O - On the Water

Welcome to our tour of Australia. During the month of April we are going to visit our favourite spots in Australia. Come join us on our walkabout through the land down under.

Yesterday we visited some of Newcastle's best beaches. Click here if you missed that post. Today we head to Sydney Harbour to cruise on the harbor in a steam ship.

There are many ways to cruise on Sydney Harbour but a cruise on one of the Sydney Heritage Fleet vessels is a truly special way to experience the harbor. About once a month the Sydney Heritage Fleet takes a small group of passengers to see much of the western part of the harbor in addition to the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. It is well worth the trip even if you have seen the eastern part of the harbor on the Manly Ferry (check that post out here) as it takes you to parts of the harbor not always seen by tourists. If you are in town and there is a Heritage Cruise on you owe it to yourself to get a ticket.
What I Loved: It was almost like being on a private ship without the high cost as there were only about 40 passengers on board. There were plenty of seats and ample places to take photographs. The boat was smaller and lower to the waterline so you really felt you were on the harbor and getting the full experience. When I return to Sydney this is the first place I will look to book a harbor cruise.

Cost - Prices are in Australian Dollars
3 hours Sydney Secrets tour (This is the tour we took)
$43 for adults ($34 USD)
Other tours range from $20 ($16 USD) for a twilight tour to $150 ($120 USD) for a tall ship experience.
More Info: Sydney Heritage Fleet website
Address: Gate 4, James Craig Road, Rozelle, NSW (Click link for map)

ANZAC Bridge was one of the first landmarks we saw as we left the pier.

 One of the tall ships in Darling Harbour.

Fort Denison is in the foreground with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the background.

It seems like there are buildings all by the water in the harbour but every so often you find a cove like this that is untouched.

There is something new to see around every corner.

 This house would have a wonderful view of the harbour.

 There are several islands in the middle of the harbour including this one.

Wouldn't you love to live in one of these houses?

Another of the islands inside of the harbour.

Some of the gauges on the steam ship.

The Harbour Bridge seems to pop out around every corner.

Getting There.
Car: There is limited parking near the pier for cruise guests. It is a short drive from the city centre.
Air: Sydney Airport is the closest airport. It is about a 30 minute drive from the airport.
Train: The light rail station at Rozelle Bay is the cloest stop and is a 10 minute walk from the pier. Sydney Rail passengers can connect to the light rail at Central Station.
Bus: From Central station take the 501 bus towards West Ryde. Take the Victoria Rd near Hornsby St stop and walk about 250m/300yds to the pier.

Have you ever been on a harbour cruise? What are you blogging about today?