Can we BYO food and drinks on Royale?

Royale is fully licensed and catering is required for private charters. Customisable catering packages and bar service are offered through the boat rather than BYO.

How much does it cost to hire Royale?

Royale starts at $700 per hour with a three-hour minimum, plus catering and bar packages. Public holiday, peak and NYE surcharges apply as standard. Request a quote for your event size and date.

What occasions is Royale best suited to?

Royale suits large-format weddings, corporate functions, milestone birthdays, hens and bucks parties, school formals, Christmas parties, product launches, NYE and staff parties for groups well above 100.

How is the deck layout on Royale?

Royale has two full levels. The lower deck is weatherproof and enclosed with bench seating and a dedicated bar, while the upper deck is open-air with an alfresco rear for sun and harbour views.

Is Royale available for New Year's Eve?

Yes, Royale takes NYE bookings and is one of the larger-capacity options in the fleet. Demand is heavy — book six to nine months ahead for fireworks-night charters.

Royale

Weekday rates from $700/hr — great value

Royale Boat Hire Sydney — Vintage Timber Ferry for up to 160 Guests

160 guests

3hr min

from $700/hr · 3hr min

Royale is a restored 1972 timber ferry for charter on Sydney Harbour, carrying up to 160 guests across two expansive decks. The lower deck is fully enclosed with wrap-around bench seating and a dedicated bar, while the upper deck is open-air for harbour views and dancing. Charters start at $700 per hour with a three-hour minimum. Catering is required — the boat is fully licensed with customisable catering packages rather than BYO.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

October – December

$990
3-hour minimum
Saturdays & Public Holidays: 4-hour minimum

January – March

$750
3-hour minimum
Saturdays & Public Holidays: 4-hour minimum

April – September

$700
3-hour minimum
Saturdays & Public Holidays: 4-hour minimum

Water Transfers

$3,000
Up to 1.5 hours
Wharf fees and staff included

Additional Information

BYO fees apply

𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐞

Minimum Hire:

Saturdays & Public Holidays: 4-hour minimum
Public Holidays: 20% surcharge

Additional Fees:

Pre-Access: $200
Vessel Inspection: $250
Wharf Fees: $85 per wharf
- Outer Harbour Extra: $150 (e.g., Watsons Bay, Manly)

Food & Beverage Options:

Full BYO: $15 per person (up to 100 guests)
BYO Food/Drinks: $7.50 per person (ice, cups, plates & cutlery included)
Over 100 guests: Cash bar or beverage packages only
Post-charter alcohol pick-up fee: $200

Security Deposit:

Bond: $200

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠

Staff are required on all charters.

Crew Requirements by Guest Count:

1 Crew – Up to 49 guests
2 Crew – 50–89 guests
3 Crew – 90–150 guests
4 Crew – 151–220 guests

Crew Rates:

$300 per staff member (up to 4 hours)
$75 per staff member for each additional hour

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲

(Recommended but not mandatory)

$300 per security guard

Security is required for:

18th Birthdays
21st Birthdays
Bucks parties

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲

Transfers: Up to 220 guests
Charters: Up to 160 guests

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬

Menu packages available
BYO drinks permitted for events under 100 guests
Fully equipped licensed bar
Surround sound system with Bluetooth connection
Microphone available
Large accessible bow area
Open roof area on the top deck
Main deck drop-down windows for an open-air experience
Ample bench seating
Pre-charter access available

Date

Guests

Duration

Charter Type

We'll email you this quote plus 2 similar boats

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Available Partial Booked On Request

Each cell shows day (top) and evening (bottom) availability

✓ Byo

✓ Catering

✓ Sound System

✓ Bluetooth

✓ Fishing

Ask us about catering packages for Royale — we'll tailor a menu to your event.

View Menu (PDF) View Menu (PDF) View Menu (PDF)

Step back in time aboard Royale, a beautifully maintained 1972 timber ferry that brings a touch of vintage elegance to the modern harbour. Recently renovated to offer a lighter, brighter aesthetic while preserving its classic wooden soul, this vessel features two expansive levels designed for socializing. The lower deck provides a fully enclosed, weather-proof sanctuary with wrap-around bench seating and a dedicated bar, while the upper deck offers an alfresco experience with an open rear area, perfect for soaking up the iconic Sydney sunshine and salt air.

As one of the most versatile platforms in our fleet, Royale is a favorite for everything from large-scale corporate functions and weddings to high-capacity group transfers. With room for up to 150 guests for private charters and 200 for transfers, the boat offers incredible flexibility. Whether you want to take advantage of our fully licensed bar and customizable catering packages or prefer a BYO setup for groups of up to 100, Royale provides the spacious decks and nostalgic ambiance needed to make your next event truly historic.

Use the pricing calculator above to get an instant estimate, then submit your details. Our team will send you a personalised quote within the hour. A 50% deposit secures your booking.

Sydney Harbour is sheltered, so most cruises go ahead rain or shine. Royale has covered areas for comfort. If conditions are genuinely unsafe (e.g. storm warnings), we'll work with you to reschedule.

Yes, Royale has 2 bathrooms on board.

Yes! Most boats have Bluetooth speakers. You can connect your phone and play your own playlist. DJs may be possible on larger vessels — ask our team.

A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due 21 days before your cruise date.

Extensions are subject to availability and will be charged at the hourly rate. Let the crew know on the day and they'll check if it's possible.