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Sydney Harbour
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Sydney Harbour

See all things to do
See all things to do
Sydney Harbour
5
#1 of 738 things to do in Sydney
Bodies of Water
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
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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
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The area
How to get there
  • Circular Quay • 6 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4,455 within 5 kms
The Tea Cosy
394
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Irish • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
La Renaissance Patisserie (The Rocks)
648
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • French • Cafe
Graze MCA
520
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
Aria Restaurant Sydney
3,157
0.1 km$$$$ • Contemporary • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
The Spice Room
1,055
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Fine Food Store
736
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Contemporary
Quay Restaurant
2,075
0.2 km$$$$ • International • Contemporary • Fusion
6 HEAD 1788
180
0.3 km$$$$ • Steakhouse • Australian • Gluten Free Options
Ribs & Burgers The Rocks
682
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Steakhouse • Barbecue
Bennelong Restaurant Sydney
1,458
0.2 km$$$$ • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
See all
Attractions
794 within 10 kms
Sydney Opera House
24,782
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
The Opera House to the Botanic Gardens Walk
6,576
0.2 kmScenic Walking Areas
Sydney Ferries
21,341
0.4 kmFerries
Opera Australia
1,110
0.3 kmOperas
Sydney Writers Walk
9
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Shopper Hopper
80
0.2 kmFerries
The Australian Ballet
77
0.3 kmBallets
ATTY Gallery
308
0.4 kmArt Galleries
Government House
273
0.3 kmHistoric Sites • Government Buildings
The Rocks Markets
1,859
0.4 kmFlea & Street Markets • Farmers Markets
See all
See what travellers are saying
  • Scott G
    Washington DC, District of Columbia402 contributions
    Great views
    Our hotel was on the habour which is a central point in the city. You will see the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Circular Quay ... Luna Park and Taronga Zoo are on the harbour opposite the opera house.
    Visited October 2022
    Written 11 December 2022
  • Nam Hung T
    Singapore, Singapore91 contributions
    Nice scenery and area
    Nice scenery of the bay. It was easy to access by train with a short walking distance from Circular Quay train station. The Sydney Opera House was iconic, but what we enjoyed more was the Royal Botanical Garden nearby, with ancient trees and nice grass patch that we could sit down and relax, and looked at the scenery along the bay.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 December 2022
  • Tips 4 Travel.
    Sydney, Australia111 contributions
    Sydney Harbour rave to Tasmania. 26 December ( every year )
    Sydney to Hobart race start. Boxing day. 26 th December every year. NOT to be missed. get on a spectator boat and get close. Amazing. ( I’ll take u if you cannot find a boat ).
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 December 2022
  • ITRT
    38,566 contributions
    Sydney Harbor/Quay
    Sydney Harbor and Quay has it all! The harbor, known officially as Port Jackson, is the gateway to some of Sydney’s famous landmarks such as the Harbor Bridge, the Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. The quay is the city’s main transportation hub where ferries depart on a regular basis and is home to the Overseas Cruise Terminal. You can also catch a train or tram to farther out places like Hyde Park. The quay is bustling with locals and tourists alike. There are many harborside restaurants, souvenir shops, and museums. You can’t beat the views.
    Visited November 2022
    Written 24 January 2023
  • C79-Family
    25 contributions
    Harbour Days Sailing Experience
    The first thing we did after arriving in Sydney was a 2 hour sail through Sydney Harbour. The sails were up and we got to see the inlets and different parts of the harbour. David was a great guide. Nice and relaxing way to start our stay in Sydney. We were supposed to have a snack on board, but due to a scheduling mix up, we didn't get that, so we were grateful we had had a bite to eat before we got on board.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 29 January 2023
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia13,782 contributions
    Australia's foundation, as an outpost of empire
    Sydney Harbor is one of the world's great anchorages. It has islands, bays and enchanting coves. It hosts international cruise ships, and of course it is straddled by the harbors best-known feature, the Harbor Bridge. If you want a bargain, take a trip on one of Sydney's famous ferries. And don't forget to get a view of the Opera House, which sits on the edge of the harbor. Sydney Harbor is the place where the Australian nation was founded as an outpost of the British Empire.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 4 February 2023
  • tevorolevu
    Ottawa, Canada242 contributions
    Take in the views - walk across the Old Hangar.
