The Best Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruises: A Local’s Guide
Looking for a unique way to experience Sydney? A dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour lets you take in the stunning city skyline, world-famous landmarks, and gourmet dining—all from the water. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience Sydney from a whole new perspective, these dinner cruises offer unforgettable moments paired with gourmet dining.
Keep reading for our insider guide to the best Sydney Harbour dinner cruises. Warning: Your mouth will water while reading.
At Sydney Harbour Days, we’ve got dinner cruises aplenty on the menu, and you’ll find a tasty option for any schedule, occasion, and budget. And, once you’ve dined aboard a luxury boat while cruising past Sydney Harbour’s iconic landmarks, you’ll never look at on-land dining the same way again.
So allow us to whet your appetite as we sail through our top six picks for Sydney Harbour dinner cruises.
1. Best Cruise for First-Time Visitors → Fine Dining Tasting Menu Cruise
If you’re a foodie looking for a high-end dining experience, the Gold Dinner 6-course degustation cruise is the ultimate Sydney Harbour dinner cruise for you.
The evening gets off to a lavish start with canapes and sparkling wine as you board. Then, you’ll be seated to enjoy six gourmet dishes crafted from local ingredients and inspired by international culinary traditions.
Expect carefully chosen food and add on the wine pairings such as seared scallops with a refreshing rosé, fresh herb salad with a citrusy chardonnay, and Angus tenderloin with a classic shiraz. Prices start at $205 per person, and vintage wine pairing upgrades are available.
Take your tastebuds on an unforgettable tour of Sydney Harbour by reserving your table on our luxurious dinner cruises.
2. Best Cruise for Couples → Romantic Twilight Cruise
Nothing shows BAE how much you care like taking them on a romantic Sydney Harbour twilight dinner cruise.
You’ll set sail on a private catamaran, cruising past the harbour’s most famous landmarks for those all-important IG snaps before being seated for a sublime seafood dinner. Your captain will also provide you with a bottle of sparkling wine to toast to what will undoubtedly be the best date in history.
This unforgettable evening is priced from $650 per person, but the memories you’ll make will be priceless.
We also have a shipshape selection of Romantic Sydney Harbour cruises if you’d like to get the romance underway.
3. Best for a Classic Sydney Experience → Tall Ship Dinner Cruise
Want to experience Sydney Harbour with a touch of old-world charm? Then hop aboard a tall ship for a sailing adventure like no other.
Climb aboard a magnificent tall ship and experience the excitement of its billowing sails for a dinner cruise like no other. The beautifully crafted tall ships in our fleet exude elegance, and you’ll cherish the experience of dining on their decks.
The two-hour tall ship twilight dinner cruise come complete with a mouth-watering two-course meal, and there’s the option to include a drinks package in your booking.
Prices start from $109 per person. Want a side of adventure to your dinner cruise? Add a mast-climbing experience to your package to enjoy the best bird’s eye view of Sydney’s iconic harbour.
Ready to set sail on a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise that you’ll never forget?
4. Best Event Dinner Cruise → Vivid Sydney Harbour Cruise
Seasoned Sydneysiders will tell you that the city is jam-packed during Vivid, which is why a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise is a smart (and tasty) way to avoid the crowds. For just $75 per person you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the light show while you dine on a delicious buffet washed down with drinks from the fully licensed bar. Do you and your shipmates need a hand narrowing down the many Vivid cruise options we have available? Discover nine of our best Vivid cruises here!
“Our staff enjoyed a 90 minute private charter during Vivid and everyone has not stopped talking about what an amazing experience it was—soaking up the spectacle of Sydney Harbour under lights.” – Helen F. May 2024
5. Best for Ultimate Luxury → Superyacht Dining Experience
Gather your nearest and dearest, don your best outfit, and get ready to embark on a luxurious evening cruising around Sydney Harbour.
During the three-hour cruise, your professional crew will serve three courses of expertly cooked cuisine. Menus showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients to champion the very best of Australian gastronomy. Premium beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the package, which starts at $195 per person, ensuring you have all the ingredients for a night to remember.
Do you have a larger group, and looking to hire a private yacht for your event? Look no further and reach out to us for a quote, and check out our article “How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Yacht or Boat on Sydney Harbour?” for more inspiration!
6. Best for Entertainment → Dinner & Show Cruise
If you’re planning a birthday party, unique date idea, or special celebration, a cabaret dinner cruise on a classic paddle wheel boat is just the ticket. The fun begins the moment you step aboard… Glamorous showgirls’ll greet you, then you’ll soon be seated for a showstopping cabaret performance by some of the best performers in the biz.
