruise port (from both terminals) each way depending on the traffic. If you decide to walk, it will take you 40 min to 1 hour to get there.

Check out Sydney Chinatown tours and activities

6. Sea Life Sydney Aquarium

Sea Life Sydney Aquarium boasts the world’s largest collection of Australian aquatic life displaying more than 700 species including sharks, dugongs, stingrays, seahorses, penguins, tropical fish and so much more! The Aquarium opened in 1988 and is considered one of Sydney’s premier tourist attractions.

This fascinating Aquarium features 9 interactive themed zones including exhibits Day and Night on the Reef, Penguin Expedition, Shark Valley, Dugong Island, Discovery Rockpool, South Coast Shipwreck, Sydney Harbour and Jurassic Seas. Experience the wonders of the underwater world in this interactive, family-friendly place ideal for people of all ages!

Check out SEA LIFE Aquarium tours and activities

7. Wildlife Sydney Zoo

Located in the Darling Harbour precinct on the western edge of the Central business district, Wild Life Sydney Zoo is the only wildlife park in Sydney. The park features 10 interactive zones where you can discover the “Aussie Big 5” including Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombat, Platypus and Saltwater Crocodile, and get up close with the most endangered creatures in the world including Tasmanian Devils, tiny Quokka and an adorable Numbat.

These zones are Tricky Tongues and Treetops, Devil’s Den, Gumtree Valley, Wallaby Cliffs, Daintree Rainforest, Kangaroo Walkabout, Kakadu Gorge, Platypus Pool, Nightfall, Koala Rooftop.

The largest exhibit is the 800-square-meter (8.600 sq ft) semi-desert habitat of the kangaroo walkabout, featuring 250 tonnes of red sand from central Australia and full-sized bottle trees. This incredible habitat is home to Kangaroo Island kangaroos, echidnas, a quokka and koalas. The wildlife park offers experiences such as breakfast with the koalas, behind-the-scenes guided tours, or private dining.

Explore WILD LIFE Sydney tours and activities

8. Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Australia and a very visited place among tourists. This wide sandy piece of paradise is known as a popular surf spot and features a long waterfront commercial area along Campbell Parade filled with hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. Nearby, there is a weekly open-air market where visitors can browse for clothing, jewelry, crafts, and furniture.

Bondi Beach is located around 10 km/6.2 miles (a 25-30 minute ride) from Sydney cruise port. You can also get there by boat.

Check out Bondi Beach tours and activities

9. Manly Beach 

Located north of Sydney, Manly Beach is the most famous surfing beach in Australia and the place where the first world surfing championship took place in 1964. This beautiful golden sandy beach is surrounded by tall trees and boasts a bustling beachfront packed with eateries, cafes and shops.

Manly Beach is situated around 17 km/10.5 miles from the port of Sydney and it takes approximately 30 minutes’ drive one way to get there. You can get there by ferry as well. Facilities and shopping options are available along the beach.

Explore Manly Beach tours and activities

10. Hunter Valley Wine Tour

Situated north of Sydney, Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s major wine regions, with a wine-making tradition dating back to the early 1800s. This region is home to a large number of wineries, including world-renowned brands and family-run wine cellars, offering vineyard and wine-tasting tours.

One of the most exclusive places is the award-winning Esca Bimbadgen winery , set in the beautiful Australian countryside and known for its outstanding high-class service and exquisite food and wine pairing experience. This VIP experience is absolutely memorable as the whole place is scenic and offers wonderful service, with venues for weddings, honeymoon getaways and high-class dinners.

In most cases, the exploration of Hunter Valley is done by flight. The base of the heliport is located around a 1-hour drive from the dock and the flight itself can be up to 1 hour. The flights are not wheelchair-friendly and there are no facilities available. If you decide to visit Esca Bimbadgen winery by car, the distance from the Sydney port is 165 km/102 miles (a 2-hour drive each way).

Check out Hunter Valley tours and activities

To get the most out of your day in Sydney’s port of call, make sure you plan your day ahead. If your cruise starts/ends in Sydney, it would be great to stay a couple more days to explore the city and the surrounding area as there’s so much to see and do.

