Book online (regular harbour cruises for other nights of your stay, not New Year’s Eve night): Sunset and Sparkle Harbour Cruise | Golden Glow Sunset Harbour Cruise | Sunset Dinner Cruise
A harbour cruise is the most relaxed way to see Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks: no queuing from the morning, a clear view from the water, and dinner and drinks sorted. But NYE cruises are expensive, they sell out, and many cannot be refunded once booked. We have put the main cruises side by side so you can choose the right one for your group and budget.
Prices checked on each operator’s own website on 19 October 2026. Prices are per adult, as shown by the operator. They change and cruises sell out, so always check the operator’s page before you book.
Quick picks
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- A full night of luxury: The Jackson or Captain Cook Sydney 2000 (dinner and drinks, from $2,050).
- A smaller, more relaxed boat: Sydney Harbour Days’ Zahara (100 guests maximum, from $1,050).
- Sailing on a tall ship: Sydney Harbour Tall Ships (from $950) or the South Passage schooner (from $695, bring your own food and drinks).
- Still able to cancel for free: Sydney Showboat and Magistic allow free cancellation until 31 October 2026.
Sydney NYE cruises 2026 side by side
| Cruise | From (per adult) | Wharf | Times | Fireworks | Ages | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Jackson | $2,450 | King Street Wharf 1 | 7.30pm to 1am | 9pm and midnight | 18+ | Few seats left when checked. No refunds once booked |
| Captain Cook Cruises: Sydney 2000 | $2,050 (Ocean deck), $2,150 (Club deck), $2,350 (Sky deck) | King Street Wharf 1 | 7pm to about 1am | Check with operator | Under 18s with an adult | Sky deck sold out when checked. Minimum 2 per booking. Window seats cost extra. No refunds once booked |
| Sydney Showboat | See operator | King Street Wharf 5 | 6.30pm to about 1am | 9pm and midnight | No children under 7 | Free cancellation until 31 October 2026 |
| Magistic Cruises | $1,950 | King Street Wharf, Pier 3 | 7.15pm to 1am | 9pm and midnight | No children under 7 | Free cancellation until 31 October 2026 |
| Starship Sydney | $1,599 (rooftop upgrade $199) | King Street Wharf 4 | 7.30pm to 1am | 9pm and midnight | 18+ | Check refund terms with operator |
| Clearview Glass Boat | $2,500 | Check with operator | About 7 hours 45 minutes | 9pm and midnight | No children under 14 | Glass-walled boat |
| Sydney Harbour Days: Bella Vista | $1,250 | Darling Harbour | About 7pm to 1.15am | 9pm and midnight | Check with operator | No refunds once booked |
| Sydney Harbour Days: Zahara | $1,050 | Darling Harbour or Pyrmont | About 7pm to 1am | 9pm and midnight | Check with operator | Smaller boat, 100 guests maximum |
| Sydney Harbour Tall Ships: Soren Larsen or Southern Swan | $1,100 (children same price) | Campbell’s Cove | About 7pm to just after 1am | Midnight (check the 9pm show with operator) | No children under 4 | Traditional tall ship |
| Sydney Harbour Tall Ships: Coral Trekker | $950 (children same price) | Campbell’s Cove | About 7pm to just after 1am | Midnight (check the 9pm show with operator) | No children under 4 | Traditional tall ship |
| Champagne Sailing: Ali B | $1,050 (child $750) | Darling Harbour | About 6pm to 1am | Check with operator | Children welcome | Sailing yacht |
| South Passage schooner | $695 | Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour | 6.30pm to 1am | Check with operator | Check with operator | Bring your own food and drinks. Sells out quickly |
Cruise names link to each operator’s own booking page.
Before you book: five things to check
- Both fireworks or one? Full-evening cruises usually see the 9pm and midnight fireworks. Shorter cruises may see only one. Check each cruise’s details.
- Refunds. Many NYE cruises cannot be refunded once booked, and no operator we checked refunds if the fireworks are changed or cancelled. Read the terms and think about travel insurance.
- What is included. Dinner style (seated, buffet or canapés), the drinks package, and whether you can bring your own.
- Age rules. Several cruises are 18+ or do not take young children.
- Getting to the wharf. Wharves are at King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont and Campbell’s Cove. Roads close on New Year’s Eve, so plan to arrive by train, ferry or on foot, and know how you will get home after 1am.
Sydney NYE cruise questions
How much is a New Year's Eve cruise in Sydney?
Do NYE cruises see both the 9pm and midnight fireworks?
Can I get a refund on an NYE cruise?
Can children go on NYE cruises?
