Sydney, Australia
Overview
First came the Aborigines, 50,000 years ago; then 759 British convicts, followed by a wave of military settlers known as the Rum Corps. The result: Sydney's bold, egalitarian charm. History, opera, opals and koalas are all here. Sample shore excursions: Cruising Sydney Harbour; Harbour Bridge Climb & The Rocks; A Touch of Aussie Wildlife.
Shore Excursions
Shore Excursions
A Touch of Aussie Wildlife
Meet Australia’s unique wildlife in the Sydney’s Hills District and Koala Park. Say hello to a dingo and a wombat. You’ll also get close to the koalas for a photo (at your own expense), then feel free to explore the sanctuary. You’ll have a chance to hand-feed kangaroos and meet an emu before you step aboard a Rivercat and cruise back to Sydney along the Parramatta River...
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An Evening at the Opera House
Capture the dynamic spirit of Sydney and savor the experience of a lifetime as you attend a performance at the world-famous Sydney Opera House! This epic building’s outrageous sail-shaped roof has immortalized it in the hearts of Sydneysiders and visitors alike. Upon arrival by motor coach, locate your Premium Reserve seat in the theatre, then relax for a dazzling performance by talented ...
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Australian Tropics, Kuranda Village & Great Barrier Reef Overland Adventure - Double
Day 1 (D)
Upon disembarkation in Sydney you will be met by your Holland America Line/Bob Wood Travel Group representative who will accompany you throughout your tour in Australia. Transfer by motorcoach to the Sydney Domestic Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival in Cairns, board your motorcoach and transfer to Kuranda village, nestled among the World Heritage listed rainforests of...
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Australian Tropics, Kuranda Village & Great Barrier Reef Overland Adventure - Single
Day 1 (D)
Upon disembarkation in Sydney you will be met by your Holland America Line/Bob Wood Travel Group representative who will accompany you throughout your tour in Australia. Transfer by motorcoach to the Sydney Domestic Airport for your flight to Cairns. Upon arrival in Cairns, board your motorcoach and transfer to Kuranda village, nestled among the World Heritage listed rainforests of...
more info
Ayers Rock and Outback Overland Adventure - Double
Day 1 (D)
This morning transfer to the Sydney domestic airport by private vehicle to board a flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival at Ayers Rock you will be assisted with your transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, discover the region on a private motor coach tour of the Olgas and the mighty monolith of Ayers Rock itself. Enjoy a glass of champagne while watching the changing colors as the sun...
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Ayers Rock and Outback Overland Adventure - Single
Day 1 (D)
This morning transfer to the Sydney domestic airport by private vehicle to board a flight to Ayers Rock. Upon arrival at Ayers Rock you will be assisted with your transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, discover the region on a private motor coach tour of the Olgas and the mighty monolith of Ayers Rock itself. Enjoy a glass of champagne while watching the changing colors as the sun...
more info
Cruising Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour captures the essence of this beautiful city--historic landmarks, leafy suburbs, white beaches, booming industry and lively inhabitants. A short walk brings you to a luxury day-cruise vessel, and on it you will tour the most significant parts of the harbor. See the mansions that line the shore, parks and beaches that are enjoyed by the locals, Taronga Park Zoo and Watson’s B...
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Discover the Blue Mountains
Pass through the 2000 Olympic site at Homebush Bay en route to the Blue Mountains--an awesome Grand Canyon-like rock formation among deep valleys and cascading waterfalls. The nearby small towns are a home away from home for city folk on the weekends. Enjoy some free time at either Leura or Katoomba for lunch on your own at one of the numerous cafés or restaurants. The arts and crafts shop...
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Sydney Private Touring - Full Day (Car)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexib...
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Sydney Private Touring - Full Day (Minivan)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexib...
more info
Sydney Private Touring - Half Day (Car)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexib...
more info
Sydney Private Touring - Half Day (Minivan)
Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexib...
more info
Sydney Sights
Travel back in time to Sydney’s oldest village--the Rocks. This historic enclave sits in the shadow of the dazzling Harbour Bridge. Traveling through central Sydney, watch for the Sydney Tower, the magnificent Queen Victoria Building, the modern Darling Harbour Complex, magical Chinatown and Mrs. Macquaries’ Chair. The most sought-after residential areas in Sydney are Darling Point ...
