Convicts & Castles: Goat Island Walking Tour Including Sydney Harbour Cruise

Sydney , Australia

Convicts & Castles: Goat Island Walking Tour Including Sydney Harbour Cruise

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About this experience

Join us for a unique tour of Sydney Harbour and historic Goat Island and get up close and personal with Sydney’s colourful convict past. Enjoy an entertaining and fascinating guided convict history walking tour on the island with catered lunch, along with a relaxing cruise around the harbour. Sit back and take in Sydney’s beautiful harbour vistas whilst sipping on chilled champagne!

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Convicts & Castles: Goat Island Walking Tour Including Sydney Harbour Cruise

What's included

Enjoy a tasty lunch prepared and served by your crew.

Fascinating and unique three-hour guided tour of Sydney Harbour.

Australian bubbly, juices and water.

This MENU is subject to change to ensure fresh produce of premium quality.

Visit historic Goat Island and learn about the island's convict past.

Detailed itinerary

Prior to sailing time we will board at Campbell’s Cove, The Rocks or Ives Steps Wharf

Discover Sydney’s colorful convict history with Sydney Harbour Tall Ships and take in the sites of Sydney Harbour aboard a traditional vessel. Travel to Goat Island, where you'll learn about Australia's convict history on a guided walking tour before returning to the vessel for lunch and a 1.5 hour cruise on Sydney Harbour.

Stop 3

Experience a Historic Tour of Goat Island and see the sights where the first convicts lived in the past. Goat Island, which has restricted, limited access, is the largest of the islands in Sydney Harbour. Over the years, Goat Island has served as a quarry, convict stockade, explosives store, police station and fire station. Today the island forms part of the Sydney Harbour National Park.

On a 1-mile (1.5-km) guided walking tour, learn about Goat Island’s colorful past and visit some of Australia's most important and intact convict-built structures. Take in the historic surroundings, and visit the early-1800s military gun-powder magazine, the soldiers’ barracks complex and Sydney’s oldest water police station. You’ll learn what convict life was like on Goat Island, from their punishments to their cramped sleeping quarters and food.

Stop 4

After your guided walking tour receive a complimentary drink before re-boarding the ferry. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a cold buffet feast with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine! As you eat, enjoy the surrounding views of Sydney Harbour before returning back to Campbell's Cove.

Disembark at Campbell's Cove, The Rocks or Ives Steps Wharf

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Other drinks available at regular bar prices.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Sydney Harbour Tall Ships reserves the right to add, withdraw, substitute and/or vary advertised routes, prices, departure times and locations without notice if considered necessary for the safety and welfare of the tall ship, its passengers and crew. However, reasonable effort will be made to maintain arrangements as advertised.

Sydney Harbour Tall Ships will not be liable for any loss or expense incurred by a passenger as a result.

Meeting point

The meeting point is located between Park Hyatt Hotel and the Overseas Passenger Terminal. One of the crew will be there at least 30 minutes before the cruise departure time to welcome you.

Important notes

Sydney Harbour Tall Ship’s cruises usually depart from Campbell’s Cove at Circular Quay, Campbell's Cove Jetty at The Rocks or another location.

Please call (02) 8015 5571 if you are unsure of where your cruise will depart from. Note that check in time is 15 minutes prior to the cruise departure for all cruises. Please arrive early to maximize enjoyment for all passengers and to prevent delays.

About Sydney

Sydney, Australia's most iconic city, is renowned for its stunning harbour, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse neighborhoods. With its blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and modern attractions, Sydney offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Top Attractions

Sydney Opera House

An iconic landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sydney Opera House is a masterpiece of modern architecture and a hub for performing arts.

Architecture/Cultural 1-2 hours for a tour, longer for a performance AUD 42-100 (tour prices vary)

Sydney Harbour Bridge

One of the world's most famous bridges, offering spectacular views and the thrill of the BridgeClimb or BridgeWalk.

Architecture/Adventure 2-3 hours (depending on activity) AUD 174-468 (BridgeClimb prices vary)

Bondi Beach

Australia's most famous beach, known for its golden sand, surfing, and vibrant atmosphere.

Beach/Entertainment Half day to full day Free (surfboard rentals and lessons cost extra)

The Rocks

A historic area with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and a vibrant market scene.

Historical/Cultural 2-3 hours Free (market and museum entry fees apply)

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

A beautiful oasis in the heart of the city, offering stunning views of the harbour and Opera House.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Avo on Toast

A simple yet iconic dish featuring avocado on toast, often topped with poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.

Breakfast Vegetarian (check for specific toppings)

Barramundi

A popular Australian fish, often grilled or pan-fried and served with seasonal vegetables and a sauce.

Dinner Gluten-free (check for specific sauces and sides)

Tim Tams

A beloved Australian chocolate biscuit, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy

Flat White

A popular Australian coffee, similar to a latte but with a stronger coffee flavor and velvety microfoam.

Drink Contains dairy (non-dairy options available)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Blue Mountains Surfing at Bondi Beach BridgeClimb or BridgeWalk at Sydney Harbour Bridge Kayaking in Sydney Harbour Scuba diving in Jervis Bay Beach lounging at Bondi Beach Picnicking in the Royal Botanic Garden Spa day at a luxury hotel

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Sydney, with long, sunny days perfect for beach activities and outdoor events. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

20-26°C 68-79°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (GMT+10) or AEDT (GMT+11) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sydney is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services to avoid overcharging.
• Purchase tickets from official sources or authorized sellers.

Getting there

By air

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Central Station, Sydney Terminal

By bus

Central Station, Sydney Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Sydney's train network is efficient and covers most of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Rocks Bondi Surry Hills Newtown Barangaroo

Day trips

Blue Mountains

80 km (50 miles) from Sydney • Full day

A stunning national park known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.

Hunter Valley

120 km (75 miles) from Sydney • Full day

Australia's oldest wine region, offering beautiful vineyards, wine tasting, and gourmet dining.

Royal National Park

30 km (19 miles) from Sydney • Half day to full day

Australia's oldest national park, offering beautiful coastal scenery, hiking trails, and wildlife spotting.

Festivals

Sydney Festival • January Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras • February/March Sydney Writers' Festival • May

Pro tips

Use an Opal card for convenient and discounted public transport fares.
Visit iconic attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Explore Sydney's diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character and attractions.
Take a ferry to explore the city's stunning harbour and waterfront areas.
Try local specialties like seafood, Asian cuisine, and Australian wines.