Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Secluded beaches, quiet coves and soaring headlands predominate this harbor, which is considered one of the world's most beautiful.
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Top ways to experience Sydney Harbour
The area
How to get there
- Circular Quay • 6 min walk
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Restaurants
5,178 within 3 miles
Attractions
832 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- PamGolden Valley, Minnesota38 contributionsWorth every penny.It was a great tour. Great tour guide. So thankful it was a covered vehicle since it was raining. The only thing is that the crew prepared a meal for the next set of customers which smelled SO good it made me hungry. Minor issue. Nice overview of the harbor. Definitely worth the price.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 4, 2023
- Smita SinghSingapore, Singapore6 contributionsjust wowMind Blowing spectacular and magical maritime museum that shares stories of the sea. Visited Darling Harbour to explore tall ships and beautiful boats, diving under the sea on a submarine, discover contemporary exhibitions and enjoy creative family activities. Duration: 2-3 hoursVisited April 2023Traveled soloWritten December 18, 2023
- leuveenUnited Kingdom1,302 contributionsA beautiful spotA beautiful spot full of interesting things to do. You can either walk around, admire the architecture (or the bridge!), take photos of the top attractions, visit one of the many pubs and restaurants or just sit down and take a break.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 24, 2024
- MathisSydney, Australia11 contributionsFamily fun at the HarbourA nice view and lively atmosphere, perfect for a weekend getaway with the family. From waterfront dining to interactive museums and entertainment venues, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the vibrant atmosphere and attractions for a memorable family weekend at Darling Harbour.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 27, 2024
- ilovkpop76 contributionsIconic viewsWent to view the Harbour bridge and Sydney opera House. Weather wasn't ideal, but couldn't be helped. Naturally, a very busy area , with lots of visitors and camera phones. The views are well worth it though.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 3, 2024
- need2trvlMiamisburg, Ohio845 contributionsBucket List Checked off!There are so many places and ways to enjoy Sydney Harbor. We enjoyed it by car, cruise ship, ferry, and walking different times of day and vantage points. We really enjoyed the area and park under the Harbor Bridge for a great view of the Opera House (especially at night). Walking along all the Pier by the Pier One Hotel was great early morning or night. Ferry you can see Cockatoo Island, UNESco Convict site. Loved watching people climb the Harbor Bridge. Another great location is by the Opera House. Enjoy!Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 5, 2024
- Di PSunshine Coast, Australia21 contributionsSydney Beautiful One Day & Even Better on the HarbourSydney Harbour is certainly one of the wonders of the world. So easy to get around on ferries. Beautiful views. The ferry system is very easy to navigate with signage. Easy to tap on & off with your Opal Card.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 8, 2024
- jbushman2017Nipomo, California519 contributionsPublic Ferry’s are Best way to ride around the HarborSydney harbor offers some of the best sights and views of any harbor in the world. With Opera House, the bridge and the different ferry destinations you can spend a day riding around on them. If our are a tourist that wants to ride on the ferries around the harbor you can book a private ferry boat. The easiest way, however to ride around on the harbor is to take her public ferries. You get on an off of them with a simple credit card so do not need to buy tickets in advance. Secondly, on weekends the ferries have a cap of $10 dollars, so if you use a credit card to ride the ferries, after the card has been charged $10 it will not charge you again, and all the rides you do the rest of the day will be free included the trams and buses.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 9, 2024
- Ethan MNew York City, New York10 contributionsDefinitely worth visiting on your Sydney trip. Worth the hype.Busy area with a lot of tourists around. It's one of the must visit places in Sydney. Advised to visit during early hours to avoid the crowd and get better pictures. The views are beautiful and worth the hype. 5 stars from me. Highly recommended.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 13, 2024
- Naomi CAustralia2 contributionsIconic spot to take photoWe took photos on the side of the Gardens that is on the way to the Mrs. macquaries's Chair. That was an ideal spot! But you can also do the other side as it is less crowded there. Anyway this spot is iconic for a Sydney trip so don't miss it.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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21,977 reviews
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MikeinRaleigh
Raleigh, NC85 contributions
Feb 2020
We strongly recommend any visitors try to stay within walking distance of the harbour. It is an action-packed location, offering places to eat, shop, and just absorb some of the best Sydney has to offer. With ferries and ships on the move constantly, you won't be bored.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CathyGri
Newark-on-Trent, UK281 contributions
Feb 2020
Lots of bars shops and restaurants on the quayside. Would recommend buying a two day harbour pass to use the boats and the Manly fast ferry. We had one full day were we sailed to the various stopping points and explored. A harbour pass works out more economical than purchasing individual tickets.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,166 contributions
Dec 2021
You can’t leave Australia without spending some time around or on Sydney Harbour. Even if you have very limited time in Sydney, I’d recommend taking at least one ferry trip. There are several ferry routes but the most top 3 are probably from Circular Quay to either Manly, Taronga Zoo or Watsons Bay. Any of these makes an excellent day trip.