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Sydney Sights & the Opera House
Sydney welcomes you this morning and tempts you with her outstanding charms as you orientate yourself to the city’s highlights. First, travel back in time to Sydney’s oldest village, The Rocks. Australia’s most historic enclave sits in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge and exhibits the heritage of two centuries in its narrow, twisting streets. The Victorian era brought prosperi...
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Sydney Sights with Airport Transfer (with pre-paid transfer voucher)
Travel back in time to Sydney’s oldest village--the Rocks. This historic enclave sits in the shadow of the dazzling Harbour Bridge. Traveling through central Sydney, watch for the Sydney Tower, the magnificent Queen Victoria Building, the modern Darling Harbour Complex, magical Chinatown and Mrs. Macquaries’ Chair. The most sought-after residential areas in Sydney are Darling Point and...
more info
Sydney Sights with Airport Transfer (without pre-paid transfer voucher)
Travel back in time to Sydney’s oldest village--the Rocks. This historic enclave sits in the shadow of the dazzling Harbour Bridge. Traveling through central Sydney, watch for the Sydney Tower, the magnificent Queen Victoria Building, the modern Darling Harbour Complex, magical Chinatown and Mrs. Macquaries’ Chair. The most sought-after residential areas in Sydney are Darling Point ...
more info
Sydney's Harbour Bridge & "The Rocks"
Adventurous guests will relish this unique opportunity to experience Sydney from above and below. Begin your day with a short transfer by limousine to the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, also known as "the coathanger," for a climb to its pinnacle. After the safety briefing you'll be outfitted with a climbing suit. Your qualified guide will lead you up the eastern arch, to the summit and down t...
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Weather
Weather
| Month | Temp Avg | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 71.5 | 77.5 | 64.5 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 71.5 | 77.5 | 64.5 | 4.0 |
| Mar | 69.2 | 75.2 | 62.1 | 5.0 |
| Apr | 64.4 | 70.5 | 57.3 | 5.3 |
| May | 58.7 | 65.5 | 51.7 | 5.0 |
| Jun | 54.7 | 60.9 | 47.7 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 53.2 | 60.2 | 46.0 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 55.5 | 62.6 | 47.7 | 3.0 |
| Sep | 58.8 | 66.6 | 50.8 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 63.3 | 70.4 | 55.4 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 66.5 | 73.5 | 59.5 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 69.4 | 76.4 | 62.4 | 2.9 |
Departure Information
Departure Information
Ship's Terminal
Sydney Ports
The Rocks
5 Hickson Rd.
NSW 2000 Sydney,
Australia
Commonly used berths
Passenger Terminal - Circular Quay
Please note: berth assignments are always subject to
change.
Driving and Parking
Information
DIRECTIONS BY CAR:
Sydney International Airport (SYD)
Exit the airport, Head south on Departure Dr.
Continue on Cooks River Ave.
Turn left to stay on Cooks River Ave.
Continue on Marsh St.
Turn left to merge onto S Western Motorway.
Merge onto General Holmes Dr.
Slight left at Eastern Distributor.
Continue on Cahill Expy (Partial toll road).
Exit onto Bent St.
Turn right at Loftus St.
Turn left at Alfred St.
Turn right at George St.
Continue on Oslo Plads.
Slight right at Hickson Rd.
Parking Info
Parking is available at the The Rocks, Quay West.
click here for parking information.
Local Contacts
Holland America Line has hired Bob Woods Travel Group as
the local representative in Sydney. Should you find
yourself needing assistance while in Sydney please
contact them directly at their office: 011-617-3832-3511.
They can also assist you should you become separated from
your luggage.
Please note that this office cannot answer questions
related to reservations, shore excursions, or upgrades.
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR CRUISE VACATION:
Holland America Line will gladly make all the arrangements for your
Pre-cruise or Post-cruise stay in Sydney. Please call 1-877-932-4259 to add a hotel stay. Guests who book their hotel stays through Holland America Line will enjoy extra special attention such as:
- An onsite Holland America Line representative will assist you in your stay; just visit them in the lobby.