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Things to Know About Sydney Cruise Ship Terminals

Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, there are a number of things to consider when visiting the Sydney Cruise Ship Terminals. Some of these things include parking, the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) and the White Bay Cruise Terminal (WBC).

Darling Harbour

Visiting Sydney and enjoying a cruise is a very popular holiday. In fact, demand for cruise vacations in Sydney has grown to 30 percent in the past three years.

You can choose from two cruise ship terminals in Sydney: the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) in Circular Quay or the White Bay Cruise Terminal. Both are situated close to the city center and have direct views of the Sydney Opera House.

Both terminals have a Tourist Refund Scheme desk where you can obtain a refund of your Australian taxes. In addition to that, the port is also home to a number of attractions, including the Sydney Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Sydney.

If you prefer to travel by land, you can take a taxi or hire a private transfer. The Overseas Passenger Terminal is only a short walk from the train station, which provides access to the rest of the city.

If you are a bit more adventurous, you can rent a speedboat. The Harbour Jet is a thrilling ride with 270-degree spins. It’s also a great way to see the city from a different angle.

The cruise ship terminals of Sydney also provide a lot of amenities to passengers. They offer a restaurant, a cafe, a tourist information desk, and security screening. They also have passenger lifts and escalators. The terminal accepts credit cards for shopping in stores. There are also numerous colourful ferries to choose from.

Several other notable sites are located in Darling Harbour. The Australian National Maritime Museum is located on the western side of the harbour. The museum features temporary exhibitions and a replica of Captain James Cook’s Endeavour. It also has a science and design museum.

The IMAX Theater is another one of the many popular attractions. You can also catch a free Saturday night fireworks show. There are multiple kid-friendly attractions and restaurants in Darling Harbour. It’s also a great place to shop for souvenirs and clothes.

While you are in Sydney, it’s a good idea to visit the Rocks, which is a historical neighborhood. You can find museums, shops, and historic buildings here.

White Bay Cruise Terminal

Located in Rozelle, Sydney, White Bay Cruise Terminal is a small port for mid-sized cruise ships. It opened on 15 April 2013. It is located on the northern shore of White Bay. This terminal is designed for smaller P&O cruise ships that can fit under the Harbour Bridge.

The terminal is within walking distance of a number of attractions, including the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Museum of Contemporary Art is also close by. The area is also home to several beaches, including Bondi Beach.

There are a few different modes of transport from the White Bay Cruise Terminal to the Sydney CBD. A taxi is the most expensive option. It costs $82. If you want to travel in a van, the Redy2Go service is the cheapest. A ticket for a taxi+van combination starts at $7. It is also possible to take a bus.

The White Bay Cruise Terminal can be a jumping off point for day trips into the city. There are several tours available to choose from, such as the Rocks, Watsons Bay, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are also guided tours that will take you to the Opera House and Bondi Beach.

There are a number of hotels that are near the White Bay Cruise Terminal. They range in price from $36 to $82. Some of the hotels offer views of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Some have swimming pools and other amenities.

There are also numerous ferry services operating from the White Bay Cruise Terminal. This includes the Sydney Ferries, which operate service every 20 minutes. It is recommended that you check the timetable in advance as the schedule may vary.

There are also public payphones at the terminal. You can also visit the Tourist Refund Scheme desk to get a refund of the taxes you have paid.

Aside from the cruises, the terminal is also a multifunctional event centre. It can host fashion shows and gala dinners. It has 12m ceilings, as well as flexible spaces to accommodate large functions. It can also be used for public parades, exhibitions, and corporate conferences.

Overseas Passenger Terminal

Located just across from the Opera House, the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) is a passenger terminal that handles larger passenger ships. Since 1958, OPT has been serving cruise ship passengers.

OPT is located at Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia. The Port of Sydney is a very popular cruise destination and welcomes more than half a million passengers each year. The port is also the only major passenger terminal east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Overseas Passenger Terminal is a very modern facility. It is located in the city center, near the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Sydney Opera House. The OPT also has a restaurant and tourist information office. The terminal is easy to access by car, train or bus.

