So you have a few days in Sydney and are wondering if the Hop on Hop off Ferry is a good idea. So were we. We ride Sydney’s public ferries often and have taken more than our share of harbour cruises, but we were curious about the benefits of the Captain Cook Explorer boat—also known as the HOHO ferry—and whether it justified the expense. When Captain Cook offered us a free pass to experience it firsthand, we decided to give it a try.
In this article, we’ll share our 48-hour journey using the Hop-On Hop-Off ticket. We will also give you some background on each of the stops on the route to help you decide what you might enjoy doing.
- Why Choose the Hop On Hop Off Experience?
- Considerations
- Which stops should you get off at?
- How to Make the Most of Your Hop On Hop Off pass
- Ticket Pricing: Finding the Best Deals
- Family-Friendly Activities on the Ferry Route
- Photography Spots: Capture Sydney’s Beauty
- Accessibility Information
- Comparing the Captain Cook Ferry to Other Options
- General tips
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Whether you follow our itinerary to the letter or use it as a springboard for your own adventures, we hope it helps you decide if the ticket is right for you.
Why Choose the Hop On Hop Off Experience?
Ok, so let’s start with answering the most obvious question. Why not just use the Sydney Harbour Ferries to explore?
Well, you can. However when it comes to exploring Sydney Harbour in just a couple of days, opting for the Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) ferry offers some clear advantages over regular public ferries.
The Route:
- Unique stops: The HOHO ferry stops at Shark Island. This wharf is not on the public ferry route so unless you kayak over or book a water taxi a hop on hop off boat is the only way to get there.
- Efficient travel: Often public ferries require you returning to Circular Quay to switch routes, the HOHO ferry allows direct travel between key locations such as Manly, Watsons Bay and Taronga Zoo. This will save you time backtracking and give you more flexibility planning your day.
Enhanced Experience:
- Freedom to explore: The full circuit takes about 90 minutes, comparable to standard harbour cruises, but with the added benefit of hopping off whenever something piques your interest.
- Accessibility: The boat is fully accessible for wheelchair users and has an accessible toilet. Not all of the stops are accessible but the full circuit can be enjoyed by all.
- Multilingual commentary: The app available with your ticket offers commentary in multiple languages, so instead of wondering what you are looking at you will learn about the history of the harbour and its key sites.
Weaving Dreamtime and Indigenous knowledge with colonial history and recent events, even as a local I found the information shared interesting. For example, did you know that between 1938 and 1950, Rose Bay was this was the site of Sydney’s international airport?
Onboard Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi: The availability of free onboard Wi-Fi allows you to stay connected and share your adventures in real-time.
- Outdoor decks: The HOHO cruise boats are catamarans with an enclosed lower deck and an open top deck perfect for all weather.
So while you can explore Sydney Harbour using public ferries, the HOHO ferry is very convenient and can enhance your visit. Particularly if you need to maximize your time and want to explore some off-the-beaten-path locations.
Considerations
- Before you buy, check the timetable and make sure the timing works for you. If you miss the ferry it can be quite a while to the next one.
- I personally think the commentary makes this ticket worthwhile even if you are only going to use it to go to a couple of stops.
- I also like that it is never as crowded as the Manly or Taronga ferry are on the weekend when everyone is taking advantage of the Opal price cap. Paying a little more means a lot more room up top for taking in the view.
- Kids’ tickets can be free on this ferry – check with the operators via the chat window when you book. They currently have free kids tickets if you use the code “Family” when booking.
- If you are on a tight budget you can see most of these places on the public ferries but it will take longer.
Which stops should you get off at?
One of the best aspects of the Hop-On Hop-Off ferry is the flexibility it offers to explore Sydney at your own pace. With six stops and only a day to see them it’s crucial to know which ones are worth jumping off for.
Each stop boasts its own unique charm and worthwhile activities. Here’s our guide to the top stops and what you shouldn’t miss.
Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay is perched at the entry to Port Jackson at South Head. With the harbour on one side and sandstone cliffs looking out to the Pacific Ocean on the other, it’s an interesting spot to explore for an hour or two.
