At the heart of Australian tourism stands a family whose vision, passion, and innovation helped define the industry as we know it today. The Haworth family - Captain Trevor, Geraldine, Anthony, Jackie, and Allison - are pioneers who transformed Sydney Harbour into a globally recognised must-see destination while expanding their influence across Australia and the South Pacific.
Captain Cook Cruises was founded in 1970 by Captain Trevor and Geraldine Haworth. What began with their first vessel, Captain Cook, offering small sightseeing cruises on Sydney Harbour, quickly evolved into a business synonymous with quality, customer service, and showcasing Australia’s most beautiful waterways. Captain Trevor, a former Merchant Naval Officer with a deep passion for the sea, saw the untapped potential of Sydney Harbour as a tourist destination. Geraldine brought her sharp business acumen and commitment to hospitality, laying the foundation for what would become a family empire in Australian tourism.
In the early 1970s, Sydney Harbour was not yet the bustling tourism icon it is today. The Haworth’s had the foresight to change that. Recognising the importance of promoting Australian tourism abroad, Captain Trevor and Geraldine led their first international trade mission to New Zealand in 1972. This was followed by a landmark mission to the United States in 1975. These early efforts were instrumental in placing Sydney and Australia on the global tourism map.
Closer to home, the Haworth’s revolutionised the Sydney Harbour tourism experience by combining sightseeing with dining, entertainment, and charters. Their innovative approach captured the imagination of both locals and international visitors. A major turning point came when Captain Cook Cruises secured exclusive permission to operate from Circular Quay, positioning their business at the heart of Sydney tourism.
As Captain Cook Cruises flourished, the family looked beyond Sydney Harbour to new waterways. In the 1980s, they expanded operations to the Hawkesbury River and the Murray River. These ventures brought Captain Cook Cruises' signature style to other iconic Australian waterways, further establishing their name as leaders in the industry.
Captain Trevor and Geraldine’s children took up leadership roles within the business, ensuring the family legacy continued to thrive.
Anthony Haworth became the General Manager of Sydney Harbour Operations in 1987 and successfully ran the business until 2020. He continues to play a pivotal role for SeaLink Marine and Tourism as General Manager of Business Development. His industry leadership extended to roles such as President of the Charter Vessels Association (1988) and appointment to the Ministerial Advisory Council for the NSW Transport Minister (2015). His dedication to excellence earned him honorary Clef d’Or Membership in 2008.
Jackie Haworth-Charlton drove the family’s international expansion, leading the establishment of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji in the mid-1990s. She played a pivotal role in creating this beloved experience for international travellers, offering authentic cultural and island-hopping adventures. Jackie relocated her family to Fiji for a period, and nurtured the operation for over 30 years. Her earlier contributions included managing the Hawkesbury River operation from 1987 before stepping into a senior sales and marketing role. Jackie was recognised for her industry excellence with honorary Clef d’Or Membership in 2013.
Allison Haworth West made her mark in Australian tourism, leading operations on the Great Barrier Reef as General Manager before stepping into the role of Director of Sales & Marketing. She introduced countless visitors to one of the world's natural wonders while driving the business forward. Recognised as one of Travel Agent Magazine’s Top 100 Rising Stars, Allison also contributed to the industry as a board member for the Australian Tourism Export Council, Family Business Australia NSW, and the Tourism Industry Council NSW. Today, she is Chairperson of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, ensuring the family's Pacific legacy continues to thrive.
A number of the third generation also earned their marine stripes, contributing to the business over the years. Pat Charlton notably worked in the marine department for over a decade.
Captain Trevor Haworth AM was a two-time recipient of the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Award for Excellence and was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to tourism. He joined the first ATEC trade mission to North America in 1975, representing Australian tourism on the world stage. Trevor was elected Vice Chairman of ATEC in 1976, solidifying his status as an industry trailblazer.
Over the years, Captain Cook Cruises, and the Haworth family received numerous state and national tourism awards for excellence. In 2024, the company was once again recognised with the NSW Tourism Award of Excellence, a testament to their enduring impact on Australian tourism.
From their first vessel to a globally recognised fleet, the Haworth’s did more than build a business - they built an industry. Their work transformed Sydney Harbour from a working port into one of the world's most iconic tourist destinations. Today, the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Captain Cook Cruises are inseparable images in the minds of travellers.
As we sail into the future, the Haworth family's dedication to quality, innovation, and the Australian tourism experience continues to inspire. Their story is not just one of business success but of shaping a nation’s identity through its most beautiful assets.
Join the celebration for your chance to win up to $24,000 Cruise Cash, half of which will go exclusively to our Captain's Club Members as our way of saying thank you!
Here’s to 55 years of magic on the world’s most beautiful harbour – and many more to come!
When it comes to a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour there is only one brand locals trust. Captain Cook Cruises has been at the forefront of quality on-water dining experiences on Sydney Harbour for over five decades. Our award-winning range of dinner cruises, high teas and lunch cruises Sydney Harbour are all prepared freshly onboard by our international chefs.
Dine from $69.00 per adult
Sydney loves to party and the Harbour is always the first choice for events from Australia Day to New Year's Eve. Harbour Bridge fireworks, light shows, sailing races and made-for-TV spectaculars are all regular events on our Whats On Sydney Harbour calendar.
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