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Boating and Sailing

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Manly ferry on Sydney Harbour. Image Hamilton Lund
Holidaying on the Hawkesbury River with Able Houseboats. Image James Pipino

Boating in and around Sydney

From ferries to setting sail at twilight, there are many ways to enjoy Sydney Harbour and waterways in Summer. If you’re the skipper, make sure you observe boating safety guidelines so that everyone has a fun day out on the harbour.

Explore Sydney by boat

Sailing on Sydney harbour with Eastsail. Image James Pipino

The best way to see and enjoy Sydney is from the water, and there are many ways to get on board. One of the easiest and most affordable is to catch a scenic Sydney Ferry from Circular Quay – cross the harbour to Manly and take in all the sights, hop around the coves of the eastern suburbs to Watsons Bay, or head west on a RiverCat down the Parramatta River

If you prefer on-board dining why not take one of the daily sightseeing harbour cruises, or a dinner cruise at sunset. If you fancy a faster pace, enjoy the adrenalin rush of high-speed Oz Jet Boating or Sydney Jet, with 270-degree spins and power-brake stops.

If yachting is more your style, learn to sail with EastSail or Sydney by Sail and make the most of Summer with twilight sailing and weekly races. You can also hire kayaks, boats and even houseboats from many spots around Sydney, such as Audley Boatshed in the Royal National Park and from Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River.

Explore Sydney by ferry

Sailing on a ferry on Sydney Harbour. Image Robert Billington

When it comes to a relaxing way to get around, nothing beats catching a Sydney ferry in Summer. Sydney Ferry routes take you from the city to Manly and Watsons Bay and to quiet coves around Mosman and Double Bay. Travel right beneath the Harbour Bridge to Milson's Point, Darling Harbour, Balmain, Cockatoo Island and beyond. Make the most of Family Funday Sunday tickets, with unlimited travel by ferry, bus and train for just $2.50 per person.

Houseboat holiday on the Hawkesbury River

An hour’s drive north of Sydney is the beautiful Hawkesbury River where you can cruise in your home on the water. From budget four berths to Ultimate Spa Houseboats, it’s the perfect Summer getaway.

Houseboat holiday on Hawkesbury River, Image James Pipino

Kayak in Sydney Harbour

Paddle around Sydney Harbour or Bundeena in the Royal National Park at your own pace, or join a kayak tour and explore secret waterways. It’s easy, fun and a great way to have fun on the water.

Kayaking at Bundeena in the Royal National Park. Image James Pipino

Sailing sleepovers on Sydney Harbour

Drift to sleep with the sound of waves lapping at the side of your yacht, and enjoy the ultimate views when you wake. EastSail and Captain Cook Cruises offer the perfect romantic night out on the perfect Sydney Harbour.

Sailing on Sydney Harbour with EastSail. Image James Pipino

Boating in Sydney

You don’t have to travel far in Sydney to discover a city in love with water activities. Whether you’re on the water for play or to learn a new skill, you’ll find just what you’re looking for. Take a high speed ride across the harbour on a jetboat or paddle along a quiet stretch of river with pelicans and kookaburras for company.

A scenic Sydney Ferry ride to Manly or down the Paramatta River to Paramatta, departing Circular Quay, is an easy and affordable way to catch a glimpse of isolated landmarks surrounding the city centre. Relax under the sun while cruising sparkling Sydney waters. Why not take one of the daily sightseeing cruises or a dinner cruise and marvel at the harbour's picturesque sunset while devouring a hearty meal. 

For a more active day kayaks and canoes can be hired from Rose Bay, The Spit and Manly or from Sydney's northernmost stretch of sand, Palm Beach, hire a boat from the Audley Boatshed. Learn to sail yourself with EastSail or Sydney by Sail, both have twilight sailing and weekly competition racing for the really keen. The adrenaline seekers will want to experience the blasting speed Oz Jet Boating shark boats or Sydney Jet as they dash past the beautiful harbour foreshore with 270-degree spins and power brake stops.

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Don't miss these boating experiences in Sydney

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