Sydney and Bondi Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Optional Cruise
- Duration
- 1 h 18 min
- Group size
- Up to 30 people
- Guide
- German, Korean, cmn, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
- Ages
- 3 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
The Big Bus is the most reviewed city tour we compare, and also one of the lowest rated, at just under 4 stars. That gap is the story. The ticket covers two routes, the red city loop and the blue Bondi route, with pre-recorded commentary in eight languages and live tracking in the Big Bus app. The open top deck is the real attraction, and the seats up there fill fast.
The recurring complaint on Viator is waiting: reviewers report 40 to 90 minutes at some stops and buses that drove past. The last buses run around 4pm, so a late start leaves little time. That is why it is the tour we would skip on our Sydney city tours page if you only have one day. On a 48 hour ticket, used to reach Bondi and the city sights at your own pace, it makes more sense. Pickup is from its own stops, not your hotel.
Good for
- Two relaxed days of getting on and off, including Bondi
- Families who want a seat and a view more than a guide
Think twice if
- You have one day and a fixed list of sights
- You want a live guide who answers questions
Written by SydneySide Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked October 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
Experience the best of Sydney and Bondi Beach at your own pace on this flexible hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. Travel aboard an open-top double-decker bus with panoramic views and recorded commentary as you visit 23 stops across the city, including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour and the iconic Bondi Beach.
With a ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours, you can hop off to explore landmarks, shopping precincts and dining hotspots, then hop back on when you’re ready to continue. Discover Australia’s famous beach culture on the Bondi route and visit highlights such as Central Station, the Australian Museum and Centennial Parklands.
Upgrade your experience with a Captain Cook 1-day hop-on, hop-off harbour cruise to enjoy breath-taking views of Sydney’s skyline, hidden beaches and lush parklands from the water.
From the listing by Big Bus Tours on Viator.
What's included
- A 1-day Captain Cook Hop-on, Hop-off Harbour Explorer Pass (with selected option)
- Free WiFi Onboard
- Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- 1.5-Hour Panoramic Night Tour (if option selected)
- A 24- or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket
- Access to 2 routes covering 23 stops
Not included
- Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
Meeting point
Checking in
You can activate your ticket in one of two ways:
1.Download the Big Bus app from the App Store or Google Play. Open the app and tap "Add Booking" and enter your booking reference. On the day of travel, open your ticket and press "Activate" then show your activated ticket to the driver at any stop along the route. Plus, use the app for route information and live bus tracking.
2.Present your printed or mobile ticket with a Big Bus team member at any stop on the route during operating hours. A recommended boarding point is Big Bus Stop #1: Circular Quay located on the corner of Alfred Street, and George Street, opposite DFS Galleria.
Harbour Hopper Information
If your ticket includes the Captain Cook Harbour Hopper, it departs from Circular Quay, Wharf 6. To board, you’ll need a paper ticket. Simply show your booking to a Big Bus staff member at any stop to receive a printed voucher, which you can then use to join the tour.
Night Tour
The Night Tour departs from Stop #1: Circular Quay located on the corner of Alfred Street, and George Street, opposite DFS Galleria. To join the Night Tour, simply show your digital or printed ticket to a Big Bus team member.
For Cruise Ship Passengers:
The Overseas Passenger Terminal: Stop 23 The Rocks
For White Bay Terminal Customers shuttled to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium: Stop 19 SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
For White Bay Terminal Customers shuttled to Dawes Point: Stop 22 Sydney Harbour Bridge
Customers are advised to visit the Big Bus website or to download the Big Bus app to see the most up to date bus stop locations and timings. For live bus tracking on the day of travel - please download the Big Bus App in advance of arrival.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- When booking the 24 hour Pass, only the lead passenger name is required for a booking. At time of booking you only need to enter 1 adult to complete your booking
- Children aged 2 and under travel free of charge
- Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
- Captain Cook Harbour Hopper departs from Circular Quay, Wharf 6.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our city tours page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
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