Sydney Tours
Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour
4

Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour

By Captain Cook Cruises
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A cruise around Sydney Harbour is a quintessential experience for visitors to Sydney. With this tour, see Sydney’s skyline at its most magical during an evening cruise and admire illuminated landmarks such as Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. While many cruises offer a buffet dinner menu, this cruise includes a 4-course sit-down dinner, so you can dine in style as you cruise around the city.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket

Highlights
  • Stunning views of Sydney’s illuminations from the water
  • Choice of seating: upgrade for a guaranteed window seat
  • Live music on-board on Saturdays and Sundays
  • Gourmet 4-course dinner with seafood and vegetarian options

  • 4-course a la carte dinner, including canapés
  • Upper Deck seating
  • Live music Saturday's & Sunday's
What's not included
  • Drinks (available to purchase onboard)


Start:
  • Captain Cook Cruises - King Street Wharf, King St Wharf 1, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
    Cruise departs Darling Harbour King St Wharf 1. Please check-in at the ticket office opposite Wharf 1 at least 20 minutes prior to departure.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infant seats available
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3378DINNER

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Dress code is smart casual
    • Seating on upper decks is via stairs only (no elevator) - please request accessibility information before booking if required.
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking and we will aim to accomodate
    • By selecting the child fare, a Children's menu applies. Children 4-15 can receive the adult menu by booking an adult fare
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 3378DINNER

    From
    AU$145.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Captain Cook Cruises
      3,010
      Australia
      Joined in December 2019
    • robynt939
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Zoo family day
      Went with family had a great day caught ferry from circular quay an got the bus to zoo from ferry and caught ferry back to circular quay at end of day
      Written 4 February 2025
    • hatglasses
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Disappointment. I tried calling and the numbers did not work. ....
      We missed the whole thing. The date was not changed and I made the reservation for Feb. 1, 2025. Unfortunately, we did not even arrive in Australia until Feb. 7
      Written 3 February 2025
    • Quest26294065247
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A wonderful way to celebrate Australia Day
      A wonderful way to celebrate Australia Day. Excellent food and service while cruising beautiful Sydney Harbour. Exciting and gratifying to see so many thousands of people enjoying our national day. Well done Captain Cook Cruises.
      Written 3 February 2025
    • wmarquis
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Definitely worth the money, especially for the two day trip.
      The tour was exactly as I had expected. It was very convenient, especially the two day tour, to visit the places I had always wanted to see. Very comfortable very enjoyable.
      Written 30 January 2025
    • jacquelineeT9328WX
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Australia Day 2025 Lunchtime cruise
      We cruised on Australia Day , what an amazing experience . Food, drink , service and itinerary was outstanding . Would highly recommend .
      Written 28 January 2025
    • winecouchon
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Capt Cooks ferry
      They were excellent. Always timely and attentive. Ferry was clean. Great way to get around lots quicker than the bus for some spots
      Written 25 January 2025
    • BostonTraveler79
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Phenomenal experience in Sydney
      We really enjoyed this dinner cruise. Other reviewers are correct that, at least during the height of summer, the cruise finishes before sunset—so you don't see the sunset from the boat, but at least you're dropped off in central Sydney and can get some very nice sunset views anyhow. We upgraded our ticket for premium food and a guaranteed window seat. The price wasn't that much more than the standard ticket so we felt this was worth it. The food was excellent and our server was very nice. She kept apologizing because I think she knew the boat was understaffed. Be prepared that you can't really just order a drink anytime you want it - you need to be ready with your order when your server comes to your table, because if you don't get it then, she may not be back for another 45 minutes. Not her fault, and she definitely did the best she could to provide good service to all of her assigned tables. One thing to note is that in between dinner courses, you can leave your table and go up on deck to admire the views without the obstructions of the window frame. We definitely recommend doing this!
      Written 25 January 2025
    • alvam2025
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing!
      Fantastic tour of Sydney! Stunning views of the Harbor Bridge and Opera House. The guide was engaging, and the boat ride was relaxing. Highly recommend!
      Written 18 January 2025
    • Budadeb
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A wonderfully delicious and memorable evening dinner cruise!
      This was one of the loveliest evening dinner cruise experiences we have ever had. The food was absolutely delicious as were the wine pairings and the scenery and photo opportunities were wonderful as was the staff service. All in all I would highly recommend this dinner cruise!!
      Written 18 January 2025
    • markl796
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous dining on the Sydney Harbour
      The cruise of Sydney Harbour was only outdone by the dinner itself! Unfortunately it was overcast/rainy most of the day, so the sunset happened behind the clouds, but still well worth the investment. Between my wife and I, we tasted both entrees, both main courses and both desserts - they all were fabulous but we agree that the spinach & pumpkin salad and the branzino were our favorites; but we were split between the lemon/lime tart and chocolate dessert.
      Written 17 January 2025
    • torbeng634
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      A waste of time
      We joined the dinner cruise. Nice ship, but the rest? Mediocre food, mediocre service, uninterested musicians, lousy food. You better book a taxi to take you around. Even the Sydney opera could not care less - it was hidden in the dark. A waste of 2 hours …
      Written 17 January 2025
    • keishb2014
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      30th birthday long lunch cruise on the harbour
      We went for the 3 hour long lunch experience on the Sydney harbour. From start to finish everything was so professional. It was calm and relaxing with fantastic view points. Entree was salmon for myself and pumpkin salad for my partner, then both did the beef cheek, lemon tart and choc pebble for dessert. Food was fresh and delicious, better than I expected. I enjoyed that the vessel came in and out of the harbour and we weren’t out on sea for the whole 3 hours. Vessel was also so clean and the staff were friendly to us. Thank you for making my 30th birthday lunch captain cook cruises.
      Written 16 January 2025
    • S2147LBsamb
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very poor service
      In Sydney for a few days- were told not to get on our allocated boat for no reason. Had to wait over an hour for the next one- weren’t given an apology or any compensation for the waste of time. Terrible service and communication.
      Written 16 January 2025
    • Foxystravelandfood
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing views and food
      Amazing food and drink. Views along harbour great and at a nice pace. Just make sure you get off at the right place coming back.
      Written 16 January 2025
    • Wanderer10120726404
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Definitely not
      Mcdonalds of the seas, 6.5K pax storming lunch-dinner buffet where main target of the crew is to sell you drinks (low-cost airline style - pay additional for everything). Enjoy drunks on the promenade 24-7. Moldy smell of 'new' alleyway carpets is a class lawsuit waiting to happen. Note ports are offering free shuttles but MSC wouldn't tell you about it but sell you and your kids expensive MSC shuttle bus instead. And finally - 250 EUR deposit charged to our debit card (bank statement sent in to MSC) - it was never returned back to us (despite all bills settled onboard), MSC refers to the bank, bank refers to MSC as money never returned back to us, so 2 months after the cruise and money is still not back to us and MSC customer services reply that they will look into it, and on the next day they reply - no we have not charged you, please check with your bank.. Mafia Shipping Company indeed?
      Written 15 January 2025
    See all 3,010 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members 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.

