By Boat in Sydney

By Boat

Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and P&O cruise ships call frequently at Sydney as part of their South Pacific and around-the-world itineraries. Passenger ships generally berth at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. The terminal sits in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge, close to many of the city's major attractions and the bus, ferry, and train networks. Otherwise, passenger ships berth at the Darling Harbour Passenger Terminal (also called Wharf 8 Darling Harbour), a short walk from the city center. International cruise ships call at Sydney during the warmer months (from November to March), while P&O Australia has two, locally based cruise ships that travel year-round from Sydney to the Pacific islands on 7- to 14-day round-trip itineraries. The Sydney Ports authority has details of all ships calling at Sydney.

There is no finer introduction to the city than a trip aboard one of the commuter ferries that ply Sydney Harbour. The hub of the ferry system is Circular Quay, and ferries dock at the almost 30 wharves -- which span the length and breadth of the harbor -- between about 6 AM and 11:30 PM. One of the most popular sightseeing trips is the Manly ferry, a 30-minute journey from Circular Quay that provides glimpses of harborside mansions and the sandstone cliffs and bushland along the north shore. On the return journey, consider taking the speedy JetCat, which skims the waves in an exhilarating 15-minute trip back to the city. But be warned: passengers are not allowed on deck, and views are obscured.

The one-way Manly ferry fare is A$6, and the JetCat costs A$7.90. Fares for shorter inner-harbor journeys start at A$4.80. You can also buy economical ferry-and-entrance-fee passes, available from the Circular Quay ticket office, to such attractions as Taronga Zoo and Sydney Aquarium.

The sleek RiverCat ferries travel west from Circular Quay as far as Parramatta. These ferries are used overwhelmingly by commuters, although they also provide a useful and practical connection to Homebush Bay, site of Sydney Olympic Park. A one-way fare to Olympic Park is A$6.

A fun, fast, but somewhat expensive way to get around is by water taxi. (Circular Quay to Watsons Bay, for example, costs A$65 for two people.) Companies including Harbour Taxi Boats, Taxis Afloat, and Water Taxis Combined operate to and from practically anywhere on Sydney Harbour that has wharf or steps access. Watertours runs a taxi shuttle between Darling Harbour and the Opera House for A$15 one way, A$25 return. Mini-tours of the harbor in the little yellow taxi boats begin at A$15 per person for 30 minutes.

Cruise Ships

Crystal Cruises (02/8247-7100). Cunard (13-2469). Darling Harbour Passenger Terminal (Wharf 8 Darling Harbour) (02/9296-4999. www.sydneyports.com.au). Holland America Line (02/8296-7072). Overseas Passenger Terminal (02/9299-5868). P&O (13-2469). Princess Cruises (13-2469). Sydney Ports (02/9296-4999. www.sydneyports.com.au).

Ferries

Transport Info Line (ferries) (13-1500. www.sydneyferries.info).

Water Taxis

Harbour Taxi Boats (02/9555-1155). Taxis Afloat (02/9955-3222). Water Taxis Combined (02/9555-8888). Watertours (02/9211-7730).