Introduction to the Emerald City’s two cruise ports

What to know

Sydney has two ports that are about a 15-20 minute cab ride apart

The Overseas Passenger Terminal is near Circular Quay, The Rocks

White Bay Cruise Terminal is in Rozelle

Sydney is one of the world’s top cruise destinations, attracting both domestic and international travelers with its iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. What better way to take it all in than from the deck of a cruise ship—drink in one hand, phone in the other—because let’s be honest, you’re definitely going to want to capture the moment.

However, for first-time cruise passengers, the city’s two cruise terminals can be a bit confusing. The Overseas Passenger Terminal — also known as Circular Quay — and the White Bay Cruise Terminal are the two main points where cruise ships dock in Sydney.

This guide covers how to get to each cruise port, what to expect on arrival, and some handy tips—especially if Sydney is just one stop on your voyage. As Sydney locals, we’re also sharing some insider knowledge to help make your cruise experience smoother.

Ovation of the Seas near the Sydney Opera House

Circular Quay Cruise Terminal (Overseas Passenger Terminal)

Location:
📍 130 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000
Cruise ships dock right across the water from the Sydney Opera House, offering some of the best city views straight from your cabin. If your ship is nose-in, the starboard side is prime real estate for those must-snap Opera House shots.

Facilities & amenities

The Overseas Passenger Terminal is in a prime location—just steps away from top attractions including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, The Rocks markets, museums, and world-class dining, bars, and shopping. Inside the terminal, you'll find basic amenities including restrooms, check-in counters, and a few coffee stands or vending machines depending on the day.

Getting there

From Sydney Airport (SYD):

🚕 Taxi/Uber – Around 20 minutes, approx. $45–$55 AUD
🚆 Public Transport – Around 25 minutes. Take the train to Circular Quay. Total fare is approx. $8.50 AUD + local train fare

From Central Station:

🚕 Taxi/Uber – 4–5 minutes, approx. $15 AUD
🚆 Train/Light rail – 7 minutes, approx. $2–$5 AUD depending on time of day. You can use your credit/debit card on Sydney public transport. No need to buy an Opal

Parking

Parking in the CBD is limited and expensive. If you must drive, Wilson Parking offers pre-bookable cruise parking —but book early, especially during peak season. Bookings are available online

Wi-Fi

There is no public Wi-Fi at the cruise terminal itself. However, the Customs House Library — less than a 5-minute walk — offers free Wi-Fi and a quiet place to relax before or after your cruise.

Insider tips

The view from the Circular Quay train station takes in the ship, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. You can use your credit card to swipe in and out of the station to check out the million dollar views.

The large Morton Bay Fig tree neat the Overseas Passenger Terminal is a common spot for people who are meeting up with friends and family to join the cruise together. There’s seating and shade, win/win

Bags can generally be dropped off at the terminal from around 9am up until about 90 minutes before a ship is set to depart. No need to pay to have your bags stored while you explore the area. Check with your cruise company.

White Bay Cruise Terminal

Location:
📍 2041 James Craig Rd, Rozelle NSW 2039
Located in Sydney’s Inner West, the White Bay Cruise Terminal opened in April 2013. While it’s not as central as Circular Quay, it’s the dedicated terminal for many domestic cruise lines and smaller international vessels.

⚠️ Heads up: White Bay is not particularly pedestrian-friendly, so arriving by car, taxi, or shuttle is highly recommended.

Facilities & amenities

While not as large or centrally located as Circular Quay, White Bay Cruise Terminal is a modern facility that handles check-in, baggage, and customs processes for thousands of passengers.

Basic amenities include:

Restrooms, car pickup/drop-off zone, cruise line check-in desks, seating and shaded waiting areas.
Yes, there is a cafe, but no shops or restaurants at White Bay

Getting there

From Sydney Airport (SYD)

Taxi/Uber – Around 19.9 km from the airport, expect a 45–50 minute drive. Fare is approx. $50 AUD
Public Transport – Take the Airport Link (T8) train to Town Hall Station - Walk to QVB, York St, Stand B- Catch the 442 bus to Balmain East Wharf – Darling St. From there, walk (15–20 min) or take a short taxi to the terminal Total time: about 1 hour
🥾 Note: The last leg involves walking through areas not designed for easy foot traffic.

From Central Station

Taxi/Uber – Around 9 minutes, approx. $24–$30 AUD
🚆 Public Transport – Train/tram to Town Hall- Take the 442 bus towards Balmain East Wharf via QVB- Get off at Robert St at Crescent St- Walk about 1 km to the terminal

💡 Cruise Line Shuttles: Some cruise lines like P&O operate dedicated shuttle buses to White Bay from the airport or city—check directly with your cruise provider for details.

Parking at White Bay

🚫 There is no long-term parking is available at the terminal. There is a strictly enforced pick-up/drop-off zone, with a 2-minute maximum stay.

If you're planning to drive, multi-storey car parks are located at Harbourside and Darling Park operated by Wilson Parking. This must be pre-booked online: Book Cruise Parking

Insider tips

Only have a little time to spare? Balmain is only a short ride (10 minutes) away. You'll find restaurants, wine bars, multi million dollar homes and beautiful city views

One of the great things about leaving from White Bay is the unique experience of cruising under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We’ve experienced this a few times now and every time it feels like the ship is going to scrape the bottom of the bridge.

If you want to get the best views of the Opera House on sail away, find a spot on deck on the starboard side.

Crowds disembark and board the Ovation of the Seas at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney's Circular Quay

DIY shore excursions

If your ship is visiting Sydney for the day, either at Circular Quay or White Bay, Sydney offers many attractions to fill your day. If your ship is docking at White Bay Cruise Terminal, it's further from the main tourist areas, but a 10 minute taxi/Uber ride can get you to Circular Quay.

Once at Circular Quay, your offers are plenty:

Aside from the Harbour Bridge and Opera House there are many other things so see and do within a 10 minute walk from the port

Royal Botanic Garden
The Rocks
The Museum of Contemporary Art

And Circular Quay right there, its a quick ferry ride to so many attractions

Manly Beach (20 minutes by ferry)
Luna Park (11 minutes by ferry)
Toronga Zoo (15 minutes by ferry)

With so much so close, there really is no need to book an expensive excursions, save your money for other things Again, you can use your credit/debit card on Sydney transport, you don’t need a local Opal card. A ferry ride is a great way to see Sydney close up.

Just give yourself lots of time to get back to the ship, Sydney traffic and public transportation can get busy during peak periods.

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