Rose Bay, Sydney Harbour · Guided Self-Drive Speedboat Tours

Drive Your Own Speedboat Across Sydney Harbour

Follow a local expert guide past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge — in your own speedboat. No licence. No experience required. Whether you're visiting Sydney or you've lived here for years, this is the harbour like you've never seen it.

From A$149 per person

2 or 3 hours

Rose Bay

Book Your Tour

View Tours →

Since 2016

On Sydney Harbour

4,000+

Happy Adventurers

Year-Round

Tours Available

Zero

Licences Required

⭐

★★★★★

Top rated on TripAdvisor

🛡️

Safety-First Briefing Included

🎫

No Licence or Experience Required

📍

Rose Bay, Sydney

Why Most Sydney Harbour Tours Miss the Point

Watching Sydney Harbour
is not the same
as experiencing it.

The ferry stays in the middle of the harbour, passing the landmark views from a distance. Jet boat rides are over in 30 minutes — too fast to take photos or absorb each place you pass. Big group tours mean you're just a passenger with strangers, not a captain with your own boat.

Rocky headlands, private properties, inaccessible bushland — most of the shoreline simply can't be reached on foot. The Highlights Tour covers 18 km; the Grand Tour covers 33 km of harbour that most other tours never reach.

"Almost every guest comes back to the dock and says the same thing: 'I had no idea how good this would be.' Almost all say it was the best thing they did in Sydney."

The Ferry Problem

You see the skyline. You don't feel the harbour.

Ferries stay in the middle of the water, well away from the hidden bays, private estates and historic coves. You see Sydney Harbour — you don't truly experience it.

The Jet Boat Problem

30 minutes. No photos. No memories.

Jet boat rides rush past the landmarks at full throttle. You don't have time to stop, look, or take a single photo. And you're still just a passenger — never the driver.

The Deeper Truth

Life's too short for passive sightseeing

You deserve to be IN the story, not watching it. The ferry, the bus window, the rushed jet boat — that's the tourist-trap version of Sydney, the window-seat version. Sydney Harbour isn't meant to be observed from a distance — it's meant to be felt in your own boat, wind in your face, steering wheel in your hands. Keeping the best view of this city behind glass isn't an experience — it's a missed one.

For Everyone Who Loves This City

Whether you're visiting Sydney
or you've lived here for years

✈️

Visiting Sydney?

This is the one experience people fly home talking about. Not another bus tour or harbour cruise where you're just a passenger — but the day you drove your own boat under the Harbour Bridge, past the Opera House, through the most beautiful harbour on earth. If you do one thing in Sydney, make it this.

◆

The definitive Sydney bucket-list experience

◆

Book before you fly — choose your date later

◆

Free reschedule if your plans shift (48hrs+)

Planning ahead? Grab our free Sydney Harbour Insider Guide →

🏠

Sydney local?

You think you know this harbour. You don't — not from the water, not from behind the wheel. Our guests who've lived here for decades step off the boat saying they saw a side of Sydney they never knew existed. The perfect date, birthday, anniversary — or the unforgettable way to show visiting friends and family the real Sydney.

◆

See the Sydney you've never seen

◆

Unbeatable for birthdays, dates & occasions

◆

Hosting visitors? Show them the best of the city

"We believe the best view of Sydney isn't from a bus window or a ferry deck — it's from behind the wheel of your own speedboat, salt spray on your face, the Harbour Bridge filling your windscreen."

The Explore Sydney Harbour Story

🦉

TripAdvisor · 5 Stars

Travellers' Choice Award

Why Trust Explore Sydney Harbour

We're not the hero of this story — you are.
We're just the guide.

We've guided thousands of adventurers — from nervous first-timers to seasoned travellers — across one of the world's most spectacular waterways. Guests usually step off with huge smiles on their faces.

⭐

5-Star Rated

Hundreds of verified reviews on TripAdvisor

🛡️

Safety First

Full briefing before every tour — always

🧭

Expert Guides

Local knowledge of every inch of the harbour

🌏

50+ countries

Guests from around the world have joined our tours

Your Safety, Handled

Built for the nervous
first-timer

Most of our guests have never driven a boat before — and many can't swim. We designed the entire experience around exactly that.