The Overseas Passenger terminal has seen a boom in cruise ship passengers over the past decade. Many international cruise liners dock at the OPT, including the largest cruise liner to have visited the port. This vessel is the MS Ovation of the Seas. It has a maximum capacity of 4,905 passengers.

OPT is located near the historic Rocks district. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Sydney and is home to many historical buildings and museums. You can take a tour of the Rocks or spend some time shopping or eating before your cruise.

The Overseas Passenger Cruises Terminal is home to Royal Caribbean, Celebr Cruises and Princess Cruises. The OPT also hosts the Australian based Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. A Backstage Tour is offered to give you a glimpse of the dressing rooms.

The Overseas Passenger Port is just a short walk away from the historic “The Rocks.” This is a popular pre-cruise destination where you can explore the area and find shops and restaurants.

The terminal is located 450 meters from the Circular Quay train station. The ferry station is also within walking distance. You can get on a bus from the terminal to the Circular Quay or catch a train from the station.

The OPT is also located just a short distance from Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport. You can easily reach the airport from the terminal by taking a taxi.

Whether you are looking to take a cruise, or just want to visit one of the many beaches in the area, Sydney has plenty to offer. There are a few different ways to reach the various cruise ship terminals. Some of the best ways are to rent a car or take public transport.

If you are bringing a car, you can park at one of the garages near the dock. This can be a safe and secure option, and most offer swift transfers. However, you will need to check with the facility to make sure they have room for your vehicle. You will need to provide a credit card for payment.

There are several other options for getting to the docks, including taxis and minibuses. These can be very expensive, and may not provide the flexibility you need to make your trip. Some of these may also have long waiting periods.

The quickest way to get to the cruise terminal is by parking at a major transport hub. These often have lower rates than the ferry stations. You can find the lowest rates on the internet. Just be sure to compare prices and find the best deal for your needs.

If you are arriving by air, you can park at the Kingsford Smith Airport. It is located just four minutes from the cruise terminal. You can book a space online or by phone. The rate will vary depending on the service you book.

For those traveling by train, the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay is a convenient location. It is located just opposite the Sydney Opera House. There are also buses and City Ferries.

If you are travelling by boat, you can find a courtesy shuttle bus from the terminal. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are going to use the public transport system, you can take the bus or tram from Circular Quay to White Bay. Taking the tram or bus will also give you access to other areas of Sydney.

If you are travelling by bus, you will be able to find a bus stop a short walk from the terminal. These services are free of charge.

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Cruise ships of all lines dock in Sydney at two locations , each of which can accommodate 1 vessel at a time.

1. Overseas Passenger Terminal - Circular Quay. Mainly for tall ships which cannot fit under the Harbour Bridge. In prime position opposite the Sydney Opera House. This terminal is right in the city.

Public Transport options: Bus number 431 drops you off on George Street outside the OPT precinct Circular Quay train station is located a three minute walk to the OPT building Circular Quay Ferry Station is located a three minute walk to the OPT Building Wynyard Train station is located 783m to the OPT Precinct Taxis available from George Street, in front of the OPT precinct Onsite parking is available via the OPT Wilsons Car Park

From the airport: Purchase a train ticket to Circular Quay at either the Sydney Airport Domestic or International Train Station. Catch the train to Circular Quay. The Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal is a very short walk from the Circular Quay Station, towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge

2. White Bay has been in operation as of 2013, replacing the former Darling harbor location. For guests arriving at the airport, cruise lines offer transfers by coach to the new terminal. P&O charges AU$22 per person each way, as well as post-cruise transfers from the ship to Central Railway Station for AU$15 per person. Public transportation is at the moment an issue here. The terminal is 6km from the city center.

The best options to reach White Bay are taxi, private transfer (eg. limo, shuttle bus) or drive and leave your car at Wilsons long-term car park.

Captain Cook Cruises has installed in 2015 the first Sydney Harbour mobile passenger terminal pontoon, which will allow cruise passengers to take a charter ferry, a 15 minutes ride, from the city to White Bay.

Sydney Airport is 17km (11 miles), around a 30-minute drive from White Bay. Some cruise lines operate their own airport shuttle (contact your travel agent).

In addition to the two berths listed, occasionally cruise ships dock at the naval base at Garden Island, a little to the east of Circular Quay, especially for very large ships.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Printable map to take along.