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    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    4.0
    4.0 of 5 bubbles62 reviews
    Excellent
    30
    Very good
    9
    Average
    12
    Poor
    4
    Terrible
    7

    farrj
    Wirral, UK767 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Having enjoyed the Captain Cooks Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise on our previous two trips to Sydney a number of years ago, we decided to book it again for this trip.

    We chose the 4-course Starlight Dinner, departing at 5.00pm from Darling Harbour and disembarking at 7.30pm at Circular Quay. We really enjoyed the meal, consisting of a platter of canapés, entrée, main course and dessert. The Black Angus Riverina Beef Strip Loin was particularly good, and the system of ordering drinks using a QR code and smartphone worked very well with the drinks arriving quickly! We had booked a guaranteed window table and our table was at the very front of the ship with great views over the bow. The serving staff were very friendly and welcoming.

    When we sailed it was a beautiful evening and it was wonderful to see all of the iconic sights of Sydney Harbour from the decks of the Sydney 2000, a magical experience!

    We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and won’t hesitate to book again when next in Sydney.
    Written 16 March 2023
    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.
    Dear Farrj Thank you kindly for taking the time to share your feedback and great to hear you have cruised with us before. Our guests are at the heart of what we do and why we do it. We are so delighted to hear you enjoyed our Starlight Dining experience and we look forward to seeing you onboard again soon! The Captain Cook Cruises Sydney Team
    Written 19 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Andrew S
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022 • Couples
    Everything was perfect. A nice warm welcome. Shown to the table. Food was excellent. A female single and keyboardist provided the entertainment settimg the right tone and mood for the evening. The boat ride was smooth.the 2 hours flew by. Thouroughly enjoyable. IRecommend this trip
    Written 8 October 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.
    Dear Andy309401, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We are delighted to hear that you had a perfect experience on our cruise. It's great to know that you received a warm welcome and enjoyed the excellent food. We are glad that the entertainment provided created the perfect atmosphere for your evening. We take pride in providing a smooth and enjoyable boat ride, and we are thrilled that the two hours flew by for you. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we appreciate your kind words. Thank you for choosing our cruise, and we hope to welcome you back in the future for another memorable experience. Best regards, Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 21 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Stel H
    213 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2020 • Friends
    The boarding process was very smooth, with a warm welcome. We were given options as to whether we wanted to enjoy a cocktail in the lounge or dinner in the restaurant. We opted for a cocktail.