🛟

Unsinkable boats

Our custom-built hulls are foam-filled — they physically cannot sink. Every guest wears a life vest the entire tour. You're safe even if you can't swim.

🧭

A 10-minute briefing

Every tour begins with a thorough, friendly safety briefing. It's just a steering wheel and a throttle — if you can drive a car, you'll feel like a natural within the first 10 minutes. Your guide is beside you the whole way.

⚓

Expert local guides

You're never alone on the water. Every tour is led by a highly experienced guide who knows every corner of Sydney Harbour — leading the way in their own boat as you follow.

🛡️

AMSA compliant

Australian maritime safety standards

📋

Fully insured

A$10M public liability cover

⭐

Exceptional safety record

10+ years, thousands of guests

See It In Action

Watch What Awaits
You on the Water

"Still watching? Imagine being the one behind the wheel."

Book Your Tour →

★★★★★ Rated 5 Stars on TripAdvisor & Google

In their own
words

From first-timers to seasoned Sydney-siders — here's what guests say when they come back to the dock.

Guests in speedboat, open Sydney Harbour

Speedboat passing naval ship, Sydney Harbour

★★★★★

TripAdvisor

4.9 · 194 reviews

★★★★★

Google

5 stars · 50+ reviews

★★★★★

TripAdvisor · Verified

"Hold on tight — pure fun on Sydney Harbour! My husband and I did this and it was hands down one of the most fun experiences we've had together. From the moment we took off, we were smiling, laughing and holding on as we zipped across the water with the most incredible views all around us. The boat was fast, smooth, and felt really safe — perfectly balanced between thrill and sightseeing."

Ange M.

🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia

★★★★★

Google Review

"We took my 80-something year old dad and our 14 year old and everyone had a fantastic time! Dirk was a great guide and driving the boats was super fun. Even though we are Sydney-siders, it was a wonderful aspect of the harbour you don't often get to see."

K M.

🇦🇺 Sydney · Local Guide

★★★★★

TripAdvisor · Verified

"This was an amazing experience — the best thing we did on our trip to Sydney. The boat took a minute to get used to but once we got the hang of it was super easy and so much fun. Highlight of the tour was driving under the Harbour Bridge and right in front of the Opera House. I would recommend this tour to everyone."

TaniaetGigi

🇺🇸 New York, USA

★★★★★

Google Review

"Completely amazing experience. It is definitely one of the best tours you can do in Sydney. No experience is required to drive your own boat and I felt safe at all times. Great to see the Sydney Harbour from the waterside and also to get a bit of adrenaline. Dirk was super friendly, easy to talk with and very informative. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!!"

Gaston C.

🇦🇷 Buenos Aires · Local Guide

★★★★★

Google Review

"I booked this to surprise my boyfriend on our anniversary. I was worried he'd get seasick, as he usually does, but he had a total blast! This experience has everything — cruising around, looking at those dream waterfront properties, marvelling the Harbour Bridge as we went underneath, and feeling a bit of the adrenaline. Our guide Dirk was very informative and took photos for us that same day. Couldn't recommend it more highly."

Nancy K.

🇦🇺 Sydney · Local Guide

★★★★★

TripAdvisor · Verified

"We loved every minute of this adventure. From meeting at beautiful Rose Bay, to up close million-dollar views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Cockatoo Island, Lavender Bay, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. Our guide provided great commentary and took many pictures. Do not miss your chance to do this!"

chrisbmia

🇺🇸 United States

★★★★★

Google Review

"We are in our late 60s and I bought this for my husband's birthday. It was THE BEST!! Dirk was very clear, the boats were great and very easy to drive. We felt safe the whole time and the tour itself was so fabulous. This would not be possible in most cities, but it is a perfect way to see all of Sydney's foreshores in an hour and a half."

Anne-Louise C.

🇦🇺 Sydney · Local Guide

★★★★★

TripAdvisor · Verified

"The best tour we have ever done — we couldn't recommend this highly enough! Captain your own boat following the guide. Only 6 people so a great experience. Full safety briefing beforehand. We drove under Sydney Harbour Bridge and around Circular Quay and the Opera House. If you are in Sydney this is not to be missed!"