See where you are docked for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Overseas Passenger Terminal and Port Location on Google Maps

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of White Bay Cruise Terminal and Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Sydney

Sightseeing:

Sydney is a definite stop on just about any cruise that travels Down Under and often serves as a starting or ending point for ships that also travel to New Zealand. It is the largest city in Australia, and while many of the nation's cultural and financial institutions are located in Sydney, the city's real draw is its dramatic natural scenery. Although it is a modern city strongly influenced by British roots and current American popular culture, Sydney's real character is derived from its exotic location and brash beauty. Walking through the glass and concrete downtown, known as the Central Business District, you could be in any other Western-culture metropolis -- until a fluorescent red and green lorikeet parrot swoops overhead or an unexpected flash of the brilliant blue harbor appears between the skyscrapers. Any proper visit to Sydney must begin in the harbor, which is both the birthplace of the city and its current iconic centerpiece. The area is called Circular Quay (pronounced "key" by locals). It is hard to imagine a more picturesque setting for a city's heart than this, with the Opera House and harbor Bridge displayed against the inlet's bright water. Sydney spreads across a massive geographic area, but the majority of its most interesting areas can be found near the ocean coast, in the area known as the Eastern suburbs. Oxford Street, the main thoroughfare running east from downtown to the ocean beaches, hosts Sydney's famous gay and lesbian Mardi Gras parade each February and is popular because of its upscale shops and cafes during the rest of the year. Sydney is a well-balanced blend of a big city lifestyle and the laid-back Australian mentality. Although Aussies who hail from other towns often disparage Sydney for its flashiness and hectic pace, urban inconveniences seem minor here compared to places like New York and London. Tourism is a huge industry around Sydney, and locals are accustomed and happy to providing visitors with service, helpful directions and a rousing welcome to the stunning city that they call

Tours Excursions Transportation:

Sydney Explorer Hop-on Hop-off harbor Cruise

Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Take a tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House . There are a handful of varieties (backstage, historic and what is called the "tour de force" for travelers with special interests in architecture, engineering or the arts). Guided tours are conducted between 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Of course, schedule permitting, travelers can also take in a show. The best way to see the harbor is to get a bird's eye view from the top of the harbor Bridge on a Sydney harbor Bridge Climb -- not your ordinary stroll across a bridge and not just for the young and crazy. The 3.5-hour trek up and down the famous landmark is safe, slow and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels; you'll don a bridge suit and wear a bridge harness along the ladder-like stairways and narrow catwalks. The climbs are guided tours and are offered during the day as well as at night. There are lots of rules and regulations, including: no kids under 10 (and children aged 10 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult), no women more than 24 weeks pregnant, climbers must wear rubber soled shoes, and all climbers must pass a breath-test (for a blood alcohol limit of less than .05 percent). From the bridge, visitors can walk around the inlet to tour the always-crowded Opera House. It is easy to continue from there through the Royal Botanical Gardens, a collection of flowers and trees overlooking the water, where it is possible to see some of Australia's unique flora without having to leave the city. Mass transit options abound from Circular Quay. Trains (there's a stop across from the terminal) are easily accessed.

Darling Harbour is reachable within a 35-minute (2.6 km/1.6 miles) walking distance from the dock at Circular Quay, or 10-20 minutes driving, depending on the traffic. From the White Bay terminal, it takes only a 5-10 minutes drive to get to Darling Harbour. This waterfront destination is home to some of Sydney's major attractions including Wildlife Sydney Zoo , Sea Life Sydney Aquarium , Madame Tussauds wax museum, Australian National Maritime Museum , Pyrmont Bridge, and others.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

Options in Sydney include central areas like Pitt Street Mall, downtown and Castlereagh Street (from Hunter Street to Goulburn Street) for chi-chi designer stores. Also include the aforementioned Rocks and Darling harbor, Oxford Street and Five Ways in Paddington. Sydney also has an excellent collection of weekend outdoor markets. Glebe holds its version every Saturday, while Bondi hosts a market each Sunday.

Australian Dollar

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Communication:

Opening hours and holidays:.

