As Sydneysiders, we often take our stunning harbour for granted. We walk past Circular Quay without really looking up, or we watch ferries pass by without wondering what the view might look like from the water. But last month, on a whim, my partner and I booked a lunch cruise with Magistic Cruises, thinking it would just be a nice way to kill a few hours on a sunny Saturday. We didn’t expect to be shocked — in the best way possible.
Here’s what truly surprised us about our first-time Sydney lunch cruise experience.
1. How Affordable It Was for What You Get
Let’s start with the most practical surprise: the value. When you hear “cruise” and “Sydney Harbour” in the same sentence, you automatically assume tourist prices. But the lunch cruise with Magistic Cruises was surprisingly affordable, especially considering it included a multi-course buffet, premium seating, and over two hours of cruising past Sydney’s most iconic sights. The cost felt more like a nice lunch at a waterfront café, except we were on the water.
2. The Service Was Next-Level
We’ve dined at our fair share of Sydney restaurants, and service can be a mixed bag. On the cruise, though, the staff were genuinely warm and attentive without being intrusive. From the moment we boarded, we felt like VIPs. The crew greeted us with big smiles, explained the layout, and made sure we had everything we needed — including checking in a few times to see how we were enjoying the experience.
3. Sydney Looks Like a Postcard from the Water
This one really caught us off-guard. We know Sydney is beautiful — we live here, after all. But cruising past the Opera House, gliding under the Harbour Bridge, and watching sailboats dance across the water while enjoying lunch? It was surreal. The city sparkled. Even places we’ve seen a thousand times looked brand new from that perspective. There’s something about seeing your city from the harbour that makes you fall in love with it all over again.
4. The Food Was Surprisingly Good
We weren’t expecting much — maybe some standard buffet fare. But the spread was fresh, varied, and honestly delicious. There were multiple options for all diets, including fresh seafood (the prawns were a highlight), hot mains, salads, and desserts. We’d read that Magistic Cruises takes pride in their menu, and they clearly do. Everything was well-prepared, not mass-produced. The dessert station alone was enough to win us over.
5. It Wasn’t Just for Tourists
We’d assumed the cruise would be packed with out-of-towners — and yes, there were some. But we met quite a few locals celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or just treating themselves to a weekend treat. It made us realise this isn’t just a touristy novelty — it’s something even Sydneysiders enjoy and should do more often.
6. It Was Actually…Relaxing
You’d think being on a boat with lots of people might feel chaotic or cramped. But the cruise was incredibly relaxing. The seating was spaced out, the music was chill, and the rhythm of the boat gently moving through the water had us feeling like we were on a mini vacation. For two hours, the city felt a little slower, a little more peaceful.
Our Verdict
Taking the Magistic Cruises lunch cruise was like rediscovering Sydney from a whole new angle. It made us realise that you don’t need to leave the city to feel like you’ve escaped it. Whether you’re a local looking to shake up your weekend routine, or someone visiting for the first time, this is hands-down one of the best ways to experience the harbour.
We went in expecting a nice lunch — we came away feeling like tourists in our own city. And honestly? That’s a pretty wonderful thing.