Bex159

🇬🇧 Essex, UK · 37 reviews

Recognition & Awards

As Seen On &
Recognised By

As featured on Channel 7, Channel 10 and Network 10's The Bachelorette Australia — and top-rated by thousands of guests on TripAdvisor and Google.

Featured In

Awards & Ratings

How It Works

Three steps to your
Sydney adventure

We've made booking and showing up as effortless as possible. All you need is a desire to have the time of your life.

🗓️

Book in 60 Seconds

Choose your tour, pick your date and time. Highlights Tour from A$149 or Grand Tour from A$199. Instant confirmation.

⚓

Arrive at Rose Bay

Meet your expert guide at Rose Bay Boat Ramp. Get a quick, friendly safety briefing — you'll feel completely confident in minutes.

🚤

Take the Wheel

Follow your guide across Sydney Harbour past the Opera House, under the Harbour Bridge. Leave with memories — and photos — you'll never forget.

"No licence. No experience. No problem. Just show up ready for the best day of your Sydney trip."

Choose Your Adventure

Two ways to explore
Sydney Harbour

Both tours depart regularly from Rose Bay — with more frequent runs in peak season. Both will leave you speechless. The only question is how long you want to stay on the water.

Not sure which? First time or short on time → Highlights. Want the full experience or a special occasion → Grand. Most guests choose the Grand Tour.

⏱ 2 Hours

Highlights Tour

Hit all the icons — the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and Sydney's most spectacular bays. The perfect introduction to the harbour.

→

Harbour Bridge — drive underneath it

→

Sydney Opera House — metres away, eye level

→

Hermit Bay, Shark Island & Bradley's Head

→

Governor's House & Kirribilli (PM's residence)

→

Point Piper — A$130M homes, Australia's priciest suburb

→

Garden Island Naval Base — A$1.6B active warship up close

→

Double Bay, Clark Island & Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Grand Tour

The full Sydney Harbour experience. Go further, see more, feel more. This is the tour people fly to Sydney specifically to take.

→

Everything in the Highlights Tour

→

Goat Island & Cockatoo Island (UNESCO)

→

Darling Harbour & Maritime Museum

→

Lane Cove, Balmain & Birchgrove

→

Gore Cove Oil Terminal & HMAS Waterhen

→

Barangaroo & Walsh Bay Wharfs

🎁 Give the Gift of Sydney

Gift vouchers available for both tours — perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or welcoming visitors to Sydney.

Get a Gift Voucher

Explore the Route

Two Tours.
One Extraordinary Harbour.

Both tours depart regularly from Rose Bay and are guided by an expert — you just drive. Choose the one that fits your schedule.

Sydney Harbour Tour Map — Explore Sydney Harbour routes

Grand Tour — 3 hours · 30 stops

Highlights Tour — 2 hours · 19 stops

📍

Departs: Rose Bay Boat Ramp

The Grand Tour

⏱

3 Hours

📍

30 Stops

💰

From A$199 per person

"Grand by name and grander by nature. Thirty handpicked stops — from hidden bays and the Harbour Bridge to Cockatoo Island, Darling Harbour, and the Royal Australian Navy. The tour people come back and rave about."