Shops and services are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening - usually until 9pm - and all day on Saturday. Shopping malls are often open on Sundays as well.

In remote country areas, roadhouses provide all the essential services for the traveler and, on the major highways, are generally open 24 hours a day. In tourist areas, even ones well off the beaten track, tourist offices are often open every day or at least through the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers are more likely to conform to normal shopping hours.

Tourist attractions such as museums, galleries and attended historic monuments, are often open daily, though those in rural communities may have erratic opening hours.

Holidays in Australia

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Heritage Harbour Cruise

Climb aboard the heritage MV Harman for a unique one hour cruise on Sydney Harbour.

Discover parts of the harbour inaccessible by ferries as you’re taken deep into bays and coves.

Enjoy one of two specially designed cruises – the Mystery Bays Highlights Tour (morning) and the Westside Stories Highlights Tour (afternoon).

$10 per person 

Note  - Children must be at least 90cm tall to board the vessel.

For more information and tickets

Departs 10.30am, 11.45am and 1.45pm, Saturday and Sunday

2 Murray Street Darling Harbour

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• Australia & New Zealand

Darling Harbour cruise terminal

By Kinkacruiser , March 29, 2007 in Australia & New Zealand

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Kinkacruiser

Hello fellow cruisers,

A question for those familiar with the Darling Harbour area. Our cruise departs from wharf 8. I have a map of the area but it's hard to tell whether one could walk directly to the terminal via the wharves or is the only access via Sussex St?

There appears to be a lot of exciting attractions around the area, so I'm happy we have some time there before and after the cruise.

Thanks for your help.

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qld cruiser

Hello fellow cruisers, A question for those familiar with the Darling Harbour area. Our cruise departs from wharf 8. I have a map of the area but it's hard to tell whether one could walk directly to the terminal via the wharves or is the only access via Sussex St? There appears to be a lot of exciting attractions around the area, so I'm happy we have some time there before and after the cruise. Thanks for your help. Cheers, Kinkacruiser

Hi Kinka, I would love to keep in contact. We have had our cruise on Sapphire Princess.(lovely), now I have 2 on the Pacific Sun .one on May 10th and another June 17th.

my e-mail address is [email protected] .

we used to be able to walk along the area to the eateries etc,

whether you can now I don't know because of the work going on.

the last couple of cruises we have been on ,was hard for the buses and taxis. with the only one access point into the terminal.

let's hope that is finished .

kind regards, Lorraine:) :)

I havn't been to the overseas passenger terminal there but its very very close to Darling Harbour

I am pretty sure its fenced off at the end of Darling Harbour so come out of the terminal and hang a right. walk a little way down and look out for Shelly Street (a little U shaped street) there are steps down to the beginning of Darling Harbour/Resteraunt stretch. A lil tip, King st Wharf and Cockle Bay resteraunts are more expensive dining area. the other side (Harbour Side I think its called) is cheaper dining. There is heaps to do within a short walk.

My favorites were the Chinese Gardens, Maritime Museum, the aquarium Pyrmont Bridge when the bridge swings out.

I think the monorail was about $3AU when I was there and well worth a ride.

Just 1 block over from the Chinese Gardens is China Town and another block over is George Street (the citys main street). both well worth a wander around. Paddys Market is not far away either.

Sorry im not a local but I hope that helps a bit

cruisawayqueen

We cruised out of this area on Pacific Princess a year ago. While it looks like it is close it is difficult to access from Darling Harbour. However you can walk to the Rocks which is an historic district. This area has the Harbour Bridge and access to the harbour.

The taxi's of Sydney are plentiful so getting around is great. You can do two things. Stay at Darling Harbour for a few days, there is a mono rail which links this area to central Sydney. or stay down in the Rocks, there are some very nice hotels in that area.

Hope this helps

Thanks Peta and mpps. I found the steps on a map I downloaded.They are behind the aquarium and lead to the entrance of Wharf 8.

Cheers, Kinkacruiser

Kiwi Kruzer

This may help as well.Looked back and found a capture from Suns bridge cam.

Thats Kings Wharf in front of the ship and the view is looking up into Darling Harbour.

Thanks Kiwi Kruzer for that shot. It is certainly helpful.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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