If you need a quick overview of Sydney itself, try cruising along its harbor. As of 2010, you can take Magistic Cruises' Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise on catamarans for as little as $20, which glide past the Harbour Bridge and the famous Sydney Opera House. Or, you can pay $38 for a flexible good-for-one-day-anytime ticket across seven stops around Sydney Harbour, aboard Matilda Cruises' Harbour Express, which includes live commentary on the city's sights.
But if you have a family in tow or need food while cruising, check out Vagabond Cruises. Its 2010 cruises include food and trips to Taronga Zoo or Sydney Aquarium. Depending on your service choice, adult tickets can cost anywhere from as little as $30; family groups of four can get in for as low as $90.
Magistic Cruises
32 The Promenade
King St., Wharf 5
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
011-61-2-8296-7222
magisticcruises.com.au
Matilda Cruises
Pier 26, Aquarium Wharf
Wheat Rd., Darling Harbour
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
011-61-2-9264-7377
matilda.com.au
Vagabond Cruises
37 Bank St.
Pyrmont, NSW 2009
Australia
011-61-2-9660-0388
vagabond.com.au
To see the best of Australia itself, cruise along its coastline. One of the best deals as of 2010 comes from Backpacker Tours Australia. Unlike major cruise operators with fixed schedules, it offers a flexi-tour schedule 12 to 16 days long, from Sydney to Cairns, starting at only $1,095. The itinerary includes the Gold Coast, Fraser Island, Whitsunday's and the Great Barrier Reef.
If whales are more your style, check out both Matilda Cruises and Vagabond Cruises for their May to November 2010 whale-watching season cruises to the open sea off Sydney. Adult tickets in 2010 are about $75, while children's tickets can be as low as $39.
Backpacker Tours Australia (Eguide)
P.O. Box 1131
Noosaville D C
Queensland 4566
Australia
011-61-3-9750-0112
backpackingaustralia.com.au
Sydney is the starting port for cruises to the South Pacific islands and neighboring Asian countries. Visitors can enjoy the benefits of stiff competition between the cruise lines, so watch out for the best deals posted online at their websites or through travel agents.
For instance, as of August 2010, Princess Cruises' 12- or 13-day cruises to New Zealand are as low as $1,821 to $1,974 per person. Meanwhile, P&O Cruises posted an 11-day cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu costing as low as $979 to $1,116 per head, as of 2010. Not to be outdone, Holland America Line offers a 14-day voyage through New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and Malakula for about $1,799.
Cruise Critic also reports that for the 2010 to 2011 season, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard Line are also offering longer "world cruises," which you can join at certain segments on their itinerary starting in Sydney, for a rough average of $2,650 per person. A segment can go as far as Singapore or Dubai. For a much higher price, you may continue sailing from one country to another, until you return to Sydney.
P&O Cruises
Level 5, 15 Mount St.
North Sydney NSW 2060
Australia
0-845-678-0014
pocruises.com.au
Holland America Line (Australia)
c/o Travel the World
Level 1, 171 Clarence St.
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
1-300-857-637
traveltheworld.com.au
