To be able to give you the inside scoop, the ExperienceOz crew tested a few of Sydney’s top tours and activities earlier this week. First on the list was the Hop On, Hop Off Tour by Captain Cook Cruises.
Hopping on at Wharf 6 at Circular Quay, we found comfortable seats with great views at the back of the vessel. We stayed on board for the entire 1.5-hour ride, enjoying the sites and the commentary from our quirky guide, Aunt Jane.
While our journey was enjoyable, the appeal of this 24-hour pass is its flexibility. Including where you board, the cruise stops at eight of Sydney’s attractions, including Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Luna Park, Fort Denison, Shark Island, Manly, Darling Harbour, and Circular Quay. Hop off and spend as much or as little time at each stop as you please, then hop back on the next vessel, which comes every 45 minutes.
Or, stay on, as we did, and enjoy the cruise while learning amusing tidbits about all of Sydney Habour’s points of interest. We learned Green Island is not only the Fleet Base East of the Royal Australian Navy, but is also the birthplace of graffiti; rebellious sailors started the trend back in 1788, when they carved words and dates into the rocks on this island.
As we passed Double Bay, often referred to as “Double Pay”, we marveled at the homes of the rich and famous, which have values ranging from $8 to $80 million. In neighbouring suburb Point Piper, we saw the four-storey $50-million waterfront mansion, owned by John Symond, founder of Aussie Home Loans, complete with elevator, top floor pool, and 2200 square metres of floor space.
There were less ornate views as well—the bare bums on Sydney’s three nudist beaches, Lady Bay (or Lady Jane), Obelisk, and Cobblers, were hard to miss. Aunt Jane explained these beaches were granted their legal status after it became too hard to police the many who would bare all regardless of the law in the 70s.
At Fort Denison, on the other hand, officials had no problems dishing out punishments. Locals once referred to the island as “Pinchgut” because convicts were isolated there with very little bread and water; convicts were also gibbeted near the water to deter others from committing crime. Thankfully, today’s views consist only of the heritage buildings.
The Hop On, Hop Off Tour is a fun and interesting way to explore the beautiful Sydney Harbour. With so many stunning sights in one area, there are plenty of photo opps; we saw many couples taking wedding photos. As we cruised past a bride and groom posing in Sydney’s historic precinct, Aunt Jane joked, “let’s not tell them their marriage is on the Rocks!”
Thanks, Aunt Jane and Captain David, for a great tour!
Book your Sydney Harbour cruise here!
