Circular Quay

Circular Quay showing a city, central business district and modern architecture
Circular Quay
Circular Quay
Circular Quay
Circular Quay


Under the gaze of the magnificent Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s transport hub is a terminal of unexpected beauty.

Getting around this bustling metropolis and tourist paradise, you’re likely to cross paths with Circular Quay at some point during your travels. Located between two of the city’s most unmistakable landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the quay is easy to find, even for first-time visitors.

Located in the inlet dubbed Sydney Cove, Circular Quay is the official landing site of the First Fleet that set sail for Australia from England back in 1787. Even today, it retains a naval theme, with Circular Quay being the best place in Sydney to catch a ferry to many other spectacular locations. Its location also makes it an excellent place to enjoy some spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and it is always buzzing with life as visitors and commuters go about their daily business.

Circular Quay is also home to a busy railway station and bus station. The range of transport options on offer, combined with its attractive, central location mean you have plenty of choice when it comes to ways of getting around Sydney’s many great sights. Sydney residents are a welcoming bunch, so if you get lost or stuck somewhere for any reason, there will always be a friendly face willing to help you out.

This wonderful location is more than just a transport hub—Sydney is one of the first places in the world to welcome in the New Year, and the spectacular firework display celebrating this draws some of Sydney’s biggest crowds. Circular Quay is also right next to the recently refurbished Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), a real honeypot for culture seekers and it’s also free to get in!

For lovers of architecture, Customs House is also located in the Circular Quay area. This impressive structure is one of Sydney’s heritage buildings, and houses numerous interesting exhibitions as well as an extensive library. Customs House has a spectacular grand atrium and distinctive Helix staircase, along with striking and contemporary interior decor. Feast your eyes on the giant model of the city displayed in a glass case on the ground floor of the development.

Being adjacent to the harbour, Circular Quay is the perfect place to catch a boat, whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset dinner cruise, or a fun tour of the harbour for all the family, Circular Quay has something to offer.

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Reviews of Circular Quay

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
183
" "5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
120
" "4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

There is a lot of construction going on in the area and it is always busy so this made it worse.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Take the ferry to Parramatta, takes an hour and you get to see a different side to Sydney.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Opera bar was amazing, slightly overpriced but worth it for the views!

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Top Circular Quay Hotel Deals

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
Shangri-La Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency Sydney
InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
117 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
5 out of 5
30 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
Sydney Harbour Hotel
Sydney Harbour Hotel
4 out of 5
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
Sydney Harbour Hotel
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
The Tank Stream Hotel Sydney
The Tank Stream Hotel Sydney
4 out of 5
97-99 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW
The Tank Stream Hotel Sydney
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

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