Over the past 71 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart has become an icon of Australia’s summer sport, ranking in public interest with such national events as the Melbourne Cup horse race, the Australian Open tennis and the cricket tests between Australia and England. No regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage than does the start on Sydney Harbour. 100 yachts are signed up to take part in this year’s 628 nautical mile race.

In alphabetical order, here are our recommendations for Boxing Day cruises, where you can watch the start of this famous race:

All Occasion Cruises –  Bella Vista or MV Lady Rose

• 11.15am-3.45pm
• Departs from The Star, Pyrmont
• $110 adults, $85 children (5-12 years old)
• Includes:  signature champagne cocktail on arrival, seafood buffet, dessert station with tea and coffee, beverage Package (beer, Australian red & white wine, sparkling, plus non-alcoholic drinks)

Bass & Flinders Cruises

• Ocean Dreaming, 11am-4pm, depart from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, $190 for adults and children, Includes: buffet lunch including seafood
• Ocean Wave, 11.40am, departs from Manly, $110 for adults and children, Bring your own food and drink
• Ocean Tracker, 11.40am, departs from Circular Quay, $110 adults only, Bring your own food and drink
• Ocean Rider, 11.10-3.10pm, departs from Circular Quay and Manly, $110 for adults and children, Bring your own food and drink
• NB – If the weather is okay, they will follow the race out of the harbour and onto the ocean

Captain Cook Cruises

• 10.30am-2pm, $75 adults, Includes: 1 free drink, plus tea and coffee. Bring your own lunch.
• Or 11.15am – 2pm, $69 adults. Bring your own lunch and drinks.
• Both depart from Circular Quay

Clearview Harbour Cruises

• 11am -2 pm
• Departs from King St Wharf
• $165 for adults and children
• Includes 4-course menu and beer, wine, sparkling wine and soft drinks

Coast Cruises

• 10.45am-2.45pm
• Departs from King Street Wharf
• $135 for adults and children
• Includes: extensive and quality canapés and a welcome glass of sparkling wine

Eastsail

• 10.30am-4pm
• Departs from Rushcutters Bay
• $149 for adults and children
• BYO

Fantasea

• 11.30am-2.30pm
• Departs from Darling Harbour
• $85 adults and $65 children (5-15 years old)
• Includes: tea and light lunch

Fusion Cruises

• 11am-3pm
• Departs from King Street Wharf
• $140 adults and $80 children (under 12 years old)
• Includes: seafood buffet and drinks package (house beers, wines, sparkling wines, soft drinks), plus a big screen showing the race as well as watching the start of it live

Rosman Cruises

• 11.30am-2.30pm
• Departs from Circular Quay
• $95 for adults and children
• Includes: buffet lunch

South Passage

• 10am-4pm
• Departs from King Street Wharf
• $87 adults and $44 children (5-12 years old). $65 per adult for bookings of 5 or more. $200 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Free for 5 years and under.
• Bring your own food and drink

Starship

• 11.30am-2.30pm
• Departs from King Street Wharf
• $89 adults and $49 children
• Includes: BBQ Buffet lunch

Sydney Heritage Fleet – James Craig

• 8.30am-4pm
• Departs from Pyrmont
• $195 adults and $75 children (12-16 year olds)
• Includes: morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
• NB – their other boats have sold out already

Sydney Pearl Cruises

• 11am-2.15pm
• Departs from King Street Wharf
• $85 for adults and children
• Includes: buffet lunch and one free glass of wine, sparkling wine, soft drink or juices
• Beverage packages are also available for $15 for soft drinks and from $35 for alcohol

Sydney Showboat

• 11am-2pm
• Departs King Street Wharf
• $130 adults and $90 children
• Includes: deluxe buffet and beverage service for the duration of the cruise; from boarding (selection of beer, wine & soft drinks) until 15 minutes prior to the end

Sydney Sundancer

• 11.30am-5pm
• Departs from Rose Bay
• $280 for adults and children
• Includes: live entertainment, the Shipboard banquet and quality bottled Australian champagne, red and white wine together with beer and soft drinks served throughout the cruise.

Sydney Tall Ships – Southern Swan or Soren Larson

• 11am-3pm
• Departs from The Rocks
• $225 adults and $130 children (4-14 years old)
• Includes: BBQ lunch with fresh seafood and steak, live band, and drinks package (sparkling wine, wine, beer, soft drinks)

Please note, all prices are subject to change and availability until booked.

Please contact us for a quote if you would prefer a private charter.