Oz Jet Boat

A great way to get a quick intro to the city and its layout as well as a sense of the Aussie’s sense of fun is to hop on one of the tourist speedboats that run regularly from Circular Quay. You can sign up in advance online for a half-hour ride or show up on the wharf. Each boat takes about a dozen people for a spirited joy ride around the harbor. The captains will point out a few of the major sites but mostly they focus on tricks like spins and fishtails, which are guaranteed to get you wet and to get kids whooped up. The outfitters hand out full-length ponchos before you board the boats, but you will still get splashed in the face. Rides generally operate every hour on the hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.