Ultimate Guide: White Bay Cruise Terminal

White Bay Cruise Terminal is one of two dedicated cruise passenger terminals in Sydney Harbour. As the 2024/25 wave season approaches, find out everything you need to know like how to get to White Bay Cruise Terminal.

White Bay Cruise Terminal is designed for mid-sized ships – vessels that are able to pass under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Larger ships are homeport in the Overseas Passenger Terminal, the other dedicated cruise ship terminal in Sydney Harbour, located at Circular Quay. 

After cruising past the Sydney Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge, the dock is located just beyond the Anzac Bridge in the city’s inner west. The terminal, at 2041 James Craig Rd, Rozelle, is at the eastern end of the White Bay wharves on the northern shore of White Bay. 

Homeported cruise lines at White Bay Cruise Terminal

White Bay Cruise Terminal homeports the following cruise lines: Carnival Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Azamara Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Holland America Line, Silversea Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Oceania Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Disney Cruise Line.

Since Sydney Harbour has two dedicated ports, passengers are always advised to check if their ship is docking at the Cruise Terminal or Overseas Passenger Terminal. The ports are about a 15-20-minute drive apart. 

Port Authority
Cruise ship docks at White Bay Cruise Terminal

How to get to White Bay Cruise Terminal 

Most cruise lines homeported at White Bay offer the option to book transfers from and to Central Station or Sydney Airport.

Meanwhile, public vehicle access to White Bay during berthing days is not available via The Crescent and James Craig Road, and cruise passengers cannot use Robert Street in Balmain. 

The pick-up and drop-off areas for taxis and private vehicles are just outside the Cruise Terminal. On berthing days, the terminal can only be accessed through James Craig Road via The Crescent and not through Robert Street in Balmain. 

Travelling from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport

Taxis to White Bay Cruise Terminal are available at the airport. Curbside assistants are also readily available for guests who require assistance. 

There are also ridesharing services at the airport like DiDi, GoCatch, Uber, Shebah, and Ola. 

Furthermore, share-ride shuttle services such as Con-X-ion and Redy2GO are also available at the airport. 

White Bay Cruise Terminal Access Map
The WBCT access map courtesy of the NSW Government

Getting to and from White Bay Cruise Terminal

Sydney is updating its Metro train system, with Rozelle Bay Station currently under construction. When complete, it will be the closest light rail station to White Bay. At present, the closest public transport into the CBD is via the 500 sereis buses on Victoria Rd or catching the light rail network, which is a 35-minute walk from the terminal.

For guests travelling from outside the city, the XPT travels between Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, with stops in the regional towns of Dubbo, Casino and Grafton. Passengers and guests still need to catch a taxi from Central Train Station to White Bay. 

Unfortunately, there are no ferries to White Bay Cruise Terminal.

White Bay Cruise Terminal4

Parking at White Bay Cruise Terminal

As with most cruise terminals in Australia, White Bay does not offer long-term parking. There is a limited-time pick-up and drop-off zone (no more than two minutes) for both. Additionally, there is a designated car park area that is only available for short-stay waits to pick up. 

The nearest multi-storey parking locations, operated by Wilson Parking, are some distance from the terminal: at Harbourside and Darling Park. Bookings are available online and can be made in advance. 

Rozelle Bay Interchange congestion

Please be aware that recent congestion during peak periods at the new Rozelle Interchange has caused significant delays. If disembarking and being picked up please allow for extra time for your transport. If catching public transport along Victoria Rd, there may also be significant delays in peak periods. For private cars heading west, to get to the terminal, take the James Craig Rd exit after the Anzac Bridge and follow the signs. If heading east towards the city, take the right-hand turn into James Craig Rd at the Rozelle Interchange to access the terminal.

Hotels near White Bay Cruise Terminal

Accommodations and hotels for guests of cruise lines homeported in Sydney are not much of a problem. The Novotel Sydney is just 1.7 kilometres away from WBCT. On the other hand, Hyatt Regency Sydney is a popular hotel for guests and cruisers, and it’s just 2.2 kilometres away from the terminal. Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth and Four Seasons Hotel Sydney are all less than three kilometres away from White Bay. 

Visiting Sydney soon? Check out the Sydney Travel Guide for everything you need to know

Once you’ve disembarked at White Bay Cruise Terminal, Cruise Passengers can explore Sydney’s natural beauty, from famous landmarks such as the Harbour Bridge to picturesque beaches and world-class restaurants. Find our guide to Sydney, Australia.