Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Afternoon Discovery Cruise
4.5
Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Afternoon Discovery Cruise
By Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
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About
See a different side of Sydney Harbour from the deck of a traditional tall ship on a cruise ideal for visitors with limited time. Sail around Fort Denison, Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge for up-close and unobstructed photo ops. Plus, seafaring history buffs will love going deep into Sydney's maritime history through your guide's commentary.
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 4-99, max of 50 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Imagine what early settlers experienced by traveling on a historic tall ship
- Learn about Sydney's maritime history through a guide's commentary
- Up-close views and photo ops of some of the harbor's highlights
- Snacks and light refreshments provided
- 1.5 hour cruise around beautiful Sydney Harbour.
- (BBQ Chorizo Slices and Spinach & Cheese Triangles)
- Great photo opportunity.
- Sail past the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more from one of our historic timber ships.
- Weekdays in April to 1st week of October, refer to Afternoon Discovery Cruise on Coral Trekker
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Mast climb (available for purchase)
- Drinks package (available for purchase)
- After stepping aboard your ship in the historic Rocks neighborhood, admire the vessel and learn about its history through your guide's commentary. Besides getting out on Sydney Harbour to see the sights up close, you have the added benefit of sailing on an actual piece of history, which you learn more about as you travel. Pass the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House while listening to information about Sydney's history. History buffs will love delving deep into the city's rich maritime history. Other highlights include Sydney Harbour National Park, Fort Denison, and Shark Island. If the sea winds wake your appetite, rest assured that light snacks and refreshments are served on board.
- Start:
- Campbells Cove, 4 Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000, AustraliaThe meeting point is located between Park Hyatt Hotel and the Overseas Passenger Terminal. One of the crew will be there at least 30 minutes before the cruise departure time to welcome you.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5067AFTERNOON- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ships reserves the right to add, withdraw, substitute and/or vary advertised routes, prices, departure times and locations without notice if considered necessary for the safety and welfare of the tall ship, its passengers and crew. However, reasonable effort will be made to maintain arrangements as advertised.
- Sydney Harbour Tall Ships will not be liable for any loss or expense incurred by a passenger as a result.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- 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 50 travellers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- 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: 5067AFTERNOON
From
AU$69.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
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Itinerary
- 4 Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000, AustraliaThe meeting point is located between Park Hyatt Hotel and the Overseas Passenger Terminal. One of the crew will be there at least 30 minutes before the cruise departure time to welcome you.
- Pass bySydney Harbour Tall Ships
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- SailorMegs0 contributionsSoren at the 2025 AU Wooden Boat FestivalGreat sailing seeing Hobart from the water. And climbing the mast, what a view! Ten outta ten for the awesome crew and captain MartyWritten 10 February 2025
- Tiarae010 contributionsLovely!This was such a nice way to end an evening! I love how much distance we covered on the boat Great and friendly staff! I would highly recommend, they had a charcuterie board which I thought was a lovely and thoughtful addition to the trip.Written 5 February 2025
- sandrarL6734JL0 contributionsGreat experienceInformal and pleasant motor & sail on Sydney Harbour. Crew were friendly and helpful. Knowledgeable Captain and host. Rare opportunity to get a taste of sea travel of the past.Written 3 February 2025
- T9698TZjimd0 contributionsA grand day outWell planned and a great way to visit. It was unfortunate that most of the buildings were out of bounds. The guide was excellent as was the Tall Ship, crew and food.Written 2 February 2025
- X1803AToliviah0 contributionsGreat Night In SydneyWe had a blast and the kids loved it too, it’s my first sunset cruise with tall ships my previous cruise was a lunch time event , thank youWritten 25 January 2025
- joycehL3145QF0 contributionsGreat experienceAmazing experience. Knowledgeable crew and narrator, buffet wasn’t up to much but was not expecting anything different. Great to actually sail under the harbour bridge under sail. Would recommendWritten 19 January 2025
- irishcolleen440 contributionsGreat Adventure for the kidsSharon and her 9 year old son William had a wonderful time. Great gift to give a children and the parents have fun too. Highly recommendedWritten 5 January 2025
- Sally R0 contributionsSuperb way to see Sydney HarbourA perfect way to experience Sydney Harbour! We really enjoyed the 2 hour cruise through Sydney Harbour. Don’t go for the food- very basic. However, a focus on the views, experience and atmosphere will make this one of the best things you can do in Sydney. Well done to the crew. Amazing people.Written 31 December 2024
