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Best Sydney Harbour New Year’s Eve cruises | Catch the fireworks in 2020/2021

Get the best view of the New Year's Eve fireworks in Sydney by booking a spot on a cruise.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

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Compare all New Year’s Eve cruises Our favourite cruises for 2021
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Viewing the world-famous light show from the water is the ultimate way to spend New Year's Eve in Sydney. You don't have to battle the crowds at vantage points, or give up the luxury of food and drink (which isn't sold at most of them and BYO is a no-no).

Most cruises last five to seven hours, serve food and drink and give revellers the chance to see both the 9pm family fireworks and the main event at the stroke of midnight.

Some even include a full dinner and an afterparty.

Here are some New Year's Eve Sydney Harbour cruises that you can book now. Get your tickets before they sell out.

Compare New Year's Eve cruises in Sydney Harbour 2020/2021

Cruise NameDeparts from:What's included?LengthPriceBook
New Year's Eve cruise on the RoyaleTBC
  • BYO food
  • DJ on board
6 hours$460Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on the BundeenaTBC
  • Buffet and drinks
6.5 hours$595Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on ProclaimKing Street Wharf 9
  • Food
  • Drinks
6 hours$595Book now
New Year's Eve on Historic Harbour Ferry - Wangi QueenThe Rocks
  • Finger food (including seafood)
  • Wine, beer, soft drinks, juice and water
5.75 hours$649Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on Bass and FlindersTBC
  • Dinner
  • Drinks
  • DJ on board
6.5 hours$650Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on SupercatKing Street Wharf 7
  • All-inclusive food and beverage
  • DJ on board
5.5 hours$650Book now
New Year's Eve Bella Vista Firework CruisePyrmont
  • Dinner
  • Open bar
6 hours$799Book now
Glass boat New Year's Eve cruiseCasino Wharf
  • Canapes
  • Dinner
6 hours$918Book now
New Year's Eve cruise with Soren LarsenIves Steps Wharf
  • Food
5.45 hours$949Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on Harbour SpiritTBC
  • Canapes
  • Mini Buffet
  • Drinks package
5.5 hours$795Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on the KrakenLavender Bay
  • BBQ dinner
  • Unlimited drinks
6.5 hours$550Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on MagicKing Street Wharf (TBC)
  • Food and beverage package
  • DJ on board
6 hours$650Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on Sea EscapeWoolloomooloo Wharf
  • All-inclusive seafood buffet dinner and beverages
6.5 hours$795Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on V StarTBC
  • Open bar
  • DJ on board
6 hours$700Book now
New Year's Eve cruise on KirraleeTBC
  • BBQ
6 hours$600Book now

Our favourite Sydney New Year's Eve cruises for 2020/2021

Best for: Classic Sydney New Year's Experience

Best for: Classic Sydney New Year's Experience from finder.com.au

Aboard a historic Sydney Harbour ferry, the Wangi Queen built in the 1920s, this classic New Year's Eve experience will have you watching both the 9pm family and midnight fireworks from the harbour. The cruise includes substantial finger food (including fresh prawns, oysters, chicken wraps, gourmet pies and more) and wine (sparkling and still), beer, soft drinks, juices and water. The cruise lasts from about 7pm-1am.

View details
Best for: The Ultimate New Year's Eve Experience

Best for: The Ultimate New Year's Eve Experience from finder.com.au

Step aboard a luxury, glass vessel complete with unparalleled views of the harbour from an open-top deck during this 6-hour New Year's Eve cruise. The package includes canapes, a buffet dinner, a DJ on board and an open bar with beer, wine and soft drinks.

View details

Looking to save on the cruises above? See our New Year's Eve cruise deals for these sites

Stay ahead of the game by keeping an eye on daily deal sites that may offer last-minute tickets.

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What's so good about a New Year's Eve cruise in Sydney?

  • You avoid the crowds. Cruises limit the number of tickets sold, so you won't have to battle swarms of people to get a good view.
  • You'll have a spot held for you. The best places to watch the fireworks fill up fast, which often means arriving as early as the morning of New Year's Eve. If you buy a cruise ticket, simply stroll up at the designated time and you're off.
  • You'll get the gold-class treatment. It wouldn’t be New Year's Eve without a glass of bubbly in your hand, and New Year’s Eve harbour cruises tend to come with a bar.
  • Food and drink are usually included. If you go to a free vantage point, you'll likely need to bring your own food and most don't allow you to buy drinks and BYO isn't allowed.
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Who offers cruises on Sydney Harbour on New Year's Eve?

