Harbour Bar and Restaurant

Overview

In 50 years, Captain Cook Cruises has kept things pretty simple: sharing the best of Sydney with tourists. This year, thanks to you-know-what, the long-running company is having a shake up. Instead of keeping tourists front of mind, it's changed its offering to appeal to us Sydneysiders, creating a floating bar for casual drinks with live music and unbeatable harbour views.

When you'd usually head to a rooftop bar for an Aperol spritz, now you can hop onto a completely revamped boat for oysters, waygu sliders and a bowl of hot chips, if that's what takes your fancy.

Captain Cook's flagship vessel, Sydney 2000, now offers a brand-new wine list, an updated cocktail offering — including cheekily named drinks like the Coathanger Collins (gin, mandarin, ginger and lemon) — and two areas for eating and drinking.

On the lower deck, you can hang out on lounges and listen to live music, ordering snacks from the bar's menu, such as cheese and charcuterie plates. On the upper deck, it's slightly more formal with table service and a restaurant menu of miso barramundi, Thai-style tuna and apple salad, and chicken karaage with lemon mayo. Plus, you can order indulgent desserts wherever you sit, such as the tiramisu tower of amaretto biscuit dipped in coffee layered with soft cream and a Belgium chocolate caramel cheesecake.

It's a ticketed experience, but think of it like buying a ferry pass. For $9, you have entry to the boat and bar, and you can order your drinks or dinner from there. Or, if you like to plan ahead, you can peruse the food menu in advance via Mr Yum.

You can select to join the cruise from Circular Quay or King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour, and though the journey around the harbour is approximately 90 minutes, you're welcome to stay aboard for as long as you like. Pick-ups operate every 90 minutes from midday at Darling Harbour and 12.30pm at Circular Quay, running until set down at 10.30pm.

Whether you're keen for a cocktail cruise or dinner date, you can find out more about the Harbour Bar and Restaurant, here.