Sydney is a cosmopolitan world city surrounded by iconic architectures of which the most well known being Sydney Opera House and Sydney Bridge, dotted with lush hinterland and beautiful harbour. Despite being situated in the metropolitan area, Sydney doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of most big cities offer.

I especially love lounging on the harbour, watching ferries and yachts crisscross the sparkling water. And for the icing on the cake, the city’s world-famous landmarks are all concentrated here.

What better way to soak up the majesty of Sydney than from the water? We hopped on to P&O cruise for an one hour sightseeing tour around Sydney Harbour.

The ship that we boarded was called Pacific Jewel, it was huge enough to accommodate hundreds of passengers. I didn’t really like being caged inside the ship especially when the scenery was so spectacular and the weather was so refreshing. Once boarded, I immediately ran up to the uppermost deck. It was so spacious with subtle number of passengers in proportion to the guests in the lower decks.

The wind was getting stronger when the ship started moving. Despite feeling so cold with the wind cutting through my jacket, the beautiful scenery hypnotized me to stay on to fight with the cold. The wind was so strong that most of the passengers went back into the cabin after snapping some photos of the beautiful view. I simply can’t accept the idea of staying inside the cabin on the cruise. So I stayed outside for the whole time during the cruise. It was kinda torturing at first with the cutting wind blow on my face but I gradually enjoyed the wind and slowly adapt to the cold.

I was so excited when the ship was moving towards the bridge. This was the first time I was being so close to the marvelous Sydney bridge.

Contrasting with the Opera House’s convex sails is the dramatic steel presence of Sydney Harbour Bridge, fondly dubbed the ‘coathanger’ by locals.

The ship was passing under the bridge

If cruising around the Sydney Bridge didn’t make you feel close enough to the bridge, you can consider climbing the bridge. You just need to pay for AD198 to AD268, depending on which day you choose to climb, you’ll get to enjoy a 3.5 hours adventure that takes you steadily to the summit of this world-famous landmark via catwalks and ladders.

The views were just simply stunning and it felt so peaceful and comfortable sitting on the uppermost deck of the ship enjoying the beauty of the city.

The best spot to photograph the majestic Sydney Opera House has to be on the ship. Completely unblocked view to snap as many photos as you like. Sydney Opera House was recently added to the World Heritage List, confirming its status as a culturally significant site.

The houses that were built in a small island in the harbour. What a nice place to stay at.

There is nothing better than taking a cruise to experience the liveliness of the city on the harbour. Here in Sydney you can find vessels of every shape and size to help you discover Sydney’s watery heartland.

Captain Cook Cruises

With more than 20 harbour trips to offer, a sunset cruise with food and drinks is just one great option.

02 9206 1100 | www,captaincook.com.au

Matilda Cruises

Combine sightseeing with the pleasure of sailing. Sip a coffee while you cruise or tuck into a seafood lunch.

02 9264 7377 | www.mailda.com.au

Sydney Harbour Kayaks

Set off from Spit Bridge, Mosman on a half-day eco tour or enjoy views and a brew on the Balmoral Coffee Tour.

02 9960 4389 | www.sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au

Sail Spirit

Join the crew for an unforgettable three-hour sailing adventure aboard Spirit, an America’s Cup Challenge yacht.

02 9660 9133 | www.kookaburragroup.com.au

Sea Sydney Cruises

Don’t miss their ‘Cruise like a Local’ tour, for swimming, kayaking and fishing with no more than 10 guests.

02 9440 5889 | www.seasydneycruises.com.au

Tribal Warrior

Discover the stories of Sydney Harhour’s original inhabitants on this Aboriginal cultural cruise.

02 9699 3491 | www.tribalwarrior.org