What time do I need to arrive?

Arrive at Double Bay Wharf by 10:00pm for a 10:30pm departure—boarding may be busy so earlier is better.

Can I bring food and alcohol?

Yes—the cruise is BYO food and drinks. Remember this is a family-friendly event and consume responsibly.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

No. The vessel is not wheelchair friendly and has limited accessibility.

Are children allowed?

Children are welcome but all guests under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What happens in bad weather?

The crew will attempt to depart as scheduled, but New Year’s Eve can cause delays; check your booking confirmation and contact the operator for updates.

How long is the cruise and when do we return?

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, departing at 10:30pm and returning to Double Bay around 1:00am.

Midnight Fireworks Cruise on Sydney Harbour from Double Bay | Boat Tour | Events

Welcome the new year from the middle of Sydney Harbour aboard the Explorer on a lively 2.5-hour cruise that launches from Double Bay. The experience centers on the world-famous midnight fireworks display, and being afloat gives you a front-row, 360-degree view above dark water and beneath the municipal night sky. Explorer is a comfortable 17-metre monohull jet boat with seating for 64, an onboard toilet and a crew focused on making the night smooth and social.

Plan to arrive at Double Bay Wharf by 10:00pm for a 10:30pm departure. The captain positions the vessel well before midnight so guests enjoy an unobstructed sightline to the pyrotechnics; the itinerary returns to Double Bay around 1:00am. Because this is a smaller, maneuverable boat, the cruise can seek quieter pockets of the harbour and avoid the worst of shore-side crowding, creating a convivial, boat-party atmosphere that larger sightseeing ships can’t match.

This cruise is BYO food and drinks—pack snacks, a thermos or a celebratory bottle—and remember that the sea breeze makes it feel colder than the forecast. Dress in layers and bring a warm jacket, hat and closed shoes. Note that all children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and that Explorer is not wheelchair accessible. The crew recommends arriving early with your booking confirmation ready on your phone to speed boarding.

What makes this trip special is the intimacy of a moderate-sized vessel on one of the world’s busiest harbours on its most electric night. Instead of standing on jammed shorelines, you’ll be floating among the lights, watching rockets silhouette against the open sky, and hearing reflections of sound on the water. The combination of private vantage, friendly crew and Double Bay convenience makes it an excellent option for families and small groups who want both safety and spectacle.

Practical notes: expect a busy harbor and possible delays during New Year’s Eve; allow extra time to get to Double Bay. The cruise runs roughly 2.5 hours; minimal fitness or experience is required. Bring a charged phone with a pocket-sized tripod for long‑exposure photos, low-light snacks and patience for boarding lines. For an evening that pairs urban fireworks with the quiet sway of boat life, this Midnight Fireworks Cruise on Sydney Harbour is a direct, joyful way to cross the date into the new year.

Seats fill fast for this holiday booking—reserve early and bring a flashlight for moving around after dark. For photos, use a wide aperture and a steady surface or clamp; a compact tripod stabilizes night exposures from the deck. The vessel’s limited capacity and intimate layout create a memorable, up-close perspective of fireworks that keeps the focus on the light show rather than shoreline crowds.

About Go Whale Watching Sydney

Go Whale Watching Sydney operates seasonal whale watching cruises from Sydney, New South Wales, offering guided 3-hour trips to view humpback whales during their annual migration. The company runs tours aboard the comfortable boats Bubbles and Explorer, with departures scheduled from May to November when humpback whales pass the Sydney coastline.

Trips are presented as 3-hour whale watching cruises and 3-hour whale watching adventures that focus on close but respectful observation of wild humpback whales. The Explorer operates with limited passenger numbers to optimize viewing and comfort, while Bubbles provides a spacious, family-friendly platform. Onboard crew members are passionate about marine life and provide natural history commentary, safety briefings, and assistance with spotting and photography.

Go Whale Watching Sydney emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing and follows local guidelines for distance and behavior around whales. Tours are suited to a wide range of participants, including families, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking reliable opportunities to see migrating humpbacks. The operator’s vessels depart from Sydney, New South Wales, providing easy access for visitors and residents.

Bookings typically cover a three-hour duration and include guided interpretation of whale behavior, migration patterns, and conservation context. The business positions itself as a reliable, experience-focused provider of whale watching cruises in Sydney, combining comfortable vessels, knowledgeable crew, and seasonal timing to maximize chances of whale sightings.

Passengers are advised to dress for cool, windy conditions on open water and to check season dates (May–November) when planning travel. Trip durations, departure times, and availability are listed on booking page.