The capital of New South Wales—and Australia’s largest city—welcomes visitors with golden beaches, royal gardens, outback wilderness, ancient cultures and a sophisticated urban vibe.
Situated at the foot of the Blue Mountains on Australia’s east coast, Sydney is best known for its incredible coastline and iconic Opera House.
Local Culture and Flavor
With its distinctive sail-like design, the Sydney Opera House takes center stage in the harbor. But it’s the soaring Harbour Bridge that dominates the skyline, with views from practically every corner of the city. The arch alone weighs some 30,000 tons, and from end to end stretches 1,560 feet. Today, Sydney Harbour is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, providing a gateway to this vibrant international city celebrated for its welcoming nature and cultural attractions.
There’s also Darling Harbour and Circular Quay, which serve as hubs for waterfront shopping and dining. Visitors will want to check out the new rooftop bars, theatre shows and designer shops that seem to be constantly popping up. Naturally, seafood plays a starring role on the menu, with must-try specialties including barramundi, John Dory, yellowfin tuna, giant rock oyster and Australian prawns. Other favorites among Sydneysiders are classic fish and chips and Australian meat pie.
Discover exciting sites and attractions both in and around Sydney.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Experience Sydney in all its glory by taking part in a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb or a scenic helicopter flight over the city! Ten years in the making, this steel-arch bridge opened in 1932 and is one of the longest bridges in the world, serving as the primary transportation link between the charming neighborhoods on the North Shore and the metropolis on the south. Along its length, it features a highway, 4 railroad tracks and 2 walkways.
Sydney Opera House
Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon in 1956, this magnificent building is Australia's most iconic landmark. Its commanding presence is suggestive of a yacht's sails soaring in the wind. The best way to experience the interior is to attend a performance, but you can also take a guided tour.
Circular Quay
Located in the heart of the city near the Opera House, Circular Quay offers great harbor views, fantastic restaurants and lots of things to see and do, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The Harbour Bridge and the historic George Street district are both a short walk away. You can also catch a 45-minute ferry ride to Manly Beach from here.
Darling Harbour
Delight in a pedestrian district filled with street performers and family-friendly entertainment. Just a short ferry ride away from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour is a shopping mecca filled with fashionable shops, cozy cafés and trendy restaurants. The Australian National Maritime Museum can also be found here.
Royal Botanic Garden
Opened in 1816, this 74-acre botanical garden features thousands of plants, both native and international. It is also the oldest and most important scientific institution in Australia and one of the most visited attractions in the city.
Beaches
No visit to Sydney is complete without a trip to Sydney’s most iconic beaches, Bondi and Manly Beach.
Find out what you need to know before you go to Sydney.
Language
English is the official language of Sydney, Australia.
Weather
Thanks to Australia’s location in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney enjoys warm, sunny weather in summer, which runs from December through February. Average temperatures during this time range from 65° to 78° F (18° to 26° C), with average humidity around 65%. The winter rainy season hits between June and August, with July being the coolest month with lows around 48° and highs about 63° F (9° to 17° C).
How to Pay
Australia’s national currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). Debit and credit cards are also widely accepted; however, some merchants may impose a surcharge.
How to Get Around
With a great network of public transportation, the metropolitan area is easy to navigate. Options include taxis, rideshare, buses, trains and light rail. The city is also very walkable.
Safety in Sydney
Australia is considered one of the safest countries in the world. In general, Sydney is relatively safe. Like any other large metropolitan area, travelers should remain aware when touring outside the tourist zones and exercise caution at the beaches by never swimming alone.
Learn about departure port details, such as driving directions, parking and embarkation information.
Sydney Port Terminal – Overseas Passenger Terminal
Address
West 130 Argyle Street
The Rocks, NSW, 2000
Australia
Upon arriving at the port, please follow the signs directing you to the Disney Cruise Line ship and terminal.
Overseas Passenger Terminal Sail Dates
October 27, 2025
January 20, 2026
January 12, 2026
January 16, 2026
January 30, 2026
February 2, 2026
The October 27, 2025, sailing will embark from Overseas Passenger Terminal and disembark in Melbourne, Victoria.
The January 20, 2026, sailing will embark from Overseas Passenger Terminal and disembark from White Bay Cruise Terminal.
The January 12, 2026, January 16, 2026, and January 30, 2026, sailing will embark and disembark from the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
The February 2, 2026, sailing will embark from Overseas Passenger Terminal and disembark in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Overseas Passenger Terminal is 8 miles (13 kilometers) and 23 minutes from the Sydney Airport.
Parking
There is no parking at the Overseas Passenger Terminal; however, there are a number of secure, conveniently located parking stations in The Rocks.
Sydney Port Terminal – White Bay Cruise Terminal
Address
2041 James Craig Road
Rozelle, NSW, 2039
Australia
To enter the port, Guests should take James Craig Road via The Crescent and follow the signs to the terminal. Please note that access will be denied if Guests attempt to enter from the Robert Street gates.
White Bay Cruise Terminal Sail Dates
October 19, 2025
October 24, 2025
December 29, 2025
January 3, 2026
January 8, 2026
January 23, 2026
January 26, 2026
The October 24, 2025, January 8, 2026, and January 26, 2026, sailings will embark from White Bay Cruise Terminal and disembark from Overseas Passenger Terminal.
The October 19, 2025, December 29, 2025, January 3, 2026, and January 23, 2026, sailings will embark and disembark from White Bay Cruise Terminal.
Parking
There is no parking at the White Bay Cruise Terminal.
Luggage Handling and Port Arrival Times
Disney Cruise Line representatives will be at the terminal to meet, greet and check in Guests starting at 11:15 AM. Guests are allowed to enter at their scheduled Port Arrival Time. Guests who do not have a Port Arrival Time or have not had an opportunity to complete their Online Check-In should arrive after 2:00 PM. Porters will be on hand to assist with luggage.
Note: All Guests must be on board the ship no later than the published All-Aboard time.
Youth Activities
Wristbands will be distributed to Guests during Youth Activities registration on board the ship.
Currency Exchange
There are no ATMs in the terminal. There is no currency exchange into Australian or New Zealand dollars on board.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The terminal buildings and parking areas are wheelchair accessible.
Enjoy an enchanting location in the historic Rocks district at the Park Hyatt Sydney hotel. Surrounded by the city’s most famous landmarks—including the Sydney Opera House—this luxurious accommodation serves as a convenient home base for exploring Sydney’s dazzling harbor.
Park Hyatt Sydney
7 Hickson Rd
The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
Telephone: +61 2-9256 1234
Check-In: 3 PM | Check-Out: 11 AM
The hotel is approximately 12 miles from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport and less than a mile from the Overseas Passenger Terminal.
Feel the pulse of the city, just minutes from Sydney’s top attractions and the iconic Circular Quay station. The stylish Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel boasts a coveted location in the Central Business District—Sydney’s premier destination for designer shopping and fine dining.
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
30 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Telephone: +61 2-9259 7000
Check-In: 4 PM | Check-Out: 11 AM
The hotel is approximately 11.2 miles from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport and less than a mile from the Overseas Passenger Terminal.