5 Reasons to Do a Cruise around Sydney Harbour
Quick answer: A cruise around Sydney Harbour lets you watch whales, get married against the Opera House, escape the city’s pace, learn about local history and enjoy a meal on the water. It is one of the best ways to see Sydney from a different perspective.
Modern life is hectic, and amid all the hustle and bustle we often forget to stop and enjoy our surroundings. In a metropolis like Sydney there is so much to see and do that kicking back and relaxing can seem counterintuitive, yet it is one of the best things you could do. Here are our top reasons to experience Sydney Harbour from a different perspective.
1. Watch the Whales
Whales might not be your first thought when Sydney comes to mind, but spotting them in Sydney Harbour is not a rare occurrence. May to November is prime whale-watching season, as it coincides with their migrations.
There are almost 40 vantage points in and around Sydney from which to spot these magnificent sea mammals, and some tours start out in Sydney Harbour. Few sights are as spectacular as a humpback breaching the clear blue water.
- Most common: humpback whales.
- Occasional visitors: pilot whales and orcas.
- Bonus: you are very likely to spot dolphins too.
2. Get Married on the Water
If the ocean fascinates you but a beach wedding seems a bit messy and casual with all that sand, why not get married on a boat? Wedding cruises are understandably very popular in Sydney.
It’s hard to imagine a more romantic and stunning backdrop than the Sydney Opera House. Not only will the wedding have an amazing atmosphere, you will also have evocative photos to cherish for the rest of your life.
3. Take a Moment to Breathe
The dazzling water of the Harbour offers a welcome respite from the breakneck tempo of city life, and a cruise is the perfect break. Savor the landmarks from a different viewpoint:
- The Sydney Harbour Bridge
- The Opera House
- Circular Quay, and more
The natural beauty of the landscape is on full display in a way you just can’t get from the shore. Time your cruise well and you can capture one of the stunning sunsets Sydney is known for.
4. Learn About Local History on a Sydney Harbour Cruise
Sydney is a city with a fascinating history, and a cruise is a uniquely fun and convenient way to explore it. Hop on a cruise to visit the islands in the Harbour.
| Stop | What to learn about |
|---|---|
| Garden Island | Naval history |
| Cockatoo Island | The city’s convict roots and former convict facilities |
| Parramatta | Old colonial buildings from the city’s earliest period |
Heritage cruises are the best way to find out about Aboriginal culture and traditions.
5. Enjoy a Unique Culinary Experience
In recent years Sydney has grown steadily into a foodie heaven. The vibrant restaurant scene has everything, from hole-in-the-wall places where locals grab incredible fast food to exquisite fine dining in restaurants helmed by renowned chefs. In today’s Sydney you would be hard-pressed to find a bad meal.
Plenty of cruises offer excellent lunches and dinners. If you’re more in a party mood, grab a few cocktails on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for whale watching in Sydney Harbour?
May to November, when the whales migrate. Humpbacks are the most common, with pilot whales and orcas seen occasionally.
Can you get married on a Sydney Harbour cruise?
Yes. Wedding cruises are very popular in Sydney, with the Opera House as a backdrop.
Which Harbour islands are good for history?
Garden Island for naval history and Cockatoo Island for the city’s convict past.
Do Sydney Harbour cruises include meals?
Plenty of cruises offer lunch and dinner, and some are more about cocktails on the water.
Conclusion
Sydney Harbour cruises are a wonderful way to get to know a different side of the city. Life on the water is something you rarely get to see, but it is just as integral to Sydney as the buildings back on the shore.
Author’s Bio
Roxana is a Sydney-based travel enthusiast with a passion for writing. She loves fashion and has an eye for anything visually appealing. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs, and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. You can find her articles on HighStyleLife
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Getting married on the water sounds really cool!