Cruising in Sydney and NSW
With nine ports spread along more than 2,000km of pristine coastline, NSW is the ideal cruise destination. Big family-friendly ships, sleek luxury yachts and hardy expedition vessels sail along the coast on the 'Blue Highway' year-round, bringing passengers to bustling cities, charming coastal communities and untouched bays. Dine on fresh seafood, uncover Aboriginal history, learn to surf, take a wine tasting tour or swim with manta rays on your next epic Pacific Ocean sailing.
Sydney cruise terminals
Sydney is Australia's cruise gateway and the only city to have two dedicated cruise terminals: the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay and White Bay Terminal at Rozelle. Both take you past iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as you depart and arrive in Sydney. Both terminals are easily accessible from Sydney Airport, and also enjoy excellent transport connections for exploring the city.
Read more: Find out more about cruising in Sydney.
Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay
Other NSW cruise ports
There are eight other cruise ports along the NSW coastline: Eden, Batemans Bay, Kiama, Wollongong, Newcastle, Trial Bay, Coffs Harbour and Yamba. All provide access to stunning coastal and regional areas across the state. From any port you can continue your cruise around Australia. Or venture further afield to destinations including New Zealand, the South Pacific and the USA.
Port of Eden, Eden
Tourist Refund Scheme
A Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) desk is available at both Sydney 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.
Eden Welcome Centre, Eden
Cruise lines that visit NSW
FAQs
Where do you cruise ships arrive/depart from in NSW?
Where do you cruise ships arrive/depart from in NSW?
Cruise ships depart from nine ports across NSW. These ports include Sydney, Yamba, Coffs Harbour, Trial Bay, Wollongong, Newcastle, Batemens Bay, Kiama and Eden.
Where can I find the NSW cruise ship schedule?
Where can I find the NSW cruise ship schedule?
For the most up-to-date cruise ship schedule for NSW, refer to the Port Authority NSW website.
What cruise lines start/finish in NSW?
What cruise lines start/finish in NSW?
There are multiple cruise lines that offer itineraries and segments starting and/or finishing in NSW. Please refer to Cruise Lines that Visit NSW.
Can passengers take alcohol onboard a cruise ship?
Can passengers take alcohol onboard a cruise ship?
Alcohol allowances vary between cruise lines. Some allow you to bring wine and champagne on board; others do not. Always check ahead with the line you’re travelling with.
Do cruise ships go under the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Do cruise ships go under the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Some smaller cruise ships can go under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to dock at the White Bay Terminal. Other larger cruise ships dock at Circular Quay, at the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
