Best Sydney Treats – A Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise

 
  

Sydney Harbour can put on a magnificent show.  A visit to the Harbour is always top of the list when we have visitors staying.  Lunch or dinner at a cafe on the Harbour is a must.

But when we’re left to our own devices, I reckon we Sydneysiders can neglect our city’s most glorious views.  Why wait for a visitor?  How about enjoying our Harbour simply to mark our own special occasions. Why not!?

I wanted to treat a very special friend on her birthday. She’s the lady who saved my sanity many times when my twins were tiny babies. Maria no longer works for me, but we love to catch up especially every year around her birthday.

RedBalloon offered to shout us a treat – who could refuse?

RedBalloon has loads of ideas for presents for her.  But our eyes were caught by all the fantastic Sydney and Surrounds experiences that RedBalloon offers. 

And there it was! A Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruise, ideal for foodies.  A perfect treat for ladies who lunch, or rather who wished they lunched a lot more than they do. That’s us.

The cruise departs from Circular Quay and travels first past the Opera House, looking lovely even on a steely, grey day.

The menu had some delicious-sounding options.

Our waitress was very friendly and helpful.

Who chose that colour?

We cruised past Garden Island, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay and past Point Piper. There really are some amazing houses along the water and we got great views of the multi-million dollar waterfront properties.

Nosy? Moi?

I can totally see myself sunning on those loungers right there.

There’s a detailed commentary running all the while. This was really interesting but we were keen to natter and chatter too, so it felt a bit obtrusive at times.

Having said that, I learned a few new Sydney Harbour facts:

A gun is fired at 1pm each day from Fort Dennison

Rose Bay is the Harbour’s largest bay

There are 250km of shoreline around the entire Harbour – wow!

October 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the Australian Navy

We both chose duck confit pumpkin gnocchi for a starter. A decision we did not regret!

Shark Island with the cityscape behind.

I once organised a 30th birthday party on Shark Island for my boyfriend of the time: far away and long ago.

Maria’s main was grilled Atlantic salmon, gremolata crust with hollandaise and oven roasted vegetables.

Mine was organic chicken breast with champignon mushroom sauce, roasted sweet potato and baby beans.

The ship went over to the north side of the Harbour, past the Zoo and Cremorne, Neutral Bay and Milson’s Point and then under the Bridge.

I like this shot – dull of colour though it is – of the Bridge with Blues Point Tower reflected on a shiny metal surface of the ship’s window.

A moody shot of a ferry going past the finger wharves and pilot’s tower.

My dessert was a velvety vanilla and chocolate mousse with light caramel syrup.

Maria had a slow baked raspberry and apple crumble with cream.

The ship went into Darling Harbour and stopped at a wharf there, then weighed anchor for the return journey to Circular Quay.

Past the huge worksite that is Barangaroo. Love the colourful little boat here.

Past my next home… one day! I’d love to have a little city hideaway in that block, who wouldn’t?

And there’s the Bridge and Opera House. Looking stunning even on a less than perfect Sydney winter day.

What a treat!  How lucky were we. Great company, wonderful views and interesting information, and best of all, a lovely lunch as we cruised along.

Getting back onto dry land was a bit harsh, to be honest.  Back home for pickup, homework and being the cook, waitress and washer upper. But with some delightful memories.

Do you have a favourite Sydney Harbour haunt?

And what’s your idea of a great birthday treat?

Thanks for reading.