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Sydney Harbour Cruise Hop-on Hop-off Tours
Routes
FREQUENCY60 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERShip
TimelineMap
1
Circular Quay Wharf 6
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2 attractions
2
Taronga Zoo Wharf
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1 attractions
3
Shark Island Wharf
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1 attractions
4
Clifton Gardens Wharf
5
Watsons Bay
6
Manly, Wharf 3
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1 attractions
- Best for travelers who want the freedom to explore Sydney’s top attractions, like Taronga Zoo, Manly, and Shark Island, at their own pace.
- Book this if you want a hassle-free, flexible way to see the best of Sydney Harbour, with multiple stops so you can hop on and off as you please.
- What’s unique: This Captain Cook cruise gives you access to waterfront destinations without being locked into a set schedule with a 1 or 2-day pass.
- Icing on the cake: Opt for a combo pass with Taronga Zoo entry, allowing you to cruise to the zoo and see Sydney’s wildlife, with one package.
- Best for travelers who want the freedom to explore Sydney’s top attractions, like Taronga Zoo, Manly, and Shark Island, at their own pace.
- Book this if you want a hassle-free, flexible way to see the best of Sydney Harbour, with multiple stops so you can hop on and off as you please.
- What’s unique: This Captain Cook cruise gives you access to waterfront destinations without being locked into a set schedule with a 1 or 2-day pass.
- Icing on the cake: Opt for a combo pass with Taronga Zoo entry, allowing you to cruise to the zoo and see Sydney’s wildlife, with one package.
Inclusions
- 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off unlimited cruise (based on option selected)
- Access to 2 routes (Mon to Fri & Sat to Sun with public holidays)
- Access to indoor and outdoor decks
- Smartphone commentary in English, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese & Hindi
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
- Entry to Taronga Zoo (based on option selected)
- Return ferry trip from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour (based on option selected)
Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points, and here for the timetable.
You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Mon to Fri
- First cruise: 7:35am from Circular Quay - Wharf 6
- Last cruise: 6:40pm from Circular Quay - Wharf 6
- Frequency: approx every 60 mins
- Popular stops: Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Darling Harbour
Sat, Sun & public holidays
- First cruise: 9:35am from Darling Harbour - King St Wharf 1
- Last cruise: 5:05pm from Darling Harbour - King St Wharf 1
- Frequency: approx every 30-60 mins
- Popular stops: Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay
- Keep in mind smoking is not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
- The entry decks are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome onboard.
- Pets are allowed on board provided they are restrained in a suitable box, basket, or another container at all times whilst onboard.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.5
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Guests from United Kingdom, United States, Germany and over 6 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Melanie
Jul 2025Verified booking
Dirk
Jan 2025Verified booking
esra
Jan 2025Verified booking
Roy
Oct 2024Verified booking
I recently did the Sydney Harbour Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise with a visit to Taronga Zoo, and despite some rain, it was an enjoyable and memorable experience. The cruise itself was a fantastic way to explore Sydney’s iconic harbor, offering beautiful views of landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The flexibility of the hop-on, hop-off system allowed us to explore at our own pace, and it was convenient to stop at different locations along the harbor. Unfortunately, the weather was a bit rainy during the day, which limited the time we could spend outside on the boat. But even with the rain, the views from inside were still spectacular. Taronga Zoo was the highlight of the trip, especially getting to see Australia’s unique wildlife. The zoo is beautifully designed, with incredible views of the harbor as a backdrop. Overall, while the rain put a slight damper on the experience, the hop-on hop-off cruise and visit to Taronga Zoo were still fantastic. It’s a perfect way to see Sydney’s famous harbor and spend time with nature at the zoo. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Sydney.
Huyen-Chau
Nov 2024Verified booking
The cruise schedule was not provided until we exchanged our tickets at the dock, so we didn't know that the cruise only had 2 scheduled time for 1 of the hop locations early in the morning. We didn't go early and so we were not able to stop at that location.
Blythe
Oct 2024Verified booking
Loved all of it. Great experience, wonderful guide, well organised and just lots of fun. The highlight of our trip to Sydney.
Melanie
Aug 2024Verified booking
booked at last minute on a sunny winter day - I visited Manly Beach and Watson's Bay - lots of room on board and all sailings were on time - a great way to see the harbour. Visiting from Scotland!
Clinton
Nov 2024Verified booking
The helpful and efficient service
Amy
Nov 2024Verified booking
Vivian
Nov 2024Verified booking
Angeline
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Aug 2024Verified booking
Bernd
Nov 2023Verified booking
Once sorted out it was excellent. Enjoyed it all and got where we wanted to go with a tour also. The difficulty was it told us to go to one pier on Sat-Sun but it was wrong! Fortunately the agent saw us and quickly fixed it.
Sue
Oct 2023Verified booking
Was great experience easy to follow getting on and off. We had overseas visitors with us and it gave them a great experience of the harbour. We had a great time. All the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Michelle
Aug 2023Verified booking
Very easy online booking & in person ticket pick up experience. Staff were friendly, helpful, & efficient. Ferry ride was super fun especially bouncing on the waves. Great way to see different Harbour towns. Taronga is a top zoo too 😊
Lynette
Oct 2022Verified booking
Great experience but the wrong pickup point was given to me on ticket. Stated that Pier 26 Darling Harbour was pick up but that was entirely wrong. Otherwise our day was great.
Zlatko
Mar 2024Verified booking
The boat kept the times, everything went smoothly, Fantastic views from the boat.
