Sydney is the largest city in Australia, with a population of nearly four million. The city is situated on the east coastline of Australia. The Blue Mountains are located to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Sydney was established in 1788 when a convict fleet arrived in Australia from England. The new settlement was named after Lord Sydney, the British Secretary of State, who had suggested that the British establish a penal colony in Australia. To start with life in the new settlement was harsh, with basic bunks in wood huts, tiny amounts of sustenance, and a callous regime of authority. Even worse suffering, though, was heaped upon the Aboriginal natives, who were wiped out in vast numbers by the infectious diseases brought by the newcomers. Just 5 years later, in 1793, the first ship of free colonists came, drawn by the mild weather and freely obtainable land.

The settlement expanded quickly through the 19th century, as the inhabitants founded many businesses, untrammeled by burdensome red tape. Throughout the twentieth century, fast growth continued as migrants arrived from both Europe and Asia.

Nowadays Sydney is a large, modern and multicultural city, with inhabitants hailing from all over the globe. The city is a popular destination for tourists. Well-known attractions include the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge, The Rocks and Bondi Beach. Sydney’s coastal situation and tourist attractions have made it a top cruise ship port. Over 150 cruise ships utilize the port each year.

Sydney Cruise Terminals

The city’s cruise services are divided between 2 locations, the Overseas Passenger Terminal and Wharf 5.

Overseas Passenger Terminal – The OPT offers an eight hundred foot quay, with a capacity of one large cruise ship. The terminal is a contemporary building with the usual variety of facilities for passengers. It further features wonderful views over Sydney Harbour, an hotel and restaurants. The terminal is situated at Circular Quay, opposite the Opera House and a short walk from Sydney’s main attractions.

Darling Harbour Wharf 5 – Wharf 5 at Darling Harbour in Bangaroo is a short-term passenger cruise terminal for use during the building of a new facility at White Bay. The terminal features customs control, a departure area, an arrivals area and an immigration area. The terminal is close to the Circular Quay area.

The proposed cruise terminal at White Bay is solely suitable for cruises originating from the city, as its location is inconvenient for the city’s center. Also the facility will be unavailable to several cruise ships due to size restrictions at Sydney Harbour bridge. With this in mind additional plans for a further facility at Garden Island, a mile east of Circular Quay, are under consideration.

Sydney Sightseeing

If you’ve a day to spare at either end of your cruise vacation, Sydney is a great place to visit.

The Rocks

The Rocks is the oldest area in Sydney, and lots of of the buildings at The Rocks are near original, examples would be Campbells Storehouse, Cadman’s Cottage, the Merchants House and Susannah Place. Within this historical district, the visitor will find restaurants, bars, galleries, cafes and shops. The Rocks area is next to Circular Quay.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House, sited on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point, is considered by many to be one of the architectural wonders of the world. Designed by Jorn Utzon and built with much controversy, the landmark building was opened in October 1973. Try to go to an opera, a concert or a ballet, if your travel timetable allows you to. The Opera house is a short walk up the shoreline from the OPT.

Royal Botanic Gardens

The beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens is a green haven situated between the waterfront and the busy city center. A walkway follows the water’s edge, giving fine views across Sydney Harbour and Farm Cove.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge has a footpath giving excellent access to the sightseer. Stop at the Pylon Lookout on the south side of the bridge to enjoy an absorbing display on the construction of the bridge. If you’re not frightened of heights sign up for the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, a three and a half hour trek to the top of the bridge. The outing takes you up girders, catwalks and ladders at day or night.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is renowned the world over as a home of surfing. In the summer months Bondi is a centre for surf, fun and sun. The white sandy beach looks out on a wide crescent shaped bay of deep blue water. Bus no 380 from Circular Quay takes 45 minutes to Bondi.

Picking a Cruise From Sydney

There’s a super variety of cruises departing from Sydney to pick between. Novice cruisers may like the short cruises to nowhere, which give a great feel for cruising. Weekly routes include gorgeous tropical Queensland, or verdant Tasmania. Slightly longer cruises call at the magnificent beaches of the Pacific islands New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Two-week cruise vacations include a trip around New Zealand, or a sailing to the exotic Pacific atolls of New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu. Cruise enthusiasts will appreciate longer sailings to the oriental wonders of Japan and China, or the ambitious circumnavigation of Australia.

Travelling to Cruise Terminal

From Sydney Airport

Overseas Passenger Terminal – Catch the train from either the International Train Station or the Sydney Airport Domestic station to Circular Quay (green line). The OPT is a short walk from Circular Quay Station.

Wharf 5 – Take a train from either the International Train Station or the Sydney Airport Domestic station to Wynyard station (Airport and East Hills line). It is a half-mile walk from Wynyard station to Wharf 5.

A further option for either cruise terminal is to take a taxi-cab.

From Central Train Station

Central Railway Station is the major junction for interstate and intrastate rail services. The Inner West and South lines link Central station to the city center. It’s 2 stops to Wynyard, and three stops to Circular Quay. Another option from Central Station to the terminals is a cab.

By Car

Neither the OPT or Wharf 5 terminals have convenient car parks, but parking is possible in the area.

Also Worth Knowing

Currency AUD

Timezone UTC/GMT +10 hours

Language English