Cruise from Sydney

Photo: Markus Lenk

Australian itineraries and trips to Tasmania

Sydney combines Australian and New Zealand cruises with shorter voyages along the east coast. The Anthem of the Seas is offered on a four-night Hobart getaway sailing round-trip from Sydney. For the 2026/27 season, Carnival is also promoting five- and six-day Tasmania cruises departing from Sydney, with Hobart and Port Arthur among the destinations. The Carnival Splendor is a suitable example of a ship sailing these Tasmania itineraries. Depending on the specific departure, Sydney may be the start, end or a port of call on the trip.

OPT or White Bay: two different arrivals

The Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) is at Circular Quay in the city centre, with The Rocks, the Opera House, the train station and ferry wharves nearby. At White Bay Cruise Terminal, by contrast, your visit to the city starts with a transfer; arriving at the OPT takes you straight into the city centre. The terminal listed in the daily schedule therefore determines the final leg of your transfer.

If you have luggage, an early boarding time or are travelling directly from the airport, a taxi or pre-booked car service is the easier door-to-door option. At the OPT, the train station and ferries at Circular Quay are close to the terminal; from there, the T8 line goes to the airport.

The final leg to the ship and departure

From Sydney Airport, take the T8 train to Circular Quay and walk a short distance to the OPT; if you have luggage, a taxi straight to the wharf listed for your ship is also convenient. For White Bay, book your final ride to the passenger entrance named in your travel documents. If you have arranged transport, confirm the meeting point with the transfer provider. Arrange to be picked up or dropped off at the correct entrance, and have your boarding documents ready for the terminal check.

The published 2026 Port Authority calls show how ships are distributed between the terminals: Anthem of the Seas is listed at the OPT, as is Carnival Splendor, while other calls are assigned to White Bay. This daily schedule is useful because the terminals offer different routes into the city. Before departure, check the current terminal information in the schedule and use the same name in your navigation app. For embarkation, book your transfer directly to the wharf listed for your ship.

Explore the city from the right terminal

At the OPT, a day in the city begins right at Circular Quay. From there, you can walk to The Rocks and the Opera House; ferries serve destinations around the harbour, such as Manly. A compact walk along the quay is ideal when you have a short time in port and keeps you close to the terminal and ferry connections.

At White Bay, your city tour starts with a transfer from Rozelle. A pre-booked taxi or cruise-line transfer makes it easier to travel between the terminal and the city centre; coordinate your pick-up location and return trip with your booked cruise. If you plan to return by public transport, allow time for the journey to the terminal gate. A rental car offers little advantage over taxis and public transport for a short visit to the city centre; for longer trips into the surrounding area, however, you can arrange to pick up and return a rental car in the city.