Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise in Sydney
Sydney, Australia

Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise

Outty Ranking 47 4.0 · 2 traveler reviews3.5 hoursFrom $95

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September 2026

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Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$95
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Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise worth booking?

Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise is a 3.5-hour experience in Sydney, Australia, from $95 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4/5 rating across 2 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
4/5 (2)
Duration
3.5 hours
From
$95 per person

Allocated seating 3.5-hour lunch cruise 3-course seafood & carvery seated lunch Tempting dessert, tea & coffee Large TV screens to watch the race Outstanding value bar packages Join in the onboard sweepstakes Upbeat musi

What you get

    About this experience

    Allocated seating 3.5-hour lunch cruise 3-course seafood & carvery seated lunch Tempting dessert, tea & coffee Large TV screens to watch the race Outstanding value bar packages Join in the onboard sweepstakes Upbeat music & fun atmosphere Prizes, giveaways & more! Fully licensed bar Large observation decks to take in the views of our magnificent Harbour

    What's included

    Included

    • Three course buffet menu with Seafood
    • Background music before and after the race
    • Fully licensed bar onboard to purchase your beverages
    • T.V. screens to watch the race live
    • Join in with on board sweepstakes
    • Tea and coffee
    • Large observation decks

    Not included

    • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
    • Private transportation

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sydney Harbour

      Cruise past Sydney's main landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, Double Bay, Rose Bar, Point Piper, Taronga Park Zoo, Luna Park and much much more!

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Sydney

    Wharf is in-front of the Cargo Bar. Directions: Please refer to your boarding pass for accurate details. Please arrive 15 mins prior to the cruise departure time. Unfortunately we cannot wait for late arrivals and if you miss the boat there will be no refunds or transfers permitted.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Wharf is in-front of the Cargo Bar. Directions: Please refer to your boarding pass for accurate details. Please arrive 15 mins prior to the cruise departure time. Unfortunately we cannot wait for late arrivals and if you miss the boat there will be no refunds or transfers permitted.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Vagabond Cruises

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Dress code is smart casual

    Photos

    Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise in Sydney, photo 2Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise in Sydney, photo 3Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise in Sydney, photo 4

    Traveler reviews

    2 verified traveler reviews for Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    gaelm911 · November 2025

    BEST DAY EVER

    I CANT SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH OF THIS CRUISE. The staff were amazing and the whole day was fantastic. We had so much fun and we are oldies. In our 70's and 80's. The tables were set up so everyone got a view of the harbour and being on two levels it wasn't crowded and was such an organised cruise. The food was spot on with so much to choose from, hot and cold, seafood, roast, something for everyone and plenty of it. I recommend Vagabond 100% and with so many cruises to choose throughout the year you just can't be dissapointed.

    Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for such an uplifting review — it absolutely made our day. We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fantastic time on board, and it’s wonderful to know the cruise was comfortable and enjoyable for your group in the 70s and 80s. Our team takes a lot of pride in the setup, service and food, so hearing that everything from the views to the buffet hit the mark really means a lot. We truly appreciate your recommendation and your kind words. With so many cruises throughout the year, we’d be delighted to welcome you back whenever you feel like another day out on the Harbour. Warm regards, Michel Vagabond Cruises

    via Tripadvisor

    Explore22682500404 · November 2018

    Dissapointing Melbourne Cup

    Each year a group of us celebrate Melbourne Cup and this year I thought we would try a Cruise. The Good Dealing with company on line for payment and booking was great.We boarded and left on time. Drinks package price was great ad flowed well. Seating was very comfortable and was not overbooked or crowded. Lunch was served and was very nice and plenty for everyone. The Not so Good 1. Bar tender on below deck was so miserable and rude to deal with 2. There was one small TV on bottom deck, could not hear it at all when race was on, because of glare could hardly see it and really ruined the actual reason we were on the boat "To see the Melbourne Cup". We couldn't even see or hear the leadup to the race which is all in the fun of the day. We left feeling very deflated about this. 3. There was no announcement about the sweeps starting, we had to go and look and line up for ever as 1 poor lady tried to manage it all. 4. With the Tea and Coffee Facilities, only full cream milk. There should always be a lite or skim milk on offer. 5. The cruise paperwork clearly stated in several places that the drinks package is for 3 hours. Would like to know why was shut off at 3.35pm??? Cruise was from 1-4pm. When we showed our ticket and questioned it we were told is what they do. This is false advertising. I do feel like i have let my guests down by arranging this option for Melbourne Cup Cruise. The only thing that stops me rating it as Poor is the food and seating. Unfortunately I would not do again and wouldn't recommend. Regards Mel

    Response from the operator: Hi Mel Thank you for your patronage and review of your Melbourne Cup cruising experience which sounds like we didn't meet all of your expectations. I will look into this and speak to management. I have received your email and will get back to it promptly. Regards, Manager

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue
    Price range
    $95 to $130
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 47

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)75
    Review evidence (18% weight)15
    Booking momentum (14% weight)11
    Value for money (12% weight)82
    Listing quality (10% weight)66
    Local standing (8% weight)42
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sydney.

    How much does Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sydney usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise take?

    +

    Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sydney is not rushed.

    Is Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Sydney, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sydney can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sydney and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Sydney Harbour Melbourne Cup Cruise start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sydney within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Sydney?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Sydney experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive, Depart Syd: Blue Mountains Best All Inclusive with Local Guide, Blue Mountain Small Group Tour All Inclusive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Sydney?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Sydney?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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