Rose Bay West Boat Ramp — Start

Sydney Seaplanes Base

Hermit Bay — A$50M private estates

Shark Island — 1879 animal quarantine island

Bradley's Head — First Fleet harbour fort

Athol Bay — Sheltered cove below Taronga Hidden Gem

Mosman Bay — Former 1830s whaling station

Cremorne Point — Victorian mansions & views

Governor's House & Kirribilli — PM's Sydney residence

Sydney Harbour Bridge — Drive underneath Iconic

Luna Park — Heritage rides since 1935

Lavender Bay — Spectacular Harbour Bridge and city skyline views

Goat Island — Convict history & sandstone cliffs National Park

Balls Head Bay — HMAS Waterhen Navy base

Gore Cove Oil Terminal — The working harbour

Lane Cove — Green waterfront homes & bushland

Cockatoo Island — UNESCO convict shipyard heritage UNESCO

Birchgrove — Old Sydney, largely unchanged

Balmain — Waterview Wharf colourful workshops

Barangaroo & Darling Harbour — Drive in the heart of the city WOW

Australian Maritime Museum — Metres from tall ships & subs

Walsh Bay Heritage Wharves — 1910 timber finger wharves

Sydney Opera House — The best seat in the city

Mrs Macquarie's Chair — A 200-year-old harbour view

Garden Island Naval Base — A$1.6B active warships Local Intel

Clark Island — First Fleet vegetable garden, 1789

Double Bay — A$130M mansions & hidden harbour beach

Point Piper — Australia's most expensive suburb Local Intel

Felix Bay — Emerald waters beside Point Piper’s waterfront mansions Hidden Gem

Rose Bay Wharf — End

Show all 30 stops ↓Check Availability & Book → A$199

The Classic

The Highlights Tour

⏱

2 Hours

📍

19 Stops

💰

From A$149 per person

"All the iconic landmarks of Sydney Harbour in two exhilarating hours — eighteen handpicked stops including hidden bays, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from the water. Your own boat. No licence needed."

Rose Bay West Boat Ramp — Start

Sydney Seaplanes Base

Hermit Bay — A$50M private estates Hidden Gem

Shark Island — 1879 animal quarantine island

Bradley's Head — First Fleet harbour fort

Athol Bay — Sheltered cove below Taronga Hidden Gem

Mosman Bay — Former 1830s whaling station

Cremorne Point — Victorian mansions & views

Governor's House & Kirribilli — PM's residence

Sydney Harbour Bridge — Drive underneath Iconic

Luna Park — Heritage rides since 1935

Lavender Bay — Spectacular Harbour Bridge and city skyline views

Sydney Opera House — Front row from the water Iconic

Mrs Macquarie's Chair — 200-year harbour view

Garden Island Naval Base — A$1.6B active warship Local Intel

Clark Island — First Fleet vegetable garden, 1789

Double Bay — A$130M mansions & harbour beach

Point Piper — Australia's most expensive suburb Local Intel

Rose Bay Wharf — End

Show all 19 stops ↓Check Availability & Book → A$149

Not sure which tour?

The Grand Tour covers everything in the Highlights Tour — plus 11 extra stops including Goat Island, Cockatoo Island (UNESCO), Darling Harbour, the Maritime Museum, Balmain, Birchgrove and Felix Bay.

Our recommendation: if you have the time,

"Take the Grand Tour. The extra hour changes everything."

— Dirk, Founder

Check Availability & Book

Ready to Take the Wheel?
Pick Your Date

Live availability updated in real time. Select your tour, choose a date, and book in under 60 seconds. No licence required.

⚙️

Loading live availability…

Buy now

No licence required

No booking fee

Free reschedule (48hrs+)

Instant confirmation

📍

Meeting Point

Rose Bay Boat Ramp, Lyne Park
Rose Bay NSW 2029 · Free parking

📞

Questions? Call Us

0468 328 000

or email
info@exploresydneyharbour.com.au

👥

Group Bookings

Max 6 per tour for a personal experience. Larger groups?

⛅

The Sydney Weather Promise

Book with total confidence. If conditions aren't safe on the day, you choose: reschedule for free or take a full refund — any time before your tour, no deadline. Changed your own plans? Reschedule free up to 48 hours before, or cancel for a full refund up to 7 days before. No booking fee, ever.

🔒

Secure payment via FareHarbor

VISA

Mastercard

AMEX

Afterpay

Not ready to book yet?

✉️

Send to your travel companion

⏰

Remind me closer to my trip

The People Behind the Tours

Your Guides on
Sydney Harbour

Dirk and Alex both guide tours on Sydney Harbour — and between them they bring decades of experience, local knowledge and a genuine love for showing people one of the world's great waterways.

Founder & Guide

Dirk

🇩🇪 German-Australian

⚓ 25+ Years on the Water

🛥️ Built the Boats

"I can't imagine a harbour more spectacular than this one. I built these boats so I could share it with the world."

I grew up in Germany with an itch that classrooms could never quite scratch. At fourteen I discovered sailing and was hooked from the first tack. That became a lifetime of adventure — mountaineering, canyoning, sea kayaking, scuba diving and even flying light aircraft — across more than 60 countries and six continents. Each one taught me something about reading nature and moving through it safely.

When I moved to Sydney in 2013, I fell for the harbour immediately — not just the way it looks, but the way it feels. I bought a kayak and spent months exploring every cove, island and hidden bay, and realised most visitors were seeing maybe 10% of it, watching from a distance when they could be out on the water. That gap was exactly the kind of adventure I'd spent my life chasing.

Having seen the world's best adventure operations, I knew Sydney was missing one — so I built it. I designed and hand-built these boats over two years: low, fast, stable two-seaters, AMSA-certified and tuned for the harbour. There's nothing else quite like them on the water. With decades on sail and motor boats you're in safe hands, and I can't wait to show you the spots and stories most tourists never get to see.

🇩🇪

Origin

Germany → Sydney (2013)

⛵

On the Water

25+ years, sail & motor

🛠️

Built

Custom-designed the fleet

🌊

First Harbour Exploration

By kayak, every nook & cranny

Expert Guide

Alex

🇨🇱 Chilean-Born, Sydney-Raised

🚤 Harbour Local & Tinny Explorer

⛵ Offshore Sailing Miles

"I grew up exploring by small boat — first on a lake in Chile, now all over Sydney Harbour. To me this is the best way to see it: close to the water, close to the beaches, and close to the places most people miss."

I grew up around boats. Born in Chile, I spent my childhood near the water — hours of it exploring a quiet lake in a little inflatable dinghy with a 5hp motor on the back. When my family moved to Australia I was twelve, and I first discovered Sydney Harbour from a two-seater kayak, paddling out with my dad.

Once I got my own tinny, the harbour became my backyard — and I've explored its beaches, islands, rivers, bays and hidden corners ever since. I live right on the Lane Cove River, part of the Grand Tour route, so I know this harbour as a local, not just as a guide. My perfect day is spent pulling up at a quiet beach or island to cook lunch, snorkel and spearfish.

I've also done competitive sailing and offshore cruising with my family — trips around New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu. After all of that, I still believe Sydney Harbour is the best in the world: city views, quiet natural corners, swimming spots, little estuaries and proper adventure, all in one place. I can't wait to show you the parts of it most visitors never get to see.

🇨🇱

Origin

Chile → Sydney (age 12)

⛵

Bluewater Miles

NZ, Fiji & Vanuatu

🏡

Lives On

Lane Cove River (on the route)

🛶

First Harbour Exploration

By kayak, with his dad

🛡️

Safety Certified

AMSA & Maritime NSW compliant · Full briefing before every tour

🌍

Multilingual

Tours guided by Dirk (English & German) and Alex (English & Spanish)

⭐

5-Star Rated

TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice · Hundreds of reviews

🤝

Max 6 Guests

Always personal · Never a crowd

Our Origin Story

Born from a Gap.
Built in a Garage.

How a German boating enthusiast's obsession with Sydney Harbour gave birth to Australia's first self-drive speedboat adventure.

Sydney, 2016 · The Realisation

A Spectacular Harbour. A Missing Experience.

After years of exploring the harbour by boat, Dirk Schneider noticed something that nobody else seemed to have seen. Sydney had endless sightseeing cruises and charter experiences — but almost nothing that allowed everyday visitors to safely take the wheel themselves without needing a licence, navigation skills or boating experience. Nobody had ever combined the thrill of driving your own speedboat with the safety and knowledge of an expert guide.

The gap was obvious. No one had filled it.

Years of R&D · The Build

Research. Design. Test. Refine. Repeat.

Combining his engineering mindset, decades of boating experience, and a passion for adventure, Dirk personally built the first custom self-drive speedboats specifically designed for Sydney Harbour tours — and fully compliant with Australian commercial maritime standards.

Every dimension, every material, every control was chosen with one person in mind: a first-time boat driver who deserves a world-class experience.

The Decision · No Shortcuts

No suitable boats existed in Australia. So he built them.

Unable to find any vessel in Australia that matched his vision, Dirk made a decision that defined everything that followed: he would design and build the boats himself. What started in a garage quickly turned into years of research, prototyping, testing on the harbour, and refinement.

"If it doesn't exist and it should exist — build it."

Today · The Result

Australia's First Self-Drive Speedboat Adventure.

Today, Explore Sydney Harbour gives guests from around the world the opportunity to discover the harbour the way few ever do — not as passive passengers, but as the captains of their own unforgettable adventure. Every tour runs on the same custom-built boats Dirk engineered.

2016

Founded

4,000+

Adventurers

In Australia

Custom

Built Fleet

The Mission

"We didn't build a tour company.
We built a feeling — the feeling of being
in control of your own adventure,
on the most spectacular harbour in the world."

Dirk Schneider

Founder, Explore Sydney Harbour · Est. 2016

Behind the boats and the tours is a life spent chasing adventure across six continents — sailing, flying, diving, and building things from scratch.

Read the full story →

2016

Getting Here

How to Find Us
at Rose Bay

We're easy to get to from anywhere in Sydney — by ferry, car, bus, or Uber. Here's everything you need to know.

📍

Rose Bay West Boat Ramp

Next to Rose Bay Ferry Wharf · Lyne Park NSW 2029

Open in Maps →

⛴️

By Ferry · Recommended

Circular Quay → Rose Bay

~10 min

Catch the ferry from Circular Quay directly to Rose Bay Wharf. Once off the ferry, walk 30 metres to your right — you'll see the boat ramp and our little red speedboats waiting for you.

🚌

By Bus · From CBD

Buses 323, 324 or 325

From CBD

Buses 323, 324, or 325 from the CBD run directly to Rose Bay. Alight at the Rose Bay stop — Lyne Park and the boat ramp are right there. Use your Opal card or tap with a credit card.

🚗

By Uber or Taxi

~20 minutes from CBD

~A$20

An Uber from the CBD takes about 20 minutes. Ask your driver for Lyne Park, Rose Bay Boat Ramp — it's a well-known drop-off point. Free parking is also available on site if you're driving yourself.

🅿️

Free Parking Available

Lyne Park has free on-site parking right next to the boat ramp. We'll include exact directions in your booking confirmation email.

🎒

What to Bring on the Day

→

Sunscreen

Sydney sun is strong — apply before you arrive

→

Sunglasses & Hat

Glare off the water is bright at speed

→

Camera or Phone

You'll want photos — your guide will take them too

→

Comfortable clothes

Casual is fine — life jackets are provided

Plan Your Visit

When to Go
for the Best Experience

Morning or afternoon? Summer or winter? Here's our honest guide.

🌅

Time of Day

Morning vs Afternoon

Morning Tours

The best light, the calmest conditions. Wind typically picks up in the afternoon, so mornings offer the smoothest, most relaxed experience — popular with couples and older guests who prefer an easy, scenic cruise.

Afternoon Tours

Afternoon conditions often bring more movement on the water, creating a more dynamic driving experience. If you enjoy a little extra excitement, afternoon tours are especially popular with younger guests.

🌿

Season

Summer vs Winter

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Sydney Harbour is most spectacular in summer — vibrant light, buzzing waterfront, and the city in full swing. Peak season means more competition for bookings, so reserve early.

Winter (Jun–Aug) — Local's Tip ✦

Winter days are often perfectly still — almost no wind, crystal-clear air, 20°C daytime temperatures. Many beautiful days that make for unhurried, deeply pleasant exploration. Personally, winter is my favourite time on the harbour. — Dirk, Founder

Worried? Don't Be.

What if I'm
nervous?

Every concern you might have — we've heard it. Here's the honest answer to each one.

👶🏻→👴🏻

Is it right for my age?

Our guests range from 8 to 86 years old. Passengers can be as young as 8; to take the wheel you must be 16+, and at least one person aboard each boat must be 18+. Under-18s must have a parent or guardian present. There's no upper age limit — if you can ride in a car, you can enjoy this tour.

🏊‍♂️

What if I can't swim?

Not a problem. Many of our guests can't swim. Our boats are unsinkable — literally foam-filled hulls that cannot sink. Every person wears a life vest. Safety is our first priority.

🎮

What if I can't handle the boat?

If you can drive a car, you can drive our boats. It's just a steering wheel and a throttle. Most people feel fully confident within the first 5–10 minutes. Our guide is always right beside you.

Both passengers can take the wheel — swap halfway and experience it from both seats. And yes, you can switch drivers mid-tour.

Before You Book

Questions we get
every single day

🅿️

Where can I park in Rose Bay?

There are free parking spaces right next to the Rose Bay Ferry Wharf — just steps from the boat ramp. Alternatively, there's another car park 300 metres down the road towards Rose Bay village. You can also park in the adjacent streets nearby.

👟

What should I wear?

Thongs and sandals are absolutely fine — no special footwear needed. Casual clothes are best. Bring a layer if you run cold, as there's often a breeze on the water. You'll be wearing a life vest over whatever you have on.

🚤

Wait — am I actually driving the boat myself?

Yes! That's the whole point. You are the captain. Each boat holds two people, and you — or your companion — take the wheel. Our guide leads the way on their own boat, and you follow. No licence required. No experience needed. Full briefing provided before departure.

🔄

Can we swap drivers mid-tour?

Absolutely. Both passengers are encouraged to take the wheel — many couples swap halfway so both get the full experience. Just let your guide know and they'll find a safe moment to pull over.

Have more questions? We've answered everything on our dedicated FAQ page.

View All FAQs →

Don't Leave Sydney Without It

This is the Sydney story
you'll still be
telling ten years from now.

Tours run regularly throughout the year — and spots fill fast, especially in peak season. Don't let the trip of a lifetime become the thing you almost did.

Book Your Tour Now

Gift a Voucher

📍 Rose Bay Boat Ramp, Sydney · Regular departures year-round · No licence required · From A$149/person

🗺️

Free Download

The Sydney Harbour Insider Guide

Planning your trip — or just love this city? Get our free insider guide to Sydney Harbour: the best-kept secrets, the perfect times to be on the water, and the spots most visitors never find. Straight to your inbox.

Check your inbox — your guide is on its way!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Drive Your Own Speedboat Across Sydney Harbour

Watching Sydney Harbouris not the same as experiencing it.

Whether you're visiting Sydneyor you've lived here for years

Visiting Sydney?

Sydney local?

We're not the hero of this story — you are. We're just the guide.

Built for the nervousfirst-timer

Unsinkable boats

A 10-minute briefing

Expert local guides

Watch What AwaitsYou on the Water

In their ownwords

As Seen On &Recognised By

Three steps to yourSydney adventure

Book in 60 Seconds

Arrive at Rose Bay

Take the Wheel

Two ways to exploreSydney Harbour

Highlights Tour

Grand Tour

🎁 Give the Gift of Sydney

Two Tours.One Extraordinary Harbour.

The Grand Tour

The Highlights Tour

Ready to Take the Wheel?Pick Your Date

Your Guides onSydney Harbour

Dirk

Alex

Born from a Gap.Built in a Garage.

A Spectacular Harbour. A Missing Experience.

Research. Design. Test. Refine. Repeat.

No suitable boats existed in Australia. So he built them.

Australia's First Self-Drive Speedboat Adventure.

How to Find Usat Rose Bay

When to Gofor the Best Experience

What if I'mnervous?

Questions we getevery single day

This is the Sydney storyyou'll still betelling ten years from now.

The Sydney Harbour Insider Guide

Watching Sydney Harbour
is not the same
as experiencing it.

Whether you're visiting Sydney
or you've lived here for years

We're not the hero of this story — you are.
We're just the guide.

Built for the nervous
first-timer

Watch What Awaits
You on the Water

In their own
words

As Seen On &
Recognised By

Three steps to your
Sydney adventure

Two ways to explore
Sydney Harbour

Two Tours.
One Extraordinary Harbour.

Ready to Take the Wheel?
Pick Your Date

Your Guides on
Sydney Harbour

Born from a Gap.
Built in a Garage.

How to Find Us
at Rose Bay

When to Go
for the Best Experience

What if I'm
nervous?

Questions we get
every single day

This is the Sydney story
you'll still be
telling ten years from now.