Getting out & about on Sydney Harbour

We live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with our harbour the crowing jewel. But when was the last time you were actually on those sparkling waters, rather than merely looking at them?

With overseas holidays off the agenda, and now it seems interstate travel too, there’s one thing you can do at home which is the envy of the world. Getting out and about on our magical harbour.

Enjoying the harbour from the water isn’t something only the mega-wealthy get to do. Whether you’re a visitor, a local, wealthy or of limited means, it’s something we can all enjoy. Buying a boat, renting or jumping on ferry, there’s so many options to get you on the water.

BUYING A BOAT

The process of selecting the right craft for your family can be a tricky one, especially if you’re a first-time boat buyer. There are dozens of different kinds of vessels to choose from and a boatload of new things to learn and choices to make. The first thing you need to consider when buying a boat is what you want to use it for. There are a vast array of boats available and the right one for you will depend on the activities you enjoy. Think of it like shopping for a car – there is a big difference between a sports car and a 4×4, so you should choose the one that suits your lifestyle. Our advice is to buy your boat through an established dealer and tap into their experience when deciding what type and size of boat to buy.

At the end of the day it’s about being on the water. If you can only afford a ‘tinnie’ and an outboard, you’re still a boat owner; just like Roman Abramovitch or Frank Lowy (only without the helicopters, crew and presidential suites on-board!). It means you can still access the same hidden bays, swim at deserted beaches and feel the cool spray of salt water on your face. All just minutes from the wharf at Rose Bay.

If you’ve had a dream of owning a luxury vessel, but concerns about cost, maintenance, storage or lack of use stop you taking the next steps, then maybe a syndicate is for you. Syndicates have become increasingly popular in recent years, and enable you share a boat with a select group of co-owners. There are plenty of organisations that can find you a boat and manage the syndicate on your behalf. It’s a simple and effective way to ease yourself into boat ownership, and a way to afford something quite special.

RENTING & CHARTERS

If boat ownership isn’t for you, you can still get out on the water. There are plenty of boat hire and charter businesses in the East. You can rent everything from a little runabout, through to a meg-cruiser and all shapes and sizes of watercraft in between. And for many rentals you don’t need a boating licence. You could also forgo the engine entirely and rent a kayak, windsurfer or stand-up paddle board, something the whole family can enjoy.

FERRIES

Of-course the easiest way to get out on the harbour is to catch a ferry. There are regular services 7 days a week from Watson’s Bay, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Darling Point to any number of locations around our fabulous harbour. Next time you find yourself heading into the city, forget driving or an Uber, catch a ferry and sit outside in the sun, it’s magical.

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USEFUL RESOURCES

We’ve put together a resource of information to get you out on the water:

Boat Ownership

If you’re buying your first boat, we’d highly recommend you get in contact with an established dealer and let them guide you, here’s some great contacts:

Hunts Marine: https://www.huntsmarine.com.au
Premiere Marine: https://www.premiermarine.com.au
Drumoyne Boat Sales: https://drummoyneboatsales.com
D’Albora Marine: https://www.dalboramarine.com.au
Boating Syndication Australia: https://www.boatingsyndicationaustralia.com
Web Resources: https://www.boatsales.com.au

Charter & Boat Hire

Self Drive Boat Hire: https://www.selfdriveboathire.com.au
Sydney Boat Hire: https://www.sydneyboathire.com.au
Sydney Luxury Boat Hire: https://ccaboathire.com.au
Sydney Charter: https://www.sydneycharterboathire.com

Kayak, SUP, Windsurfer & Sailing Lessons/Hire

Rose Bay Aquatic Hire: https://www.rosebayaquatichire.com
Point Piper Kayak Center: https://kayakhire.com.au
Balmoral Water Sports: https://www.balmoralwatersportscenter.com.au

Ferries

Sydney Ferries: https://transportnsw.info/travel-info/ways-to-get-around/ferry#/