- D1136GKmichaelb0 contributionsSidney Tall Boat Dinner Cruise a great and authentic way to see the harbor!We had the most wonderful time on the Sidney Tall Boat Dinner Cruise in the harbor! The evening offered a very authentic experience, with incredible views, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere that made the trip unforgettable. The highlight of the cruise was the fantastic crew. They were attentive, professional, and went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great time. Their warm and friendly service truly made the evening special. If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy the harbor and soak in stunning views, the Sidney Tall Boat Dinner Cruise is a must. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a memorable and authentic time on the water!Written 30 December 2024
- jacquiec9540 contributionsWonderful Peaceful EveningOur captain James was fantastic. Wonderful customer service, great dinner, and beautiful views of the harbor! Our first mate Jim was very informative about the history of the area.Written 28 December 2024
- katecV5888TF0 contributionsFantastic Sydney Harbour Cruise TourWe had a fantastic experience onboard this historical 102 year old ship! The captain, Ruth, and entire crew made us feel welcome and provided a wonderful tour of the Sydney Harbour. Book the canapes and wine tour and you will not be disappointed! The food and bar service were incredible!!! We highly recommend!Written 24 December 2024
- keithdclark0 contributionsJust do a regular harbour cruiseOn a positive, Jim was amazing. His story telling was fantastic and his knowledge of Aussie history was great. The ship was cool, however really had very little adequate sitting areas. The dinner was underwhelming to the point on ‘why bother’.Written 6 December 2024
- H6283QFlizw0 contributionsEvening cruiseWe had a lovely time on this cruise, our guide was very imformative and a great host. The food was great and the brownies afterwards were awesome. The crew are friendly and we loved our time on-board.Written 11 November 2024
- Stay270117517050 contributionsTall ship and Taller talesRay was an exceptional host with many good stories. We also had a great group of fellow passengers. Good people all around.Written 21 October 2024
- peterbM535VI0 contributionsFalse advertisingSomewhat mislead, false advertising . The advertisement showed huge tall ship. We boarded something like less than half the size in the advertisement and looking like it had been re-floated after being sunk for years. Photos on the ad site are nothing like what you experience , felt like you were ripped off and deflated when you arrive at pick up point. Advertise what you are really sailing guys so you don't have people disappointed on spending a lot of money. You boldly said to leave a review so here it is!Written 20 October 2024
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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4.5
110 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
19
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
10
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Charles B
Liversedge, UK99 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Excellent e mail communication and directions by e mail. Easy to find. Ship looked great and with minimum fuss we were quickly out of the harbour and into open water. Crew were friendly and informative. Fantastic views of the landmarks and then the main event putting the sails up. Volunteers were asked for to assist with the task and my wife joined in. The feeling of floating along in a beautiful spot under sail was amazing. There was plenty of seating and space to move around if you wanted a different perspective of the landmarks. The weather played it’s part, warm and sunny with just enough wind to enable the sails to be used. The boat had a bar and crew came round with trays of nibbles.
All too soon we were headed back to harbour a truly wonderful way to spend an afternoon. An excellent experience if you like old ships and traditional methods of sailing. I would happily recommend this trip to anybody.
All too soon we were headed back to harbour a truly wonderful way to spend an afternoon. An excellent experience if you like old ships and traditional methods of sailing. I would happily recommend this trip to anybody.
Written 26 October 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.
Green Beaver
The High Coast, Sweden18 contributions
The trip with the old Danish schooner was a nice experience. Recommended on a sunny day on the lake if you stay for a short time In the city you get a great feeling of the city. The roof of the opera house is Höganäs ceramics made in Sweden. A bit fun..

Written 6 May 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.
Thank you for joining us on our tall ship cruise! Hope you can join us again soon!
Written 16 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dewdrops131
Singapore, Singapore134 contributions
We were on the tour with 2 kids, the grandparents and us (the parents).
We were informed that the tour would be conducted on a smaller ship, and were given the choice to reschedule free of charge.
Given the tour would be the same, we decided to continue.
Folks running the operation are truly passionate about it. Some of the crew had been with the team for a relatively short time, but were phenomenal in their roles nonetheless.
The commentary was very interesting and informative, but I wish a portable microphone was used, so it could reach some of us sitting at the sides.
Canapés served were delicious.
Some people on our tour climbed the mast and it looked very well managed and safe.
We could only see 2 half sails launched, but that was fine, since it depends on wind conditions. There too they encourage participation in holding some ropes, making it fun.
Kids tried their hand at the steering and loved it.
This is a relaxed and lovely way to see the harbour. We highly recommend the trip.
Felt more personalised and not the usual commercialised tour.