    Been living here for many years. We never tire of the harbour view. Take a walk around Lavender Bay and Luna Park… catch the ferry to Circular Quay - if you have time - grab the Manly Ferry - great trip.
    Visited February 2023
    Written 18 February 2023
  • tikke p
    Vantaa, Finland3 contributions
    Sydney week
    Easy to use trams, nice people. Bysy city. Hotel Amora Jamison was nice and very good brekfast. Service was exellent like doors were opened to you when entering the lobby.
    Visited January 2023
    Written 19 February 2023
  • Meioestreich
    Sydney, Australia2 contributions
    Views are amazing, well worth the experience
    It offers fantastic views of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House, especially at sunset. You can walk, drive, cycle or even climb across this steel arch bridge that spans 500 metres. Don't miss this amazing experience when you visit Sydney!
    Visited February 2023
    Written 26 February 2023
  • Gabriele Carter
    Crawley, United Kingdom8 contributions
    Truly amazing!
    Fantastic, vibrant, friendly place. Walked over the bridge, the views are amazing. The best view of the Opera house and the city skyline are from here. So much going on from every direction, on the water, on the ground and in the air. Spectacular views of the harbour and surrounding communities. Walked around the circular quay and visited the Opera House and Botanic gardens, just behind the Opera House - not to be missed. Never felt worried about the environment of this city, it feels really safe. Worth the wait of a lifetime to get here. Transportation is really easy to navigate, if you get stuck….just ask the people are so friendly.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 8 March 2023
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5.0
21,957 reviews
Excellent
18,019
Very good
3,520
Average
381
Poor
26
Terrible
11
John Mills
Benson, AZ472 contributions
Beautiful pier with plenty of great photo opportunities
Oct. 2023 • Solo
Easy to find using the intercity light rail. After arriving at the Circular Quay (key), it’s an easy walk around the harbor
Written 28 November 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.
Pam
Golden Valley, MN22 contributions
Worth every penny.
Nov. 2023 • Solo
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.
Written 5 November 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.
MikeFo
Brighton, UK1,049 contributions
As good as it looks in the pictures
Oct. 2023 • Couples
We had the luxury of enjoying views of the harbour from multiple angles both from land and sea, and whichever way you look it is stunning, so iconic
Written 25 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.
reeceyb
Chichester, UK1,584 contributions
Iconic
Sep. 2023 • Couples
This is an iconic place best seen from the water I think you can do this by getting one of the numerous ferry’s to manly and back it’s cheap and easy
Written 17 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.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,760 contributions
City of water!
Sep. 2023 • Solo
Beautiful combination of blue water and interesting features on land. Although you can spend varying amounts for a formal cruise around the harbour, you might also see just as much, at a fraction of the cost, by taking rides on selected public ferries that ply the harbour.
Written 5 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.
Rick P
Sydney, Australia52 contributions
We may be biased, but this is the most beautiful harbour in the world.
May 2023 • Couples
I haven't yet met anyone who isn't in awe of the magnificent Sydney Harbour. Even on a dull day, it is still spectacular.
There are so many vantage points that it is hard to pick even two or three for recommendations. There is so much to see along the harbour, on both sides, that it would be an injustice to just name a few.
It's a location to explore at your leisure, using many of the walking paths and viewing areas.
Written 3 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.
DejongTravel
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Memorable
May 2023 • Family
Needless to say, this is a must do while visiting Sydney. My parents really enjoyed the cruise trip looking at the view of the bay, the architectural landscape was impressive. We were told water taxi was an alternative option to see the harbour so keep in mind travellers
Written 4 September 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.
eijokiwi
Christchurch, New Zealand4 contributions
Lunch cruise with two course meal
Aug. 2023 • Couples
We did the lunch cruise with Captain Cook cruises. Had a great time and the food was excellent. Weather was fabulous and this is a great way to look around the shoreline from the water
Written 23 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.
Ogi0
Sofia, Bulgaria20,943 contributions
A place to be
Aug. 2023
The bay is huge and very interesting, especially if you are on one of the ferries. Great place for photos.
Written 22 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.
Carole M
Napier, New Zealand26 contributions
Great views
Aug. 2023
Great views from both our cruise ship and walkways on land, a must view when in Sydney.. Hop on a water taxi or book a cruise to appreciate fully.
Written 20 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.
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Sydney Harbour: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Sydney Harbour
According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Sydney Harbour: