Sydney Showstoppers

While the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House may be its most iconic and beguiling landmarks, Sydney Harbour’s 197 miles of shoreline has a multitude more coves, bays and sun-kissed beaches to explore. Whether you have an evening, a weekend or longer to enjoy its rich, natural and diverse cruising grounds, this spectacular stretch of New South Wales’ coastline will not disappoint.

Sydney sunset 

Pass under the Harbour Bridge and cruise on to the Sydney Opera House and historic Fort Denison before making your way to Bradley’s Head. The sheltered bays of Camp Cove, Watson’s Bay, Hermit Bay, Double Bay and Athol Bay provide good protection and stunning views with Hermit Bay, the western shore of Shark Island and Athol Bay having some of the best sunset views overlooking Sydney. These are also great positions for watching the fireworks across the iconic skyline on New Year’s Eve. Be sure to familiarise yourself on the navigation channels and rights of way as Sydney Harbour is a busy waterway with commercial and leisure traffic.

Watsons Bay 

For an unforgettable lunch stop, cruise to Doyles Restaurant at Watsons Bay for fresh seafood on the shore and one of the best views of the city and harbour. If you’re looking for something a little more laidback, nearby Milk Beach and Hermit Bay are ideal for swinging off the hook. Tender ashore for beach walks or trek up to historic Strickland House where you can picnic.

Sugarloaf Bay 

Bantry Bay and Sugarloaf Bay in Upper Middle Harbour are known for their picturesque anchorages and lush scenery. Bantry Bay is almost fjord-like thanks to the magnificent tree-covered ravines and is popular with kayakers, paddleboarders and has some good fishing spots.

Manly 

Artsy, stylish and chilled out, Manly is a magnet for visitors to the northern beaches. A short cruise from Sydney Harbour, Manly is brimming with restaurants, cafes, art galleries and museums.

Raft up in Spring Cove, a good anchorage in a northeasterly and sheltered from the Manly ferry wash, or drop anchor in Little Manly Cove and explore the bush trails around the captivating North Head Nature Reserve. Shelly Beach is another pretty spot for lunch on anchor – and a great location to photograph our three 48 foot models!

At Quarantine Beach, visitors can tender or paddle ashore to visit Q Station’s Boilerhouse restaurant. Located at North Head, the restaurant and hotel are housed in the original Quarantine Station and are a unique slice of Sydney history – the site also enjoys fabulous views of Sydney Harbour.

Pittwater and Cowan Creek 

The cruising areas of Cowan Creek and Pittwater are a real boating heartland peppered with anchorages, fishing holes and peaceful coves, backed by beautiful national parkland, verdant forests and waterfalls. In Pittwater, Towler’s Bay has a sandy bottom and is ideal for swimming while The Basin has a netted swimming lagoon and picnic areas. The Royal Motor Yacht Club at Newport has excellent facilities for overnighting. In Cowan Creek, Jerusalem Bay and Smith’s Creek are picturesque spots with creeks to explore and sandy bottoms.

Kamay Bay National Park 

While the northern beaches are famed for their long sweeping golden sands, in fair conditions, the southern beaches can also be a real joy. If conditions are calm, take a blast south past Sydney Harbour to Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Your route will take you past the much-loved Sydney beaches including Bondi and Coogee.

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