Highlights you shouldn’t miss here are:
- The Gap Lookout: discover the beauty and the sadness of these towering cliffs.
- The South Head Heritage Trail: this picturesque trail winds through coastal bushland to newly restore Hornby Lighthouse.
- Camp Cove Beach: is marked as the site where Captain Philip first stepped ashore in Sydney Harbour
- Watsons Bay Baths: an enclosed harbour swimming pool that offers a safe spot for families with young kids to paddle around.
Where to eat in Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay offers some delicious dining options, especially for seafood lovers. With its roots as a former fishing village, the area continues to serve fresh and tasty seafood.
- Doyle’s on the Beach: A local institution since 1885, serving seafood meals with a stunning view of the harbour.
- Watsons Bay Hotel: offers casual pub style dining with a strong focus on seafood and wood fire pizzas for those looking for something different.
- Budget-Friendly Options: If you are looking for more casual dining, grab some takeaway fish and chips from the wharf and enjoy a picnic under the shady trees in Robertson Park.
Regardless of your budget, this makes a great lunch time stop with Robertson Park’s shady trees the perfect place to enjoy a picnic if the budget doesn’t stretch to a slap up lunch.
Manly
Manly still lives up to the 1920s advertising slogan designed to sell it to locals: “Seven Miles from Sydney and a Thousand Miles from Care.” Just a 30-minute ferry ride from the city centre, Manly offers the quintessential Australian beach experience.
Highlights to explore in Manly:
- Swim: Whether you prefer the calm waters of the harbourside or the rolling waves of Manly’s ocean beach, you will find it here.
- Wander the Corso: A vibrant dining and shopping strip that joins the harbour to the Pacific Ocean, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Follow the footpath to Shelly Beach: A picturesque walk that features a couple of waterfront cafes, perfect for people watching.
- Manly Markets: Held on weekends, these markets are a great place to find unique souvenirs and local crafts.
- Visit Q Station: If you’re planning a two-day ticket, make time to visit Q Station and take one of their engaging tours.
For more detailed recommendations, check out our article on our favourite things to do in Manly.
Where to Eat in Manly
Manly offers a wide variety of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are a few of my favorites:
- The Pantry: Located on the beach, this spot is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The food is just as impressive as the views.
- Four Pines Brewery: Beer enthusiasts should not miss this local favorite, just a few minutes’ walk from the wharf.
- Norma’s Deli: Halfway along the Corso, this spot offers all the deli favourites as well as tasty sandwiches that are perfect for a picnic.
- Wharf Hotel and Manly 16 Foot Skiff Club: Great options for afternoon drinks with ocean views.
To cap off your visit, treat yourself to some ice cream on the Corso. Anita Gelato and Gelato Messina are two popular choices that won’t disappoint
Shark Island / Boowambillee
Shark Island, standing between Bradleys Head and Point Piper, offers one of the most intimate and scenic experiences in Sydney Harbour. With its 360-degree views, the island is the perfect spot to relax and watch the sailboats and ferries gliding by.
Highlights:
- Breathtaking views: Enjoy panoramic views of the harbour and city skyline, making it an ideal spot for photography and picnics or even proposals!
- Rich history: Originally used as an animal quarantine station in the late 1890s, Shark Island became a public recreation area in 1900 and was later incorporated into the Sydney Harbour National Park in the 1970s.
- Natural beauty: The island features plenty of shady trees, small sandy areas, and little caves where you can spot marine life.
Not a lot of locals make it to Shark Island, the limited access options mean you need to plan ahead. You can kayak from Rose Bay, hire a water taxi, or, most conveniently, hop on the Captain Cook ferry. Just be sure to keep an eye on the ferry schedule to avoid missing the last ride back.
Fact: The first Sydney to Hobart race started from the site on Boxing Day in 1945.
Since there are no food vendors on the island, pack a picnic. There are designated picnic areas with tables, but you can also find a cozy spot under a tree.
