Charter Chatter

- Oprah Winfrey’s Australian adventure started at Hamilton Island where Oprah and the ultimate viewers were treated to a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, a jetski tour, a sail around the Whitsunday Islands, and a beach barbecue with world famous Australian chef Curtis Stone on Whitehaven Beach. The adventure finished in Sydney after sailing with Russell Crowe in a regatta organised by Eastsail on Sydney Harbour.

- Captain Cook Cruises and Bass & Flinders Cruises, in conjunction with National Parks & Wildlife Service, have launched the Harbour Hopper which allows passengers to hop on and off at ten of Sydney Harbour’s main attractions. Available throughout December 2010 and January 2011, the Harbour Hopper pass will enable passengers over one or two days to visit and explore Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo /Athol Bay, Shark Island, Watsons Bay, Luna Park, Manly, Quarantine Station and Chowder Bay/Clifton Gardens.

- From the shores of Waikiki in the 1950s, the stand-up paddle has come to the NSW South Coast. This low-impact water sport is a graceful and fun activity that promotes fitness, stamina, strength and balance for participants of any age or fitness level. Total Eco Adventures at Broulee provides stand-up paddle tours, expert tuition and quality equipment.

- Lady Elliot Charters’ 44 foot fly bridge cruiser is available for half-day seafood cruises and full day or overnight fishing charters. The six-hour seafood experience cruises off the coast from Bargara to Elliott Heads, anchoring for guests to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, accompanied by beer, wine and bubbly. The full-day fishing charter heads out to local reefs and fishing grounds and caters for up to eight people, while the overnight charter takes in Fraser Gutters, Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands and surrounding reefs, and caters for a maximum of six.

- The 2010 Sydney New Year's Eve harbourside celebrations signal the start of a new decade. The theme this year is Make your Mark. The Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, invites you to reflect on the decade that has gone and the lasting impressions left by your actions and to reflect on ways you can make a mark by contributing to a better future. Charter vessels offering a range of cruises have places available for the evening on the harbour or book a boat exclusively for you and your friends. www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/NYE

- Captain Cook Cruises has extended its 'Find My Fiji' sale, which is offering up to 47 per cent off brochure prices on all three-, four- and seven-night Fiji cruises from now until 31 March 2011 with travel valid until 31 March 2011.

- North Star Cruises' Southern Safari cruise departs on January 10 for eight nights on the inshore waters between Adelaide and the Eyre Peninsular. The cruise visits McLaren's finest wineries and famed Kangaroo Island. Guests can cage dive with great white sharks, explore beautiful Coffin Bay and get amongst the action at a 'tuna rodeo'.

- Christmas lunch cruises are available on Sydney Harbour onboard the MV Sydney 2000 with two menus to choose from, the deluxe Sky Deck menu and the Club Deck menu. The vessel departs 12 noon on Christmas Day, Saturday 25 December, from No.6 Jetty Circular Quay and returns at 2.45pm.

- Sydney Harbour’s forthcoming special events

Dec 26 -- Rolex Sydney Hobart starts on Sydney Harbour at 1.00pm on Boxing Day. Charter boats of all shapes and sizes and a variety of costs are available to watch the start of this iconic event. http://rolexsydneyhobart.com

Dec 31 -- New Year’s Eve. Spectacular pyrotechnics are fired off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, barges, and city skyscrapers at 9.00pm and midnight. Charter vessels participate in a themed parade following the 9.00pm fireworks. A special area is set aside for charter vessels in the Harbour. www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nye/

Jan 26 -- Australia Day. Events on Sydney Harbour include a Ferrython, Awesome Forces displays, best-dressed vessels competition, tall ships race, 174th Australia Day Regatta, Sydney Ports Jazz on the Water Concert. For details see www.australiaday.com.au

Photograph: Oprah sails with Russell Crowe on Sydney Harbour courtesy of George Burns/Harpo