SydneyNewYearsEveCom300Image: sydneynewyearseve.com

Anyboat

Choose from dozens of sailings on New Year's Eve, including small catamarans catering to just a dozen people to big party boats with hundreds of people celebrating together.

  • Choose from sailings that include food, drinks, or are BYO
  • Prices start at $400

Check out Anyboat's cruises

Viator.NewYearsEve300

Viator

With a range of New Year's Eve events to choose from, including restaurant packages and cruises, Viator sells something for everyone on New Year's Eve.

  • All cruises include food and drink
  • Prices start at $1,250

Check out Viator's cruises

Frequently asked questions about New Year's Eve cruises in Sydney

How far in advance should I book a New Year's Eve cruise?

It's best to book as early as possible to avoid missing out.

Where do New Year's Eve cruises depart?

Cruises depart from various points across Sydney including King Street Wharf, Casino Wharf and Woolloomooloo Wharf.

What should I wear on a New Year's Eve cruise?

This may depend on the cruise line and the specific cruise you book, but it's best to dress smart casual.

See the latest deals for New Year's Eve cruises in Sydney

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Up to 61% off Australia holiday packages

Available on select dates until December 2021, including over Christmas and New Year's Eve. Destinations include Adelaide, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney, Cairns, Canberra, Hunter Valley and more. T&Cs apply.

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24 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    AbdulNovember 29, 2017

    Hi , I’m traveling from New Zealand to see Sydney fireworks 9pm n midnight . We are total of 5 adults . Please suggests best place / restaurant where we can have a good view of fireworks and good deals

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JudithNovember 30, 2017Staff

      Hi Abdul,

      I hope all is well with you today. Thanks for reaching out to us.

      As we are a comparison website, I am unable to recommend or suggest a specific option for you as your decision would entirely depend on your needs.

      Aside from the page you are viewing, you may go to this page for a list of other options.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Judith

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    VijyOctober 16, 2017

    Hi Stephanie,

    We are newly coupled on our honeymoon trip. We want to see both the fireworks from the cruise. We are pure vegetarian, and hence might just want a cruise that have good options of vegetarian food or does not include cost of food.

    What is the most economic/budgeted cruise available on that night?

    Appreciate your information.

    Thanks,
    Vijy

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      DanielleOctober 16, 2017

      Hi there!

      Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.

      Upon checking the options that we have, the only one that does not include food cost is Anyboat’s cruise aboard Royale. It is also the cheapest on the list. You may check with them directly if they have vegetarian options, but they do permit Bring Your Own foods.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Danielle

      Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      VijyOctober 19, 2017

      Thanks Danielle for your quick response !

      Need to know which is the best and budgeted cruise with the best view for new year fireworks.

      Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JudithOctober 20, 2017Staff

      Hi Vijy,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder again.

      As we are a comparison website, we’re unable to recommend the best cruise for you. It is best for you to compare each option on the page you are viewing and by going to each website.

      Kindly scroll down and check the topic “Best places to book a Sydney New Year’s Eve cruise.” Choose the one that would best suit your needs.

      Best regards,
      Judith

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    BradDecember 9, 2016

    Hi,
    My wife and I are looking for a NYE dinner cruise that also allows infants.
    We have a 5 month old daughter and would like to experience NYE as a new family.
    Are there any cruises that cater for baby’s, ie space for pram, safety, etc?

    Regards
    Brad

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      DeeDecember 11, 2016Staff

      Hi Brad,

      Thanks for your question.

      I’ve checked the details of the cruises featured above and I can’t find any restrictions when it comes to bringing children or infants. However, If you are looking for a particular cruise feature to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable, it is best if you confirm it directly with the provider. Just click the “view details’ on our page and you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website where you can check the full feature of the cruise or contact the provider.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    ChristineOctober 23, 2016

    Hi, I am looking for a Sydney NYE cruise for my family and my in-laws, who will be in from Europe. As it is their first time in Australia, it is important that I pick the right cruise for this, since they will likely not be back for a long time. I am looking for something classy with good food and wine, and with people who are there for an enjoyable party but not 20 somethings drinking alcohol by the bucket. Im budgeting 500-700 per person. Any recommendations? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      StephanieOctober 25, 2016Staff

      Hi Christine,

      Thanks for your question.

      For cruises close to your budget, Sydney New Year’s Eve Cruises has a Ballroom New Year’s Eve event. As the minimum age for this is 7, you’re less likely to receive a young, 20-something crowd. FantaSea also has a Platinum NYE Fireworks Dinner Cruise which includes a cold buffet and a limit vessel capacity of 140.

