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Cruises to Sydney

Australia

Sydney

Explore Australia on a cruise to Sydney with P&O Cruises. Cruise Melbourne to Sydney, Brisbane to Sydney and more, and visit the world famous Sydney Harbour, immerse yourself in arts and culture and discover the history of Australia?s largest city.

Home to the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, Sydney is an Australian cruise destination that requires little introduction. Renowned for its cosmopolitan lifestyle, natural features, and cultural attractions, this seaside city abounds with plenty of things to see and do. From historic streets and buildings dating back to the early colonial era to stunning natural attractions, there’s truly something for everyone in Sydney.

Make the most of your time in Sydney by joining a P&O Shore Tour and visiting the city’s many must-see highlights. Whether you’re discovering long and rich Indigenous history on a walking tour of the Harbour, meeting furry friends at Taronga Zoo, or marvelling at the beauty of the Blue Mountains, you’re sure to have a cruise experience you won’t forget.

Uncover long & fascinating local history

Prior to European settlement, Sydney was home to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Today, evidence of these original Indigenous inhabitants remains in rocky outcrops and archaeological sites spread throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. In 1788, following the arrival of the First Fleet, the area was colonised and fast became a bustling, vibrant city.

Learn all about this history and more by joining the Sydney Harbour Walk Shore Tour and taking a stroll through the city’s iconic harbour. Get up close to all of Sydney’s most famous icons, including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay, and the stunning Botanic Gardens. History buffs will love stepping back in time on The Rocks Pub Shore Tour, which will take you through the fascinating heritage precinct of the same name. Walk down winding cobblestone streets and lanes and past convict-built cottages, before putting your feet up with a local beer at one of the many local watering holes.

Don’t want to miss any of the highlights? Jump onboard the Hop On Hop Off Sydney tour and discover local attractions, shopping destinations, museums, restaurants, and more at your own pace. The open top bus provides fantastic views of Sydney, and connects to the Bondi Tour, which can take you to world-renowned Bondi Beach.

At A Glance

Population

4,391,674 (2011 census)

Language

English

Government

Democratic

Currency

Australian Dollar

Discover natural sights not far from the city centre

Think you’ve got to get out of the city in order to have a wildlife adventure? Think again. Book into the Taronga Zoo Experience Shore Tour and head to Taronga Zoo, located on Bradley’s Head. Providing stunning views of the Harbour, the Zoo is home to Australia’s finest collection of native animals and a diverse range of exotic species. Head downhill as you make your way through the Zoo, then return to the crest of the hill on the Zoo Sky Safari chairlift.

For an immersive nature experience, join the Blue Mountains Discovery Shore Tour and drop into the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 50km northwest of Sydney. There you’ll discover fresh mountain air, scenic values, cascading waterfalls, and rugged tablelands. Pay a visit to the Three Sisters rock formation and marvel at the panoramic views of the Jamieson Valley, Mount Solitary, and the Ruined Castle, and get up close and personal with local wildlife. Then, drop into Warandah Aboriginal Centre in Katoomba, where you’ll have a chance to learn about local Indigenous culture and heritage.

Find a P&O Sydney Cruise

P&O cruises to Sydney from Melbourne onboard our Australia Day Cruise. Book your ticket and spend your Australia Day in the middle of all the action Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Shore Tours

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What To See in Sydney

Aboriginal dance

The Rocks

For a glimpse into the 1800s, take a stroll through The Rocks, a vibrant village in the heart of the bustling city. Filled with maze-like streets, galleries, and historic pubs, it’s a must-visit destination for all history lovers.

Enjoy a bush walk

There are some wonderful bush walks along the northern harbour foreshore, just minutes from Circular Quay. Ferries and water taxis can take you to the starting points of several of these walks.

Ride a ferry or take a harbour cruise

For the quintessential Sydney holiday experience, take a ferry trip on the harbour. Head to Manly to discover beautiful beaches and enjoy stunning scenery on the trip there and back.

Spend the day at the beach

Famous Bondi Beach is just one of the many magnificent beaches along Sydney’s coast. Watsons Bay and Nielsen Park are other spectacular sheltered harbour beaches, and are easy to get to from downtown Sydney.

More About Sydney

Docking

Your ship will dock at either the Overseas Passenger Terminal in the heart of Sydney or White Bay Cruise Terminal, just 4km from the CBD.

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available throughout the city. Water taxis are also available from various harbour-side jetties. The city’s ferries, trains, and buses provide an excellent public transport system.

Dining

Sydney offers cuisine from virtually every corner of the planet. Explore the harbour and inner city to discover restaurants ranging from fast casual avenues to more upmarket establishments.

Please note that quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products, and sandwiches to be taken off the ship. However, commercially packaged confectionery, chips, and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.

Shopping

Start your shopping experience in Sydney’s downtown area, where you’ll find everything from quaint arcades and boutiques to major department stores. Pay a visit to the Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade, both of which were built in the late 19th century, then head to Sydney’s inner suburbs such as Newtown and Surry Hills for fascinating, one-of-a-kind shops and galleries.

Climate

Sydney enjoys a temperate climate that sometimes verges on sub-tropical. In summer it can get quite hot and humid, particularly from January to March. Winters are cool, while autumn and spring are mild.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted. ATMs can provide currency to foreign card holders.

Communication

Public telephones and internet access are widely available, and mobile coverage is generally available.

What to Wear Ashore

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat. You are also advised to bring sunscreen and bottled water.

Shore Tours

Our Shore Tours can help you make the most out of your time in Sydney. Tours can be booked before departure via Cruise Control or onboard at the Shore Tours desk, and are subject to availability.

Environment

During your time ashore, we ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

Next Cruises To Sydney

Average Temperature & Rainfall

Australia

Did You Know?

Sydney was Australia’s first European settlement. As recommended by Captain James Cook and Sir Joseph Banks the settlement was going to be established on the shores of Botany Bay. However, the bays’ shallow, unprotected waters lead Arthur Phillip to investigate the more northern Port Jackson, where he found “the finest harbour in the world”.