Boxing Day Cruise Sydney Harbour 2026, Front-row Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race start aboard Magic
BOXING DAYon the harbour.
Watch the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race start from the best seat on the water. The fleet charges past Magic at 1pm sharp.
Feel the adrenaline of the race start.
While some push and shove their way through the crowds on the shore to catch a glimpse of the start of the famous Sydney to Hobart, you'll be as close as it gets. The fleet of maxi yachts, super yachts and racing cruisers lines up for the warning signal at 12:50pm. The gun fires at 1:00pm. They charge past Magic in full battle mode towards the Heads. Bar is open. Prawns are out. This is the only way to do Boxing Day.
Front-row to the start gun.
One session · 3.5 hours · race-start vantage point. Tickets emailed instantly.
- 3.5 hour cruise
- Prime position for the Sydney to Hobart race start
- Unlimited soft drinks (included)
- BYO picnic basket welcome
- Bar snacks · available to purchase at the bar (extra)
- Beer, wine, spirits & cocktails · available to purchase at the licensed bar (extra)
- No BYO alcohol permitted
- King St Wharf 3 · boarding 11:45am
- All individual ticket inclusions
- 20% deposit to confirm (if 21+ days out)
- Final guest count due 7 days prior
- Full payment due 21 days prior
- Credit for any reductions up to 7 days prior
- Dedicated group coordinator
- Private group section on board
BYO picnic, bar service all day.
Pack your own picnic basket and bring it onboard. Soft drinks are included, bar snacks and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase at the licensed bar.
BYO picnic basket
Bring your own food onboard.
- Pack your own picnic basket, sandwiches, salads, fruit, cheese boards, whatever you fancy
- Plates, cutlery and napkins provided
- Plenty of indoor and shaded outdoor seating
- Friends sharing? Bring extra, there's room to spread out
Bar snacks
Extra · pay at the bar.
- Light bar snacks available to purchase on board
- Quick bites if you don't want to pack a full basket
- Cash and card both accepted at the bar
- Not included in your ticket price
Drinks · licensed bar
Soft drinks free · alcohol pay-as-you-go.
- Unlimited soft drinks (Coca-Cola range, juices, water), INCLUDED in your ticket
- Beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, available to PURCHASE at the licensed bar
- Cash and card both accepted at the bar
- No BYO alcohol, fully licensed venue
How Boxing Day on Magic unfolds.
- 11:45 AMBoarding · King St Wharf 3Step aboard Magic with cold drinks and a perfect summer harbour day ahead.
- 12:15 PMCruise to start lineMagic positions near Nielsen Park for the warning signal. Crack open your picnic basket.
- 12:50 PMWarning signal · 10 minutesThe fleet locks into position. Heart-rate climbs. Bar is open for cold beers.
- 1:00 PMRACE START · GUN FIRESMaxi yachts charge past Magic in full battle mode. Goosebumps guaranteed.
- 1:30 PMFollow the fleetCruise with the leaders as they push towards the heads. Bar service in full swing.
- 2:30 PMFleet rounds the headsWatch the lead yachts charge out of Sydney Harbour into open ocean.
- 3:15 PMReturn to wharfCruise winds down · disembark at King St Wharf 3.
Race-day, done right.
"Did the Sydney to Hobart start from a shore-side bar before. Never again. Watching the maxis launch from the water is something else entirely."
"Got the Magic for the family. Kids loved the prawns and the yachts. We didn't have to lift a finger. Perfect Boxing Day."
"Booked late, glad I did. Front-row to the warning gun and the start. Bar staff kept the cold ones coming. Highly recommend."
Questions, answered.
What time should I arrive?
Arrive 15 minutes before boarding (11:30am for 11:45am departure). King St Wharf 3, Darling Harbour. Look for the Magic crew in red shirts.
Where do we watch the race start?
Magic anchors near Nielsen Park within sight of the start line. The 1pm gun fires across the start line and the maxis charge straight past us towards the Heads.
Is food included?
Boxing Day is BYO picnic basket, pack your own food and bring it onboard. Bar snacks are also available to purchase on board (extra cost). Unlimited soft drinks ARE included in your ticket. Alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails) are available to purchase at the licensed bar, they are NOT included in the ticket price.
Are drinks at the bar free?
Only soft drinks are included (unlimited Coca-Cola range, juices, water). All alcoholic drinks, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, are pay-as-you-go at the licensed bar. Cash and card both accepted.
Can I BYO alcohol?
No, Magic is a fully licensed venue, so no BYO alcohol is permitted. The bar serves beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. BYO food (non-alcoholic picnic) IS welcome.
What if the race is delayed?
Boxing Day racing proceeds rain or shine, the Magic stays out to watch the entire start sequence regardless. Free cancellation up to 72hrs prior if you can't make it.
Is there shade?
Yes, fully covered indoor area and shaded upper deck. Bring sunglasses and a light jacket, sea breeze on Sydney Harbour can be cool.
See you on the harbour.
3.5 hours on the water · front-row to the race start · BYO picnic basket · licensed bar all cruise. Tickets emailed instantly.