Sydney Harbour is one of the world’s most beautiful ports of call for cruise ships. There are two dedicated cruise passenger terminals on the sparkling blue harbour near the city centre – the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay and the White Bay Cruise Terminal at Rozelle.
Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can marvel at Australia’s famous icons, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And you’ll glide past The Heads, the dramatic sandstone cliffs at the entrance to the harbour, which is also known as Port Jackson.
Getting there
Overseas Passenger Terminal: Circular Quay trains, buses and ferries are a short walk away. For those arriving by car or taxi, entry to the terminal is off George Street onto Argyle Street. Parking is not permitted in the terminal precinct, however passengers may be set down or picked up.
White Bay Cruise Terminal: Most cruise lines offer the option to book transfers from/to Sydney Airport or Central Station. By car or taxi, access the terminal by James Craig Road.
Customs and immigration
If you’re departing on a domestic cruise you’ll need to complete a health questionnaire, while international cruise passengers must complete a health questionnaire as well as an outbound passenger card. Both documents are available inside the terminals upon arrival.
Good to know
Bring a passport with at least six months’ validity for international voyages and a government-issued photo ID for domestic trips. Your booking itinerary is required for all cruises. Most cruise ships will not allow you to board with alcohol. You can surrender the alcohol and collect it at the trip’s end.
A Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) desk is available at both cruise ship terminals for international cruises. TRS enables you to claim a refund for the Good and Services Tax (GST) and the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you paid on goods purchased in Australia, after you’ve checked in.