Cruise Bar

Iconic Sydney waterfront spot Cruise Bar has had an extensive renovation, giving this harbourside destination a luxury facelift and a complete menu makeover. 

Leaning into a sophisticated, modern Australian feel, the 2025 refresh elevates the experience of the historic waterfront gem. Melba’s Rooftop is an exclusive new bar on the very top level with panoramic harbour views, open for private functions, weddings, conferences, and ticketed events only.

For the main bar, boozy cocktail jugs are a thing of the past, with a completely reinvented drinks list taking centre stage. For the pink drink lovers, try the Lilly Flower: a blend of raspberry, lilli pilli, tequila and hibiscus. If you prefer a bolder brew, the Berry in Sight features mulberry, bush apple, whisky, and desert lime shrub—a testament to Australian native ingredients and flavours. 

The food menu continues this theme, drawing inspiration from Australia’s diverse landscapes. Head chef Han Chen (ex-a'Mare and Felix) leads dishes such as bush tomato butter mussels and pan-seared Humpty Doo barramundi with macadamia cream. Wanting to splash some cash? The indulgent Grande Cruise seafood tower, with premium local seafood (stacking a whole lobster, oysters, prawns, battered flathead, scallop mousse-filled zucchini flowers and more) is sure to impress alongside the stunning Sydney Opera House and Circular Quay views.

As an institution with a celebrity following (Kylie Minogue, Fleetwood Mac, and Justin Bieber have visited in the past) and front-row views of the Sydney skyline, Cruise Bar is a no-brainer for sunset drinks or impressing out-of-towners. Bookings are available online.

Now, check out more of the best Circular Quay bars.

Image credit: Cruise Bar | Supplied

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