Sydney Harbour: Small Group Sailing Cruise & Gourmet Lunch

Summary

Lunch at Store Beach, sailing under the Harbour Bridge, local stories

You’ll sail Sydney Harbour with just eight people and a local skipper, passing icons like the Opera House before anchoring at Store Beach for lunch. Swim or relax onboard while your meal is prepared, then soak up sun and city views on your return. Expect laughter, salty air, and moments you’ll replay long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

Li grinned as she handed me a glass of white wine — “You’ll want to hold tight when we pass under the bridge,” she said. She wasn’t kidding. The wind picked up just as we sailed beneath Sydney Harbour Bridge, and I caught myself laughing out loud. There’s something about seeing the Opera House from this angle — not from land, but right on the water — that makes you feel like you’re in on some secret. Our skipper (I never did catch his last name) pointed out Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and told us how convicts were once left on Fort Denison with nothing but bread and water. That stuck with me more than I expected.

The yacht itself felt almost too nice for my sandy feet. Eight of us lounged around, swapping sunscreen and stories while the city faded behind us. We passed those wild-looking houses in Watsons Bay — someone said one belonged to a famous cricketer, but honestly I was more interested in the smell of salt and eucalyptus drifting off the bushland as we anchored at Store Beach. Lunch was sushi, prawn salad, chicken — simple but so good after a swim (yes, I actually swam to shore; water colder than I thought). Dessert was cheesecake and fruit, but it’s the taste of that first cold beer I still remember best.

On the way back toward Darling Harbour, sunburned and happy, nobody really talked much. Just that quiet hum of wind in the rigging and someone snoring lightly below deck (not naming names). It felt like Sydney had let us peek behind its postcard face for a few hours. Not sure if it was the wine or just being out there with strangers who didn’t feel so strange anymore. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip on Sydney Harbour with lunch included — well, this is what it’s actually like.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury sailing cruise with lunch

• Depart from Darling Harbour
• Sail under Sydney Harbour Bridge
• View Sydney Opera House and The Rocks
• Pass Farm Cove, Mrs. Macquaries Chair, Fort Denison
• Sail past Eastern suburbs waterfront homes
• Cross harbor entrance at Watsons Bay
• Anchor at Store Beach for lunch
• Enjoy lunch with sushi, salad, chicken
• Swim, relax, or fish at Store Beach
• Have dessert with biscuits, cheesecake, fruit
• Return to Darling Harbour in early afternoon

Top questions

How many people are on the Sydney Harbour sailing cruise?

The yacht takes a maximum of eight passengers plus crew.

Is lunch included during the sailing trip?

Yes, a gourmet lunch is served onboard while anchored at Store Beach.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The sailing cruise departs from Darling Harbour in Sydney.

Can you swim during the tour?

Yes, you can swim to Store Beach while anchored for lunch if you wish.

Are drinks provided on board?

Australian beer, wine, soda, and soft drinks are included during your cruise.

What landmarks do you see during the cruise?

You’ll see Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Fort Denison, Watsons Bay, The Rocks and more.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is there a guide or skipper onboard?

An experienced skipper leads your sailing cruise and shares local stories along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing on Sydney Harbour aboard a fully equipped luxury yacht with an experienced skipper at the helm; all safety equipment provided; gourmet lunch served onboard with Australian beer or wine; time to swim or relax at Store Beach; plus soda and dessert before returning to Darling Harbour in early afternoon.