Thunder Jet Boating Extreme Adrenaline Rush Ride

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The longest jet boat ride from Circular Quay: 45 minutes at up to 75 km/h, with more spins and slides than the standard ride and a run right out to Sydney Heads to meet the ocean swell at full throttle.

Days

45 minutes

Age

120 cm and taller; 5 and over suggested

Group size

Shared jet boat ride

Start / finish

Circular Quay / Sydney Heads / Circular Quay

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Jet boat from Circular Quay

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Thunder Jet Boating Extreme Adrenaline Rush Ride

View map

Included experiences

Sydney Heads — ride the ocean swell at full throttle
Sydney Harbour — spins, slides and power-brake stops at speed
Shark Island, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay — sights along the way
Harbour Bridge — run underneath for the skyline view

Thunder Jet Boating Extreme Adrenaline Rush Ride

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AT CIRCULAR QUAY

There is one Extreme Adrenaline Rush a day, and it leaves from the Eastern Pontoon at Circular Quay, on Sydney Cove, where the First Fleet came ashore in January 1788. Look for the yellow and purple Thunder Jet booth on the walk from the station towards the Opera House, and check in 30 minutes before departure. You sign the risk form, leave your phone and bag in a free locker, and pull on a full-length poncho and a life jacket. After the safety briefing you board, strap in with a seat belt and take hold of the handrail. You'll need both hands for what comes next.

PAST THE OPERA HOUSE AND OPEN THROTTLE

The boat idles out past the Sydney Opera House, World Heritage-listed since 2007, then the skipper opens it up to as much as 75 km/h. This is the longest jet boat ride from Circular Quay, 15 minutes more than the standard ride, and the extra time goes on more 360-degree spins, slides, dips, power-brake stops and fishtails, all to music on the surround sound. How wet you get depends on the harbour, but on this ride, expect to get properly wet.

EAST TO SYDNEY HEADS

Where the 30-minute ride turns back, this one keeps going. You pass Clark Island, named after Lieutenant Ralph Clark of the First Fleet, who planted a garden there in 1789, and Shark Island. Rose Bay was Sydney's flying-boat base from 1938, and Watsons Bay began as a fishing village in the 1790s. Ahead, the sandstone cliffs of Sydney Heads frame the harbour mouth, which Captain Cook sailed past in 1770 without coming inside. Here the Pacific swell rolls in, and the skipper meets it at full throttle.

TARONGA, THE BRIDGE AND BACK

On the way home the skipper points out the sights with some light-hearted commentary, among them Taronga Zoo, open on the Mosman hillside since 1916. Then you run under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, opened in 1932 with its arch 134 metres above the water, for a last look at the city skyline before tying up at Circular Quay after about 45 minutes. Footage from the bow camera and photos of your group are for sale at the booth.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The Thunder Jet booth on the Eastern Pontoon (Wharf 1) at Circular Quay, between ferry wharf 2 and the Opera House. Walking from Circular Quay station towards the Opera House, it is the yellow and purple booth on your left.
Departure time: Once a day, around midday (12:30pm at the time of writing). Arrive 30 minutes before; your time is confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: No set minimum age, but riders must be at least 120 cm tall and the suggested age is 5 and over. Children under 15 must ride with a responsible adult, and an adult signs the risk form for anyone under 18.
Fitness: You need to be able to reach the handrails and hold on firmly with both hands during spins. Everyone wears a seat belt and a life jacket; life jackets suit people up to 150 kg, and seat belt extenders are available.
Please note: Phones and cameras can't come on board unless on a head or chest GoPro mount; use the free lockers. No food, drink or smoking on board. Child tickets for children under 120 cm are not refunded. Rides go ahead in rain and are cancelled only if the harbour is unsafe.

What to bring

A change of clothes
A warm jacket
Casual footwear (thongs and sandals are fine)
Sunglasses (optional)

What is included

45 minute jet boat ride on Sydney Harbour to Sydney Heads
Full-length spray poncho
Life jacket
Free locker at the wharf for bags and valuables
Sunscreen and hand sanitiser
Skipper's commentary on the harbour sights

Not included

Photo and video packages (sold after the ride)

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

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.

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.

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.