Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer - 2 Day Pass

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Two days of unlimited rides on Captain Cook's red rocket ferries between six harbour stops, from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour out to Taronga Zoo, Shark Island, Watsons Bay and Manly. Get off wherever you like and catch a later boat.

Days

2 consecutive days

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 - 2 Day Pass

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Included experiences

Manly — the Corso, the surf beach and waterfront cafés
Watsons Bay — seafood, harbourside pubs and headland walks
Shark Island — picnic in a mid-harbour national park
Taronga Zoo wharf — stop for the zoo (entry extra)
Darling Harbour — King Street Wharf, Barangaroo and Cockle Bay
Circular Quay — between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge

Captain Cook Cruises Sydney: Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer - 2 Day Pass

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING AT CIRCULAR QUAY

Pick up your boarding pass and the day's printed timetable at the Captain Cook office on Wharf 6 at Circular Quay, or on weekends at King Street Wharf 1 in Darling Harbour. Circular Quay sits on Sydney Cove, where the First Fleet landed in 1788, with the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks on one side and the Opera House on the other. The red rocket ferries loop the harbour up to 20 times a day, roughly 9am to 5pm, and a full circuit without getting off takes about an hour and a half to two hours. Scan the code on board and the commentary plays on your own phone in one of six languages, so bring headphones.

THE EASTERN HARBOUR: TARONGA ZOO, SHARK ISLAND AND WATSONS BAY

From the quay the ferry crosses to Taronga Zoo, which opened on this harbour hillside in 1916; zoo entry isn't part of this pass, so buy it separately if you want to go in. Next is Shark Island, Boowambillee, a small national park in mid-harbour and the starting line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race every Boxing Day. Bring a picnic and you'll have views on all sides. Then comes Watsons Bay, one of the oldest fishing villages in Australia, where you can eat seafood by the water, swim at the small harbour beaches or walk the headland to look out over the Pacific.

MANLY

The far end of the loop is Manly. Governor Arthur Phillip named it in 1788 after the confident, manly bearing of the Aboriginal men he met on the beach. Walk the length of the Corso from the wharf to the surf beach, find a café or gelato, or take a nature walk around the point. It's an easy place to lose a few hours, which is exactly what a two-day pass is for.

DAY TWO: DARLING HARBOUR AND WHATEVER YOU MISSED

Because the pass covers two consecutive calendar days, nothing has to be rushed. Spend the second morning at the stop you liked best, or catch the ones you skipped. Darling Harbour, named after Governor Ralph Darling in the 1820s, is a good place to start or finish, with restaurants at King Street Wharf, Cockle Bay and Barangaroo, named after a Cammeraygal woman who was a strong voice for her people in the first years of the colony. Note that Darling Harbour is served on only some weekday runs, so check the timetable.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Captain Cook check-in office, Circular Quay Wharf 6 (daily), or King Street Wharf 1, Darling Harbour (weekends). Collect your boarding pass and timetable there; arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the ferry you want.
Departure time: Services run through the day, typically from about 9am to 5pm. Darling Harbour is served on only some weekday runs. Timetables change with the season and the current one is handed out at check-in.
Duration: Valid on two consecutive calendar days. The full loop takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Suits: All ages. Children 4 to 15 travel on a child fare, and everyone under 18 must be with an adult.
Accessibility: The entry deck of the rocket ferries takes wheelchairs and has an accessible toilet, but not every stop has wheelchair access.
Please note: The ferries run in all weather. There are no services on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Australia Day, and Shark Island is closed from 30 December to 2 January. The ferry drops you at the zoo's lower wharf; without a zoo combo ticket you enter at the main gate up the hill, by public bus.

What to bring

Smartphone and headphones for the commentary

What is included

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

Not included

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

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.