The menu is just as captivating as the entertainment —take your pick from a three-course menu of delicious dishes, including gently smoked salmon, juicy oven-roasted chicken breast, and decadent tiramisu. Vegetarians are also well catered to with delights such as beetroot ravioli with a rich beurre blanc.
Pricing starts at $200 per ticket and includes access to a fully licensed cash bar onboard. Or you can add a drinks package to your booking to keep the beer, wine, and soft drinks flowing all night.
Ready to Reserve your Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise?
Which Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise is Right for You?
Not sure which cruise to book? Here’s a quick guide:
| Type of Cruise | Best For | Duration | Price Range |
| Fine Dining Tasting Menu Cruise | First-time visitors, food lovers | 3-4 hours | $$$ |
| Romantic Twilight Cruise | Couples, anniversaries | 2-3 hours | $$$$ |
| Tall Ship Dinner Cruise | Classic Sydney experience, history lovers | 2 hours | $$ |
| Vivid Sydney Cruise | Budget-friendly, seasonal event | 1.5-2 hours | $ |
| Superyacht Dinner Cruise | Ultimate luxury, special occasions | 3-4 hours | $$$$$ |
| Dinner & Show Cruise | Birthday parties, entertainment lovers | 3 hours | $$$ |
Tip: If you’re visiting Sydney for the first time, we recommend the Fine Dining Cruise for a premium experience or the Tall Ship Dinner Cruise for a fun and budget-friendly option.
Set Sail Aboard The Best Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruises
We hope our insider guide to the best Sydney Harbour dinner cruises has satisfied your appetite for unique and exciting events on Sydney’s stunning waterways. Ready to reserve your table? The process couldn’t be easier with live availability, instant booking confirmation, and secure credit card payments.
Want to plan an extra special sail-ebration with friends, family, or colleagues? Why not float the idea of private boat hire? By booking a luxury boat for your group, you can customise your dining experience and cater to your group’s every need.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is available to help you plan private boat hire for your next event. Get in touch today!
Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise FAQs
Where do Sydney Harbour dinner cruises start?
Most cruises depart from Circular Quay or King Street Wharf (Darling Harbour). Both locations are easily accessible by train, ferry, or taxi. If you’re staying in the city, a walk or quick Uber ride will get you there in minutes.
What kind of food is served on my dinner cruise?
Each dinner cruise offers a menu designed to complement the vessel and occasion, so no matter which one you choose, you’re in for a delicious experience!
Menus range from buffet-style dining to multi-course fine dining, with sample menus available on most of our listings if you’d like a sneak peek at what the chefs have prepared.
Most boats cater to different dietary needs—simply let the operator know of any dietary requirements when booking, and they’ll be happy to accommodate.
Bon appétit and enjoy the cruise!
Are alcoholic drinks included?
Some cruises offer all-inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for the duration of the trip, while some give you the choice to purchase an all-inclusive drinks package as an add-on. Check the listing for your chosen cruise before you book.
What happens to my dinner cruise in bad weather?
A little bit of rain won’t stop the fun! However, if boating conditions are deemed unsafe, as determined by the boat operator, your dinner cruise will be cancelled. Sydney Harbour Days will offer a 12-month voucher equal to the value of your booking, which can be used to reschedule your cruise (subject to availability).
Is there a dress code for Sydney Harbour dinner cruises?
Most cruises recommend smart casual attire, but luxury yachts and fine dining cruises suggest semi-formal or cocktail wear. Bring a light jacket as it can get chilly on the water at night.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes! Sydney Harbour dinner cruises often sell out, especially during weekends, holidays, and the Vivid Sydney Festival. We recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance.
What is the best spot for photos?
Want to capture the perfect shot? Here are our top tips:
- Opera House: For the best view, sit on the left side of the boat when departing Circular Quay—you’ll get a stunning angle as you sail past.
- Harbour Bridge: Head to the bow (front of the boat) as you cruise underneath for an unforgettable shot—one of our personal favourites!
Enjoy the views and happy snapping!
Book Your Sydney Dinner Cruise Today!
At Sydney Harbour Days, we partner with Sydney’s top dinner cruise tour operators to give you the best experience on the water.
Why Book with Sydney Harbour Days?
- Local Sydney business – We know the best tours & boats!
- Private charters & ticketed cruises – Options for all group sizes & budgets
- Hassle-free booking – We do the research, you enjoy the experience!
- Best price guarantee – You pay the same as booking directly!
- Hundreds of 5-star reviews from happy clients