- A welcome letter upon check-in letting you know about local life and how to make reservations for dinner, tours, and other Sydney must-see attractions.
- Leave transportation arrangements to us.
For Post-Cruise Guests we include transportation from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport.
In both cases, these transportation arrangements to/from the hotel and airport are for guests that have HAL Fly Cruise arrangements or that have purchased a transfer voucher for this and advised us of their flight arrangements at least 14 days prior to arrival.
Look for our agents with Holland America Line Signage directly outside the Customs area at the airport.
If you would like to book on your own may we suggest one of the following hotels:
Sofitel Wentworth - (011) 61-292-300-700
Embarkation / Check-In
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CHECKING-IN:
Get to the Pier
Please arrive no earlier than 11AM. The building may not
be open before this time.
Check Your Luggage
Attach a Holland America Line Bag Tag to all pieces of
checked luggage. Upon arrival, staff will meet you and
give instructions regarding your baggage. Please show
your cruise ticket to the security personnel. Your bags
will be scanned and then loaded onboard and delivered to
your stateroom.
Check Your Documents
ONLINE CHECK-IN DOCUMENTATION
Guests who have completed the Online Check-In
requirements are only required to present the following:
- Proof of Citizenship
- Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
- Credit Enrollment Form along with the credit card you wish to use for onboard expenses.
- Holland America Line Health Questionnaire.
Guests who prefer to check-in at the Terminal will need to bring the following items:
- Cruise Ticket
- Handwritten Immigration Form
- Credit Enrollment Form, along with the credit card you wish to use for onboard expenses
- Proof of Citizenship
- Holland America Line Health Questionnaire
ONLINE CHECK IN
Step into the following check-in line:
- Signature Preferred
Check-In
Click here to complete Online Check-In and receive
your Signature Preferred Boarding Pass
Step into one of the following check-in lines:
- Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Check-In
- Non-US / Non-Canadian Check-In.
- Standard Check-In
Board Your Ship
In Sydney, embarkation starts at about 11:30am.
An announcement will be made once the embarkation
process
is ready to start.
Visa Requirements
Voyages departing from Sydney typically go to New Zealand
and Asia. Most vistors to Australia require a visa
including citizens of the United States. Some passports
from assorted nations need a Schengan Visa in order to
board. Please carefully review your itinerary and discuss
your personal requirements with the proper consular
officials prior arriving in Auckland. To visit the
Immigration New Zealand website click here. Those guests who require a
visa and do not obtain one will be denied boarding.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT LEAVING YOUR SHIP:
Approximate Time of Disembarkation
In Sydney, disembarkation typically starts at approximately 7:30AM and ends at 10AM.
Government Clearance
All Guests are subject to Customs and Immigration
clearance prior to disembarking the ship. Please keep
your passport and citizenship documents with you at all
times.
All luggage is either laid down in the disembarkation hall by color/number order, or is taken to the airport and lined up for guests to claim prior to checking in with the airlines. Once you are invited to exit the ship please come and find your color/number or you will be directed to the buses and will claim your bags at the airport. Please exit the building with all family members and luggage, once you leave you cannot re-enter.
Your Transportation
Immediately outside the doors of the disembarkation hall you will be directed to the Holland America Line motorcoach transfers and taxis.
In Sydney, guests usually choose to take Holland America Line arranged transportation, as it is faster and there is little to no confusion. There is also limited long distance taxi service available to/from the ship's terminal.
Holland America Line offers transfers between the Sydney International Airport (SYD), Recommended Hotels and Ship's Terminal via motorcoach.
If you would like to book a transfer please call 1-877-SAILHAL and tell them you would like to add a transfer.
Depending on your air arrival time and date, special instructions have been included in your ticket book advising where to find your Holland America Line Guest Service Representative at the airport.
Distances
Sydney International Airport (SYD) To Ship: 15 miles or
about 30 mins
by vehicle.
Sydney International Airport (SYD) To Downtown: 15 miles
or about 30 mins by vehicle.
Ship's Terminal to Downtown: 1 mile or about 5 minutes by
vehicle.
Ship's Terminal to Hotel: 4 miles or about 10 mins by
vehicle.