Whichever destination you choose, crossing the harbour by ferry is an experience in itself. It’s a very different view of the city that you probably can’t get any other way.
The Manly Ferry is probably the most popular and ticks all the boxes in terms of seeing the main harbour sights.
Preferably, get a seat outside at the front of the ferry for the best views.
In the 30 minute trip, you will see the Harbour Bridge up-close, pass right by the front of the Opera House and pass Fort Denison as well as ’the Heads’ that make up the wide entrance into the harbour (Quarantine Head, North Head, South Head, Middle Head, Bradleys Head, Georges Head).
TIP: Using a pre-loaded Opal Travel Card is the best way to use the ferries (and can be used on other public transport).
Whichever destination you choose, crossing the harbour by ferry is an experience in itself. It’s a very different view of the city that you probably can’t get any other way.
The Manly Ferry is probably the most popular and ticks all the boxes in terms of seeing the main harbour sights.
Preferably, get a seat outside at the front of the ferry for the best views.
In the 30 minute trip, you will see the Harbour Bridge up-close, pass right by the front of the Opera House and pass Fort Denison as well as ’the Heads’ that make up the wide entrance into the harbour (Quarantine Head, North Head, South Head, Middle Head, Bradleys Head, Georges Head).
TIP: Using a pre-loaded Opal Travel Card is the best way to use the ferries (and can be used on other public transport).
Written February 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nocatnow
Melbourne, Australia797 contributions
Mar 2020
Sydeny's magnificent harbour is incomparable. Its beauty is well appreciated by the locals and tourists from all over the world. To use a ferry to take you to Manly, Watsons Bay or Paramatta is a great, cheap, way to spend time.
Away from the harbour, Sydney is just another city. In essence, Sydney Harbour is Sydney!
Away from the harbour, Sydney is just another city. In essence, Sydney Harbour is Sydney!
Written April 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanioften
Boston, MA64 contributions
Jan 2020
Sydney’s many inlets add up to miles and miles of coastline, each nook with its own character and delights to explore. From Darling Harbour to Circular Quay to Bondi Beach and the Toranga Zoo, it would take weeks if not months to explore every fun location. Start at the Sydney Opera House and go on from there, getting an Opal Card and taking advantage of the city’s fleet of ferries to get around. You’ll be exhausted before you run out of fun!
