SYDNEY - AUSTRALIA
PORT INFORMATION
Everything You Need to Know about Sydney, Australia as a Port of Call
by Roger Allnutt
Image courtesy of Sydney Ports Corporation
Approaching Sydney, Australia through the heads and sailing up the harbour to the city is one of the great cruise experiences in the world. The magnificent harbor is lined with verdant headlands and many upmarket suburbs with houses right down to the water’s edge and approaching the cruise terminals you are overwhelmed by the key Sydney icons of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the skyline of the city centre and the world famous Sydney Opera House. The cruise industry has consistently reaffirmed Sydney's reputation as a world leading cruise destination.
Cruise Terminals in Sydney
Sydney Harbour is Australia's premier cruise ship destination and the only port in Australia with two dedicated cruise-passenger terminals. The Overseas Passenger Terminal located at Circular Quay and Wharf 5 Cruise Passenger Terminal (CPT) located at Barangaroo.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay, which is used by the larger cruise ships, is only metres from the Sydney CBD and the historic site of the first settlement of Sydney in 1788 at The Rocks. It is overlooked by the arch of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and has a panoramic view of the Opera House.
Wharf 5 Cruise Passenger Terminal is approached under the Sydney Harbor Bridge (the height of the road span precludes the larger ships from passing under the span) and is close to Darling Harbor with city attractions such as Star City Casino, the Maritime Museum and the Aquarium.
Due to increased demand from the burgeoning cruise industry there are long term moves to transform some of the current naval facilities and locations in the harbor close to the city centre to use by cruise ships
Cruise Lines using Sydney
Cruise lines that use Sydney include P&O Australia Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Silver Seas and Classic Cruises.
Must See Attractions in Sydney
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Opened in 1932 the arched span of the bridge supports the roadway beneath and is the defining symbol of Sydney. You can walk across the bridge via the pedestrian pathway but even better is to ‘do’ the Bridgeclimb to the top of the span- a fantastic experience either by day or at night.
Historic Rocks area
The early settlers of Sydney after the original landing in 1788 at Sydney Cove clustered round The Rocks area. Historic reminders of the past include the Customs House, Sydney Observatory, Holy Trinity Church and the Argyle Stores. A great place to wander and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants. cafes and pubs.
Opera House
Opened in 1973 the sail-like design of Dane Joern Utzon has become Sydney’s iconic symbol. You can take a tour of the Opera House or enjoy one of the many theatrical and musical programs. Continue on past the Opera House to the wonderful Royal Botanic Gardens
Taronga Zoo
Located on the north shore of the harbor, getting to the zoo by ferry from Circular Quay gives you unsurpassed views of the harbor and its surrounds. Taronga Zoo has a lovely bushland setting and contains many examples of Australian fauna including everyone’s favourite, the koala.