    The lounge area has a relaxed but classy atmosphere. Ordering drinks was a breeze on the cashless app and the drinks arrived promptly. Negroni was lovely, margarita a little sweet. We enjoyed the views whilst chatting and the music was at a nice volume.

    We moved to the restaurant area and once again used the cashless ordering app without issue. We thought the live band could either be more upbeat or more of a lounge/jazz feel. The fish was delicious but the quinoa was lacking. The eggplant was fabulous but the chips were cold and the Thai salad had much too much onion.

    I'm not sure that we'd visit the restaurant again, but mainly because the lounge was so perfect for enjoying the view and chatting with friends. I think the lounge could be a hit during summer with after work drinks if there was a happy hour special.

    Had a great time and look forward to the next voyage!
    Written 13 September 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.
    Dear Stel H, Thank you for sharing your feedback on your recent experience with us. We're pleased to hear that the boarding process was smooth and you received a warm welcome. It's great to know that you enjoyed the relaxed and classy atmosphere in the lounge area, and that ordering drinks through the cashless app was convenient. We appreciate your comments about the cocktails and the overall ambiance, including the music. We're delighted that you had a great time overall and think it's about time we welcomed you on board for another voyage, and tasted our new menu offerings. If there's anything else we can assist you with, please don't hesitate to reach out. Regards, Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 21 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Nick O
    1 contribution
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Couples
    It felt like We were dining in food court. The singer was way too loud and the sound system she was using was cheap and nasty.We struggled to hear each other over dinner . The food was average and extremely small for what we paid.Staff were pleasant but far too rushed to be attentive.Could not recommend this to anyone for the price.
    Written 18 August 2024
    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.
    Hi 501nicko, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We sincerely apologize that your experience did not meet your expectations. For over 50 years, Captain Cook Cruises has been dedicated to offering exceptional experiences on Sydney Harbour, and we take all feedback seriously. We will be conducting an internal review to address the concerns you’ve raised. We appreciate your kind comments about our staff and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future to provide you with a more enjoyable experience. Best regards, Captain Cook Cruises Team
    Written 19 August 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    rosivdapirt101
    Sydney, Australia80 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2022 • Solo
    The 2 hour cruise was 10 minutes late leaving and more than 15 minutes early returning, so customers were ripped off almost 25% on cruising paid for and not provided.

    Someone needs to complain to Fair Trading about this rip off. The male toilets had manky floors either from leaky waste pipes or from customers peeing all over the floor, They knew about it as the door was jammed open with a slippery floor warning sign. Couldnt wait to get out of there.

    Seating is arranged by them in some arbitrary way, not first come best dressed, so you run the risk of getting put in the middle of the floorplan where the views arent so good when there are people standing around.

    The food portions are modest, and no coffee or tea or anything other than the meal is included. You get to eat what they tell you to eqt, there is no choice and I have never had that before.

    The booking process was a nightmare, had to ring 4 times before someone did something in the background and manually emailed the details.

    Sorry I didnt do the 4 hour Saturday latin cruise with another company, at the same price.

