Enjoy Lunch with a View on a Sydney Harbour Cruise

Sydney Harbour is one of those places that never loses its shine, no matter how many times you visit. Even after living in Sydney for six years, every visit here reinvigorates my love for it. Even the everyday sight of a Sydney ferry gliding between the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge becomes a quiet highlight each time I’m back. Today though is all about enjoying this Australian icon in a more boutique setting. 

Today, we’re bypassing Circular Quay, the hub for most of Sydney’s commuter ferries in favour of King Street Wharf on Darling Harbour. Here’s where we meet the Spirit of Migloo for two hours enjoying the best views of Sydney’s shores, including the wharf precinct, historic Luna Park, Fort Denison, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Potts Point, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Goat Island, and some of the city’s most exclusive waterfront suburbs. 

First, though, props to the crew for knowing exactly how to get our attention. Nothing says “welcome on board” like bubbles, in this case a prosecco from the Murray Darling region of New South Wales. The wines onboard showcase flavours from across the state, including the Central Ranges, Mudgee, and Orange, plus one cheeky Kiwi interloper (when your neighbours make the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, you let them join the team!). All are included along with beers, base spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks, with the option to upgrade to premium wines. 

As the Spirit of Migloo casts off and the crew gets things ready, we’re invited to explore, posing for photos with Sydney’s beautiful harbour in the background. The familiar pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge soon come into view, with the grinning face of historic Luna Park to the north and Sydney’s wharf precinct and Observatory Hill to the south. Here’s the real sightseeing benefit of a harbour cruise. With limited time, we’re about to take in more of Sydney’s shoreline over lunch than we’d have time to cover in a full day on our own, and there’s a lot more of it to see than the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

While the Spirit of Migloo can accommodate up to 86 diners onboard (or 135 cocktail style), a weekday lunch is generally not so busy. There’s something magical about being able to find a spot on this boat that makes it feel like your own. Sitting alone on the top deck brings back memories of living in Sydney, which bubble up one after another as the prosecco line goes down. When I return to the bar for a top-up, the captain’s commentary offers just enough local insight and colour without spoiling our appetites with information overload. 

And an appetite is mandatory! A delicious menu prepared with fresh regional ingredients offers chicken, fish, and vegetarian options, alongside tasty starters and desserts. There’s also the option to upgrade with natural Sydney rock oysters or freshwater salmon caviar if you’re feeling schmancy. 

The cruise itinerary takes us to Shark Island, between the exclusive waterside suburbs of Point Piper and Vaucluse, before returning for a lap around Goat Island, called Me-mel by the region’s Indigenous Cadigal people. A popular filming location and former outdoor concert venue, Me-mel is now a national park, only accessible via a guided tour exploring its history as a convict work camp and gunpowder storage depot. It’s a reminder just how many historic spots dot Sydney’s harbour, with stories unknown even to most locals. 

After two hours, we pull into King Street Wharf, finish our coffee, and say goodbye to the crew. A perfect lunch on a natural urban treasure with perfect weather. No notes. After lunch, local options are endless, from Darling Harbour favourites like Sea Life Sydney and the Australian Maritime Museum to a quick train to Circular Quay and the Botanical Gardens for a closer look at some of the cruise’s highlights. 

While the lunch cruise is optimal for sightseeing, it’s also possible to board the Spirit of Migloo for dinner, served with an extra course and the city lights as a magical backdrop. Special cruises run on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, while private charters offer a unique Sydney memory for a group. 

Goway’s Destination Specialists are experts at customizing trips to Sydney that include a lunchtime cruise on vessels such as the Spirit of Migloo. Request a quote to start planning today.