We were informed that the tour would be conducted on a smaller ship, and were given the choice to reschedule free of charge.
Given the tour would be the same, we decided to continue.
Folks running the operation are truly passionate about it. Some of the crew had been with the team for a relatively short time, but were phenomenal in their roles nonetheless.
The commentary was very interesting and informative, but I wish a portable microphone was used, so it could reach some of us sitting at the sides.
Canapés served were delicious.
Some people on our tour climbed the mast and it looked very well managed and safe.
We could only see 2 half sails launched, but that was fine, since it depends on wind conditions. There too they encourage participation in holding some ropes, making it fun.
Kids tried their hand at the steering and loved it.
This is a relaxed and lovely way to see the harbour. We highly recommend the trip.
Felt more personalised and not the usual commercialised tour.
Written 22 July 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.
Hello!
Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear that you appreciate our hard work in keeping these vessels alive and sharing the tall ship experience to others. We hope you can join us again on our bigger tall ships next time.
Best,
Sydney Harbour Tall Ships
Written 8 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RuwRa
5 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Booked a Tall Ship Tour for my family today, and it turned out to be a total disaster. We arrived at the meeting point on time, only to wait for nearly an hour—but there was no ship in sight. Not even a toy ship! Around 25 other guests were also left standing there, waiting endlessly with no updates. Tried calling the main office, and the person who answered simply told us to "wait a bit longer" but admitted they couldn’t reach the local team. No staff, no communication—completely unprofessional! After hours of waiting and multiple phone calls, they finally told us to just go home and expect a refund. What about the hassle we all went through? Families with young children stuck in the heat, wasting their holiday plans for nothing. No sincere apology—just a generic email saying "thanks for your patience." If you can’t run this tour properly, you shouldn’t be selling tickets. Management needs to take responsibility, acknowledge the frustration caused, and actually apologize to the people who lost their time, money, and holiday plans. Would never recommend this experience to anyone! ⭐ 0/5 – Avoid at all costs!
Written 25 January 2025
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.
Gatanoz
Perth, Australia49 contributions
Mar 2023
My husband and I, and our little friend Scooter the Platypus had a lovely day out in the harbor with Sydney Tallship. Due to the larger ship needing repairs we were on the smaller ship which was still plenty big enough. Ruth our host had a great energy with everyone and added to the lovely atmosphere. We were served a couple bits of fingerfood which was a nice surprise. You can buy drinks on board for the 1 1/2 hour cruise if you wish. Ruth pointed out some historical buildings along the coast and gave a bit of history of them. She made it point to go around and chat with the different couples and heard her speaking in german? to the german? couple on board which I am sure they appreciated. I would do it again!
Written 1 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.
Alex
Cambridge, UK5 contributions
A fantastic way to see the key sights in Sydney. The captain and his crew were very friendly, informative and helpful throughout. It would have been great to see the the ship with full sails open but it's not possible on this trip. However, with the engine off and quarter sail it is still a bit special. Highly recommended gentle cruise around the harbour.
Written 24 December 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.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Written 29 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Catherine C
53 contributions
We were very excited to have the sales down as they said but they only lowered a small one. They sold too many mast climbing and couldn’t bring down the sales which was very disappointing. We also didn’t learn anything about the harbor or history which we expected. The nibbles were good and the staff friendly.
Written 4 January 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.
Jessie K
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
This is the worst experience that we ever had. We booked the trip in the morning. We arrived at the meeting point 15 min prior the request time. The boat never showed up. There are about 20 different people who were waiting for the same ship. No email or calls from the crew. No one answer our calls too.
Written 25 January 2025
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.
Katie W
San Jose, California, United States76 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Really loved this trip out on the harbor in this historic boat. The crew was so nice, the food was good, and they were generous with the alcohol ( we had purchased the drinks package.). We learned a lot from the captain and he even let me "drive the boat.". It was fun watching people climb the mast too. We met some very nice people. The views from our on the water were gorgeous . I'd highly recommend this boat trip.
Written 7 January 2025
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.
Tiffany~S
Pyeongtaek, South Korea127 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
The tour was very nice and entertaining. I would recommend this tour for a little break from walking around the harbour. The tour is very scenic and you will hear the many historic stories from the tour guides about Sydney and the Tall ship itself.
Written 26 August 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.
lindee r
Taree, Australia
Good morning. What does the drinks package include and how much is that. Thank you in advance. Lindee
Written 6 June 2021
Trifft es zu dass es für die Tallships im Hafenkeinen Notfallplan gibt?
Written 9 October 2019
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