Tip: Consider visiting on a Wednesday afternoon to catch the Middle Harbour Yacht Club races or on a Saturday lunchtime to see the Double Bay Sailing Club in action. I don’t think the harbour ever looks better.
Taronga Zoo Wharf
Taronga Zoo Wharf is the most popular stop on the HOHO route, and for good reason. While the zoo itself is a primary attraction, there’s much more to explore from this stop.
Visiting Taronga Zoo:
- Plan ahead: If you’re planning to visit Taronga Zoo, it’s best to start early to make the most of your time. The zoo is expansive and features incredible exhibits that showcase a wide range of wildlife. If time is short, make the Australian animals your first stop.
- Zoo Combo Ticket: Consider purchasing a combo ticket that includes zoo entry—it’s convenient and can save you time.
Exploring beyond the zoo: Even if you’re not visiting the zoo, the surrounding area offers serene harbour trails, quiet beaches and picturesque views:
- Whiting Beach and Sirius Cove: Upon disembarking, head left to walk the trail towards Whiting Beach and Sirius Cove. These quiet harbour beaches provide a peaceful retreat and beautiful views.
- Chowder Bay Walk: Head right for one of the most scenic bushwalks in the harbour. The full walk to Chowder Bay is 3.5 km each way, offering an immersive nature experience. You can choose to walk part of the trail or complete the entire route.
Dining Options:
- Ripples at Chowder Bay: If you’re up for a waterfront dining experience, Ripples offers a delicious menu with stunning views.
- L’Héritage: For a touch of French flair, L’Héritage provides a charming setting and impressive menu.
Budget Tip: There are no budget dining options here, so consider bringing snacks and water if you’re looking to save.
Taronga Zoo Wharf offers a a chance to meet the local wildlife and the natural beauty of Sydney Harbour National Park, making it a versatile stop on your Hop-On Hop-Off ferry adventure.
Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour, packed with restaurants and things to do, is likely already on your list of places to visit while you are in the city.
Top Attractions:
- Australian National Maritime Museum: Dive into Australia’s maritime history with interactive exhibits and historic vessels.
- Sea Life Sydney Aquarium: Experience the underwater world with fascinating marine life displays.
- Madame Tussauds: Get up close with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities and historical figures.
- Wild Life Sydney Zoo: Discover Australian wildlife right in the heart of the city.
Beyond these major attractions, simply strolling along the wharf offers plenty of charm. The area is usually very lively with street performers, public art installations, and great vantage points for harbour views.
Dining Options: Darling Harbour is a culinary hotspot with more bars and restaurants than you could explore in a single visit. Here are a few recommendations to suit different tastes and budgets:
- Fine Dining: Head to Barangaroo for upscale dining options with stunning waterfront views. Cirrus and Anason are top picks for a sophisticated meal.
- Casual Eats: Make your way to Darling Quarter for family-friendly dining. Fratelli Fresh is popular with families and nearby Planar offers a great happy hour and a variety of casual meals perfect for a quick bite.
- Asian feasting: At the southern end of Darling Harbour current hotspot Darling Square offers a diverse range of Asian dining options at all price points. Choose from my favourites, Lilong, Hello Aunty and Chinta Ria.
Darling Harbour’s blend of attractions, dining, and fun night time atmosphere makes it a great stop to end your Hop-On Hop-Off ferry adventure.
How to Make the Most of Your Hop On Hop Off pass
The beauty of the pass is that you don’t need to plan in advance if you don’t want to. But if you want to make the most of your time, it’s a good idea to rough out an itinerary. To help you, we have shared two we tried and tested.
*Note times may vary depending on events so please check the schedule on the day.
Riding on a One Day Ticket
The perfect day on the harbour for anyone on limited time
Day One – Taronga, Watsons Bay and Manly
- 9am – Take the first ferry over to meet the animals at Taronga Zoo or if you are not keen to visit the zoo do the Taronga to Chowder Bay walk.