      If you’re willing to push your budget further, you might like to look into a Tall Ship Dinner Cruise, which includes a gourmet dinner and is a unique experience on the harbour.

      Unfortunately, if you are looking for a cruise on the lower end of your budget, your options are mainly limited to shorter, earlier cruises or BYO food and drink cruises such as those with Bass and Flinders and Fantasea. Depending on how you feel, they might be worth looking into.

      I hope that helps,

      Stephanie

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    GilbertSeptember 19, 2016

    What is Any Boat that you have described above? Can you give me a link or info to their site?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      StephanieSeptember 19, 2016Staff

      Hi Gil,

      Thanks for your question.

      Any Boat is a private cruise offering. You can find more information on Any Boat New Year’s Eve cruises here.

      Hope that helps,

      Stephanie

      Reply
  6. Default Gravatar
    JamesSeptember 11, 2016

    Hi Stephanie,

    What the nicest venue or boat trip for a family with a toddler of 7 months. We like to see both fireworks at 9pm and midnight and prefer the less crowded spots. Appreciate your information.

    Cheers, James

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      StephanieSeptember 14, 2016Staff

      Hi James,

      Thanks for your question.

      The Tall Ships cruise mentioned above is a nice short 45-minute cruise that might be worth looking into considering you have a 7-month old.

      You may also like to have a look at our New Years Eve Restaurants article, which outlines certain venues hosting parties. As venues can only cater for a certain number of people, they are likely to be less crowded than vantage points in the city.

      If you do wish to mark a spot at a public vantage point, check out our guide of them here. While crowded, a lot of them do have max caps as well so if you choose a smaller venue it might be to your benefit.

      Hope that helps!

      Stephanie

      Reply
  7. Default Gravatar
    cassJune 8, 2016

    Hi, we have a group of 10 coming from the Gold Coast wanting to do a cruise for the fireworks this NYE. Can u please let me know the diff prices and packages, i see some have buffet and drinks… some have canapes and drinks.. we will not need a full sit down dinner just nibbles or buffet and however many hours of drinks, please let me know what u think is best, age group is 30-40. thanks cass

    Reply
  8. Default Gravatar
    JennyApril 29, 2016

    What are the best options to see the early fireworks with children?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      AlexMay 3, 2016Staff

      Hi Jenny,

      Thanks for your question.

      While most of the New Year’s Eve cruises on Sydney Harbour include both the children’s fireworks at 9pm and the big show at midnight, there are options for you if you’re just looking to catch the earlier show.

      Sail Australia sells tickets for a 7-9:45pm cruise departing Manly for $175 per person ($475 for a family). As well, in the past Sydney Water Taxis offered viewings of just the 9pm fireworks with special pricing for families. While its website hasn’t been updated for this coming New Year’s Eve, it’s one to watch.

      Hope that helps!

      Reply
  9. Default Gravatar
    ektaFebruary 25, 2016

    Hi,
    We want to see the firework from the cruise, but we wish to get a cruise that includes both the fireworks.
    however, we are pure vegetarian, and hence might just want a cruise that does not include cost of food.

    what is the most economic cruise available on that night?

    Thanks,
    Ekta

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      AlexFebruary 26, 2016Staff

      Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      As it’s still quite early in the year, most cruise companies haven’t confirmed the details or prices of their sailings.

      We’ll be updating this page as soon as we know more information about the sailings, so I’d recommend keeping a close eye on it in the next few months.

      Hope that helps!
      Alex

      Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      JohnOctober 8, 2016

      I would also like to find non-dinner cruises for the NYE firework show. Unfortunately, most cruises are dinner cruises priced over $500 per person. Have you heard of any non-dinner cruises that will stay out past midnight on NYE?

      Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      StephanieOctober 9, 2016Staff

      Hi John,

      Thanks for your question.

      Some cruises do offer midnight only fireworks cruises, although it is more common to find dinner cruises.

      Fantasea Sydney still has a midnight fireworks cruise available for $350.

      Captain Cruise likewise has a midnight cruise option for $269 departing from Manly ferry.

      I hope that helps,

      Stephanie

      Reply
  10. Default Gravatar
    ShaneJanuary 31, 2016

    Hi I am wanting to book a cruise that departs Sydney after the fireworks and goes out to sea for 1-2 weeks. We will be 2 adults and 1 child under 2 years old . We want to spend up to $6000 total. Is there anything available for long cruises?

    Reply
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