RAHUL
Jan 2024Verified booking
Its good we was enjoyed our cruise trip, i will recommendation
Donata
Oct 2023Verified booking
Ticked all the boxes for our experience lovely cruize on harbour views staff very good.
Yan
May 2023Verified booking
Easy to be on board. And very friendly staffs! I like it!
Hélène
Jan 2020Verified booking
Its reliable
Marija
Jan 2020Verified booking
Must-visit place! Definitely recommend Headout for booking
Carly
Jan 2020Verified booking
Fast service
Cristian
Jan 2020Verified booking
Very clear communication from the point of purchase to the pick-up.
Why choose Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off cruise?
All aboard for Sydney’s best sights
Forget traffic jams and bus stops as this tour gives you access to Sydney’s most scenic waterfront locations. Stop at Circular Quay, Shark Island, and Watsons Bay – all right at the dock – no uphill hikes or long walks, just step off the boat, and you’re there.
Extra perks? Yes, please!
Don’t make it just a ride; make it a package deal. Opt for Taronga Zoo entry tickets, wave at the giraffes, chill with koalas, and still have time to catch the next boat. Also, the zoo has its own stop, so how’s that for convenience?
Views that’ll ruin you forever
Sydney’s skyline from the water? Chef’s kiss. Drift past the Opera House, glide under the Harbour Bridge, and catch Shark Island looking all kinds of pretty. Bus windows? Please. This is front-row seating to Sydney’s best.
Big on adventure, light on the wallet
Why blow your budget on taxis and ferries when this pass gives you unlimited rides at a fraction of the cost? And it’s way more fun than squeezing into public transport with a backpack and a sweaty stranger.
Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off cruise routes, stops, and maps
Hop-on hop-off cruise route
The Captain Cook Cruise Sydney route is a win for families, couples, and anyone chasing Sydney’s iconic landmarks. Start at Circular Quay or Darling Harbour for Opera House selfies and Royal Botanic Garden strolls. Swing by Taronga Zoo to meet the locals – yes, koalas count – then hit Watsons Bay for the city’s famed fish and chips with a million-dollar view. Sun, sand, and serious chill vibes await on the Sydney boat tour route.
Overview:
Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
- First stop: Circular Quay Wharf 6
- Timings: 7:35am to 6:45pm
- Frequency: Every 60 minutes
- Number of stops: 6
Weekends (Saturday, Sunday & Public holidays)
- First stop: Darling Harbour - King St Wharf 1
- Timings: 9:35am to 5:05pm
- Frequency: Every 30 to 60 minutes
- Number of stops: 6
Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off cruise: Recommended itineraries
Sydney in 1 day
Sydney in 2 days
The 1-day Captain Cook Cruise Sydney tour makes it easy to hit the city's highlights without the stress. From iconic landmarks to waterfront dining, here’s how to make the most of Sydney in a single day.
- Kick off your day at Circular Quay with a coffee and epic views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Snap those postcard-perfect pics before heading to your next stop.
- Head to Taronga Zoo Wharf and hop off for a wildlife adventure. Get up close with kangaroos, koalas, and giraffes, all while soaking in stunning harbour views.
- Jump back and cruise to Watsons Bay for fish and chips at Doyle’s, a Sydney institution. End your day in Manly with a beach stroll or a quick surf session. The sunset over the ocean? Chef’s kiss.
Two days in Sydney? Now you’re talking. Cover everything from wildlife encounters to beachside bites and picture-perfect views at your own pace on the Sydney boat tour.
Day 1
- Kick off the day at Circular Quay with a coffee and unbeatable views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Walk over to the Museum of Contemporary Art for a quick dose of culture.
- Stop at Taronga Zoo Wharf and meet Sydney’s wildest locals, from curious kangaroos to sleepy koalas. The cable car ride over the zoo offers Insta-worthy harbour views.
- Grab a table at Dunbar House for a relaxed lunch with stunning harbour views. The avocado toast and fresh salads are top-notch.
- Stop at Shark Island Wharf for some sun and sea! This tiny island offers postcard-perfect views and calm waters for a quick dip or a lazy sunbathing.
- Finish strong at Manly with a swim at Manly Beach or take a coastal walk to Shelly Beach.
Day 2
- Start at Clifton Gardens Wharf and begin your day with a swim at the beach or a walk along the scenic foreshore. The calm waters are perfect for a relaxed morning.
- Hop off at Shark Island Wharf and enjoy panoramic harbour views and a quiet beach. It’s a perfect spot for sunbathing and snapping photos.
- Hop off at the Watsons Bay Wharf and walk to Hornby Lighthouse for incredible cliffside views. Keep an eye out for dolphins.
- Stop at Taronga Zoo Wharf, but skip the animals this time and head straight for the Sky Safari cable car for sweeping views over the harbour.
- Wrap up with a twilight cruise back to Circular Quay. Watching the Opera House glow at night? The perfect Sydney send-off.
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off cruise
How long does the hop-on hop-off Sydney cruise take?
A full loop of the hop-on hop-off cruise takes about 90 minutes without getting off. You can hop on and off at any stop throughout the day.
What are the operating hours?
The cruises generally operate between 9am and 5pm. Specific times may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
Where can I board the cruise?
Major hop-on hop-off Sydney cruise boarding points include Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. Your ticket will list the available stops and boarding instructions.
What’s included in the Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off cruise ticket price?
Tickets include unlimited hop-on, hop-off access for the day, live commentary, and access to all major stops on the route.
Are there combo tickets with other Sydney attractions?
Yes, you can purchase combo tickets that include access to attractions like Taronga Zoo.