    Not recommending this one to anyone.
    Written 24 November 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.
    Thank you for your feedback and we are very sorry we did not meet your expectations. it certainly sounds like we did not reach on our normal high standards. Please contact us direct on feedback@captaincook.com.au so we can obtain more details. We would very much like to rectify the errors with your assistance. Kind regards
    Written 24 November 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    michelt1985
    Ottawa, Canada10 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2023
    This dinner cruise is a tourist trap. There is little value for your money. Don't pay the additional price to get a window table. It is worthless. All tables have a clear view of the windows. But the windows are covered with a film of dirt. People gulp down their bland food and rush to the deck to take pictures. Now that I know what I know, I would simply take the city ferry (yellow and green ships) to Watsons Bay and Darling Harbour. With the rest of the money, I would have a trip to Manly and enjoy a meal on the beach. And their would probably be money left over. Stay away from that tourist trap.
    Written 3 March 2023
    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.
    Dear michelt1985, Thank you for your feedback and we are very apologetic for not meeting the expectations you've come to expect of Captain Cook Cruises. It certainly sounds as if we did not deliver upon our normally high standard of service. Your feedback has been directed to the relevant department and the appropriate Manager. We would also be very happy to talk to you direct. Our email is feedback@captaincook.com.au. Please be assured your time and feedback are valued and will be actioned. We hope we can restore your faith and you'll cruise once again with Captain Cook Cruises. Regards, The Captain Cook Team Sydney
    Written 6 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Dave
    Sydney, Australia12 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Air conditioning didn’t work and the staff sugar coated it saying it just “went down” and did not work for the two hour cruise. The entertainment staff had to fan themselves to cool down. We asked for our meals to be served on the top deck which seemed to be all too hard. It was so damn hot in the restaurant we and others had no choice but to eat up there. The steak was ordered medium and it came out scorched like a rubber thong. Very very disappointing not to mention exorbitant drink prices. Sorry Captain Cook Cruises…… it’s a fail. Won’t be back
    Written 15 May 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.
    Dear daveaus, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Our sympathies go out to you regarding your cruise experience, we are extremely disappointed that it wasn't up to our usual high standard. Please give us more information regarding your booking via feedback@captaincook.com.au. We hope to have the opportunity to host you onboard again soon. Regards, Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 24 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Brian M
    Adelaide, Australia103 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2022
    A nice cruise, but Sundays and Thursdays the cruise is over by 715 when u return to the dock, so hard to call it a Starlight cruise. Meal servings were very small, the steak was very over cooked and inedible. Live music from Felicity was enjoyable and the staff were attentive.

    Probably would not do this again
    Written 23 November 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.
    Dear Brian Thank you for your feedback and we are very surprised and saddened the beef was overcooked. We are normally well know for an outstanding steak experience! In regards to the timings, unfortunately visitors to our beautiful harbour city remain low and demand for dinners after 7.00pm really are limited to Friday and Saturday nights. We hope that will change as people begin travelling more. Our earlier Sunset Dinner from 5pm however is very popular and runs 4 nights a week. We are very sorry we did not meet your expectations and welcome our suggestions direct to feedback@captaincook.com.au. Kind regards
    Written 24 November 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Roslyn C
    5 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    July 2024 • Family
    Bought premium 3 flights of stairs and no flexibility with meals. Couldn’t even get cream with desert. Fish very dry. Ordered coffee took so long arrived back to wharf so couldn’t drink it. Canapés stone cold. Wish I hadn’t went.
    Written 17 August 2024
    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.
    Hi roslync870, Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your recent experience did not meet your expectations. At Captain Cook Cruises, we are committed to providing high-quality service and memorable experiences. With over 50 years of dedication to this mission, we take your concerns very seriously. We will investigate the issues you’ve raised, as our goal is to ensure every guest enjoys their time aboard. Your feedback is very important to us. We appreciate your comments and hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a more enjoyable experience in the future. Best regards, Captain Cook Cruises Team
    Written 19 August 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    AdamF
    9 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022
    Disappointed! Cruise is scheduled for 2 to 3 hours, we were all finished and back to the wharf in 1 and 3/4 hours..... First 2 courses were very rushed and served even before we set sail. 3rd was soon after and then we were forgotten about, as the rest of the boat was loaded at Circular Quay…. Desert finally came, but it was a wait.
    Staff were good but just overwhelmed by the number of people to serve in the amount of time. Empty bottles/ glasses and dirty plates were left on out table for the whole cruise.
    Food was great and a high point, just a very rushed and short trip. I am sure there would be better dinner cruises out there….
    Written 16 October 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.
    Dear KAK-TAS, Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback on your dinner cruise experience. We take your comments seriously and will review them with our team to identify areas for improvement. We strive to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for all our guests, and we apologize for falling short on this occasion. We understand your disappointment and would like to extend our sincere apologies. If there is anything further you would like to discuss or if there is anything we can do to rectify the situation, please do not hesitate to contact us directly via feedback@captaincook.com.au Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience caused and hope you will cruise with us again soon. Regards, Captain Cook Sydney Team
    Written 21 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Sydney Harbour Starlight Dinner Cruise from Darling Harbour provided by Captain Cook Cruises

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