Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer - 1-Day Pass

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A one-day pass on Captain Cook's Harbour Explorer ferries, looping Sydney Harbour between six stops: Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay and Manly. Ride as often as you like and get off wherever the day takes you.

Days

1 day

Age

All ages; under 18s with an adult

Group size

Shared ferry, go at your own pace

Start / finish

Circular Quay or Darling Harbour / hop off at any of six stops

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Captain Cook rocket ferries

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer - 1-Day Pass

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Included experiences

Manly — the Corso, the surf beach and waterfront cafés
Watsons Bay — seafood, pubs and headland walks above the Pacific
Shark Island — mid-harbour national park and picnic spot
Taronga Zoo wharf — get off for the zoo (entry extra)
Circular Quay — Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water

Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer - 1-Day Pass

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: START AT CIRCULAR QUAY

Your pass is good for one full day of unlimited rides on the red rocket ferries of the Harbour Explorer. Start at the check-in office on Wharf 6 at Circular Quay (or at King Street Wharf at Darling Harbour on weekends), swap your booking for a boarding pass and pick up the day's timetable. Sydney Cove, in front of you, is where the First Fleet landed in 1788. Boats run all day, and a full lap without getting off takes about 90 minutes, so plan on two or three stops. Scan the code on board for commentary on your own phone.

ACROSS THE HARBOUR: TARONGA AND SHARK ISLAND

First across the water is the wharf for Taronga Zoo, which moved to this hillside on the Mosman shore in 1916 and has some of the best harbour views in the city (zoo entry is extra). Next is Shark Island, a small island in Sydney Harbour National Park, known to the Gadigal as Boowambillee. Its grassy picnic ground looks back to the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and every Boxing Day the start line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is set nearby. It's a fine place for a quiet hour and a sandwich.

OUT TO WATSONS BAY AND MANLY

Watsons Bay sits just inside South Head, and Doyles has been serving fish and chips by its beach since 1885. A short walk takes you up to The Gap, sandstone cliffs that drop straight into the Pacific, or out to the red and white Hornby Lighthouse, lit in 1858. Then it's across the harbour to Manly, named by Governor Arthur Phillip in 1788 after the confident bearing of the Aboriginal men he met there. Walk the Corso from the ferry to the surf beach, swim between the flags, or find a gelato and a bench under the Norfolk pines.

LATE AFTERNOON: DARLING HARBOUR OR THE QUAY

Ride the last loops back to Circular Quay, or stay on to Darling Harbour, where the Pyrmont Bridge, opened in 1902, is one of the oldest electric swing bridges in the world. Dinner at King Street Wharf, Barangaroo or Cockle Bay makes an easy end to the day.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Captain Cook check-in office at Circular Quay Wharf 6 every day, or King Street Wharf 1, Darling Harbour, on Saturdays and Sundays. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to collect your boarding pass.
Departure time: Ferries run through the day, roughly 9am to 5pm, with fewer Darling Harbour calls on weekdays. The current timetable is given out at check-in.
Duration: One calendar day. A full loop takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Suits: All ages, including young families. Child fares are for ages 4 to 15, and under 18s must travel with an adult.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs can use the entry deck of the rocket ferries, which has an accessible toilet. Not all stops are wheelchair accessible.
Please note: Ferries run in all weather. No services on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Australia Day; Shark Island is closed 30 December to 2 January. At Taronga, ferry-only passengers enter the zoo at the main gate up the hill, reached by public bus.

What to bring

Smartphone and headphones for the commentary

What is included

Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer pass for one calendar day
Unlimited rides between Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay and Manly
Smartphone commentary and a printed map of the highlights
Free Wi-Fi on board

Not included

Taronga Zoo entry (available as a combo)
Public bus from the Taronga Zoo wharf up to the zoo's main entrance

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.