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy R
Shellharbour, Australia53 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
One of the most beautiful and one of the busiest harbours!!! Spectacular scenery, take a ferry across it, walk around it...whatever you choose you won't be disappointed. Amazing restaurants, theme park, bars, picnic areas and a bustling city surround it, only problem is choosing what to do!!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Champsellysse
72 contributions
Aug 2020
Absolutely glorious and as spectacular as you see on the postcards! Sydney is a booming city with so much excitement providing memorable experiences from the immense shopping precincts: Westfield centres in all major cities, the splendor of the beaches from the infamous Bondi to the northern beaches and to southern NSW Jervis Bay. Sydney never fails to amaze visitors and guests with activities to delight all your senses from Whale Watching with 'Oz Whale Watching', Sydney Bridge Climb, Blue Mountain Tours, River Cat Cruises or Captain Cook Cruises to name a few. Accommodation is wonderfully hospitable with the likes of the luxurious and prestigious Shangri-La Hotel overlooking the new Barangaroo precinct, Sydney Harbour with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, delectable food & beverage menu, sensational facilities and outstanding service.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rarri22
Long Beach, NY14 contributions
Jan 2020
Really fun place make sure you have two days to see the full Harbor, Stayed in Sydney for five days spent two days walking around the harbor taking a look at the bridge in the opera house, I would tell you that one of the best things to do is walk through the botanical gardens. I also was able to watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve 2019 into 2020 at the opera bar which was an amazing experience and well worth the 500 Australian dollars. What I would say is is that the other harbors and peninsulas have so many small hidden gems of restaurants that you really need to spend a few days walking around and enjoying.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert R
Fairfax, VA854 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a must see place in Sydney. The best way is to take a long cruise that includes a narrator. Did this in my first visit a few years and ago and very limited narration on my current cruise. The prices on some of the visible homes is mind blowing. Another suggestion is to go on a cruise that allows you to get off on a particular stop for a while and then hop back on.
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel.Stories.People
Woodinville, WA318 contributions
Jan 2020
We stopped by the Sydney Harbor in the evening. It is a great way to spend the evening as the structure is beautiful to look at, and it is fascinating to see how they made it with tiles. Wish we had tickets to see a show. Next time!
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Accomodation with veiws of Sydney opera house
Written March 19, 2019
Sorry, I cannot help you with that one. Try the local tourist office.
Written March 22, 2019
I see on the terms and conditions you can queue up at 9am.. is it necessary to get there early? Do you think its possible to find a spot to eat and drink, then head over around 11pm for the fireworks?
Written November 12, 2018
Yes the earlier the better to find a spot and reserve it
Written May 11, 2019
We're coming over for 3 weeks. We have a lot to pack in but have 2 days in Sydney. I want to get in a harbour cruise as it's the best way to see the harbour I'm told. Do we need to book it before we come or are the queues fast moving? Don't want to queue half a day to get tickets as I don't want to miss any other things. What do people recommend? -and what else should we see apart from the opera house, harbour cruise... giving harbour bridge walk a miss doe to vertigo. But is there anything I'm missing? Thank you :)
Written November 20, 2017
You can get on cruises pretty quickly as there are a fair few operating with some having shows etc
We have been a few times and easy to get on might wait for 30 min to hour.
The ferry is also another way of seeing lots of the harbour as can stop at various points for photos and is very inexpensive. We were surprised how much we saw on the ferry’s.
There is lots to do zoo, museums, restaurants, live shows, underwater world, Luna park for kids, casino you will be able to get lots of information from circular quay or darling harbour.
There are lots of short trips on buses and trains and if you search what’s on in Sydney will give you lots of options for sight seeing or thrill seeking depending what your into.
Hope this helps
Regards
Written November 20, 2017
Where is the best spot to view Sydney opera house and Sydney Harbour Bridge? is it from Mrs Macquarie's chair?
night or day is better?
Written November 2, 2017
For the opera house and bridge photos, Take the Pyrmont Ferry. You get good views of the opera house from the water. You actually go under the bridge, and get the iconic view of the opera house below the bridge at two of the stops before Darling Harbour.
For passing shots of the opera house and long shots with both the opera house and bridge take the Manly ferry (this trip will also provide you iconic shots of the harbour, Sydney heads).
Written October 18, 2018
Where is the cruise port located ?
Written October 20, 2017
There are 3 wards for international cruise ships that I know of being Circular Quay, Darling Harbour & Garden Island. If it's a local cruise you are looking for then Circular Quay is where most of the Ferries & Cruises leave from.
Written October 20, 2017
transportasi apa jika ke opera house dan berapa biayanya
Written September 3, 2017
Hay que reservar para subir al puente? Cuanto cuesta? Existe algún requisito para poder hacerlo? Gracias!!!!
Written September 2, 2017
Yes, you have to book in advance! It is quite expensive, about 300 AUS$. More details here bridgeclimb com
Please check my review, I also listed other options for a cheaper great view.
Written September 3, 2017
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