It is estimated that more than 200,000 cruise passengers visited Sydney between 2006 and 2007. This means that the Australian cruise market has increased by 35% over the last several years. Sydney Harbour is considered a major cruise destination and it is currently the only port on the continent of Australia with two dedicated cruise-passenger terminals. Sydney, Australia docks for cruise ships are located at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (Circular Quay, OPT) and Wharf 8 Darling Harbour Passenger Terminal. Because both terminals are located in the heart of Sydney, passengers will find plenty of attractions, entertainment, restaurants, shopping, and more during their time in the city.
Although voyages to Sydney take place year-round, the Australia cruise season typically runs from October/November through March/April. During these times, Sydney, Australia cruise terminals receive roughly 33 international vessels. Additionally, Sydney cruise terminals welcome more than 100 domestic and international cruise vessels. Sydney, Australia docks for cruise ships also serve as the homeport for P&O Cruises’ popular Pacific Dawn. Cunard Line, home of the most famous ocean liners in the world, chose Sydney as its destination for Queen Mary 2’s maiden voyage. Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is currently the largest ship to visit Sydney.
Sydney Australia docks for cruise ships — Circular Quay (OPT) and Wharf 8 Darling Harbour Passenger Terminal (also called Wharf 8 Darling Harbour), offer more than just a docking place for cruise lines such as Cunard Line, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises, and P&O Cruises. Circular Quay features fun ferries that leave every few minutes to major attractions such as Toranga Park Zoo. Several walkways also lead to the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Harbour Bridge, and “The Rocks.” The Rocks is one of the most unique and oldest parts of Sydney.
While Darling Harbour is a major Sydney Australia dock for cruise ships, in recent years, it has become famous for serving as a backdrop for The Real World: Sydney. In addition, it is home to major attractions such as Sydney Entertainment Centre, Powerhouse Museum, Star City Casino, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney’s Chinese Gardens, Wildlife World, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the IMAX theatre – currently the largest in the world. While Wharf 8 Darling Harbour welcomes all domestic and international cruise ships, P&O’s Pacific Dawn, and the MS Sun Princes operated by Princess Cruises can be found here most often.
Other cruise lines that currently make frequent voyages to Sydney, Australia include: Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Silver Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Seabourn Cruises as well as Japan Grace, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Classic International Cruises, NYK Line, Hapag Lloyd, and Residensea, to name a few.
For more information about Sydney Australia docks for cruise ships, scheduling information, and more visit: www.sydneyports.com.au or you may contact the Shipping Manager at +61 2 9296 4800 or email [email protected].
For information about ferries and water taxis visit any of the providers listed below.
Harbour Taxi Boats (02/9555-1155)
Taxis Afloat (02/9955-3222)
Water Taxis Combined (02/9555-8888)