- Make you way to the wharf for the ferry for either the 12:35pm or the 2:30pm ferry if you want to spend more time at the zoo.
- 12:50pm – Take the ferry to Watsons Bay – explore the lookouts and lighthouse.
- 2:45pm – Time to reboard the rocket for the trip to Manly. Wander the Corso, check out the beaches and grab a sunset drink at the wharf.
- 4:40pm – Take the last ferry to Circular Quay (or Darling Harbour)
You could join an evening walk in the Rocks, a sunset drink at Opera Bar or perhaps dinner at Barangaroo.
If you have another day
Day Two – Off the beaten track – Shark Island, South Head, Q Station or Shelly Beach Manly
- 9am – Take the ferry from CQ to Shark Island where you will have an hour and 20 minutes to explore the small island and snap some wonderful harbour photos.
- 10:55am – Reboard the ferry from Shark Island to Watsons Bay.
- Walk out to Hornby Lighthouse, Explore Camp Cove Beach and visit the Gap Lookout
- Decision Time – Lunch at Watsons Bay or Manly
- 12:25pm or 2:55pm – It’s time to move on to Manly
- 5:35pm – Depart Manly and take the ferry back to Circular Quay – for most of the year this is golden hour and a lovely time of year to be out on the water.
Ticket Pricing: Finding the Best Deals
Captain Cook have a few options for tickets
- One day pass – ride the bus for one full day
- Two day pass – add another day
- Combo zoo and ferry pass – a one day cruise pass with zoo entry or a two day cruise pass with zoo entry for the same price.
- Combo zoo and HOHO Bus pass – One day cruise and 1-2 days bus pass
Family-Friendly Activities on the Ferry Route
If you are travelling with kids then Taronga, Manly and Darling Harbour will be the top choices. Start with the zoo, in summer a swim at fish and chips on the beach in Manly and then finish the day at Darling Harbour and check out the playground – its surrounded by family-friendly dinner options.
Photography Spots: Capture Sydney’s Beauty
Watsons Bay and Shark Island are two must stops for photographers. At Watsons Bay you can shoot the cute candy striped lighthouse, the very picturesque Camp Cove Beach and dramatic cliffs of The Gap.
Shark Island gives you the chance to take 360 degree views of the harbour and a chance to capture postcard views of Sydney’s icons.
Accessibility Information
Accessibility is key to a great experience. The HOHO boat is accessible for wheelchair users and has an accessible toilet, however only Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Taronga Wharf are accessible for disembarking. At other wharves you would need to have your own help to navigate steps or uneven surfaces.
If you are travelling with a pram, staff will be able to assist you on and off the boat.
Comparing the Captain Cook Ferry to Other Options
Ok, so you could do everything we suggested in our itinerary except Shark Island using the public ferries, but you would have to do a fair bit of coming and going from Circular Quay to make it work.
Yes it would save you a little bit of money by hitting the daily Opal cap, but you would lose time and have to work out the various timetables. You also wouldn’t get the commentary or the free wifi.
Take a look at other ways to explore Sydney Harbour by kayak, tall ship and more.
General tips
- Download your commentary app – our free guided commentary is available directly on your smartphone. Don’t forget to bring your headphones. Click here for details.
- View the latest timetables including Hop On Hop Off, Zoo Express, Rocket Sightseeing and Ferry Services
- If your booking includes Taronga Zoo entry, your Taronga Zoo pass must be collected on the day from the Captain Cook Cruises office on the wharf at Circular Quay, prior to boarding your vessel. Your Reservation Record is not accepted at the Zoo.
My Final Thoughts
I believe Sydney is a city that’s best experienced from the water. If you’re looking for a unique and flexible way to explore the harbour city, the Hop-On Hop-Off Sydney Harbour Explorer is a relaxing way to do this.
The cruise allows you to take in breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, while giving you the freedom to hop off at some of Sydney’s most popular spots. It’s not as cheap as combining a couple of ferry rides but I really enjoyed my weekend riding the boat and for a visitor I think it’s money well spent.
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