Circular Quay is situated in the small inlet of Sydney Cove, the official landing site of the First Fleet. Scottish political reformer Thomas Muir once had a cottage here, and for decades it was the city’s main shipping port. Today, it’s best known as the place to catch one of Sydney's iconic ferries, which travel all over the harbor. It’s also a great spot to take in incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Circular Quay is Sydney’s outdoor answer to New York City’s bustling Grand Central Station. As well as the ferry terminal, it has one of Sydney's busiest train stations and a bus interchange. The central location and views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge ensure that this hub is always buzzing with commuters and tourists. It’s also a focal point on New Year’s Eve, when crowds pack the area to watch the annual fireworks display.
The area is home to Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and the Customs House. Art buffs will love the MCA, which underwent a major refurbishment in 2012. It’s open daily and entry is free some touring exhibitions may attract a fee.
At the Customs House and explore the library and exhibitions, or relax with a coffee. Don’t miss the grand atrium and staircase, and the impressive scale model of Sydney, displayed under the glass floor on the ground level. Keep an eye out for the ghost of convict David O’Connor, who was hanged on the site in 1790. Rumor has it, he walks the halls of the building offering rum to unsuspecting visitors!
Harbor cruises operate regularly out of Circular Quay’s cruise terminal. For something romantic, book a sunset dinner cruise from jetty number 6. One of the most inexpensive ways to see the harbor is to catch the Manly Ferry, an unforgettable 60-minute round trip.
Located just north of downtown on Sydney Cove, Circular Quay is best accessed via public transport or on foot.
Circular Quay Tours





Visit Circular Quay
Plan a trip to see Circular Quay

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD
Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025


APX World Square
Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025
Browse tours and tickets to explore Circular Quay
Tours & day trips
See all 225 activities
Blue Mountains: Scenic World, Ferry, Zoo & Koala Photo
Private & custom tours
See all 60 activities
Sydney: Luxury Blue Mountains Adventure as a Small Group Day Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 56 activities
Sydney Harbour: Cabaret Cruise with 3-Course Dinner
Water activities
See all 39 activities
Sydney: Morning or Afternoon Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
Adventure & outdoor
See all 27 activities
Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise
Reviews of Circular Quay
5/5 - Excellent
Always busy, but such a fun vibe.
5/5 - Excellent
Very, very crowded!
5/5 - Excellent
See the Harbor Bridge and Oorea House frim here. Lots if people, feels safe, plenty if places to eat and shop for tourist. Beautiful view of quay. Get there easily by Uber or taxi.
5/5 - Excellent
Gateway to everything
5/5 - Excellent
Very walkable with food options and tour bookings. Very crowded.
4/5 - Good
Lots of restaurants and shops
Popular places to visit

Museum of Contemporary Art
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Museum of Contemporary Art during your trip to Sydney. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.

Cadman’s Cottage
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Cadman’s Cottage in Sydney. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Customs House
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Customs House in Sydney. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.

Cadmans Cottage Historic Site
Explore the great outdoors at Cadmans Cottage Historic Site, a lovely green space in Sydney. Stroll along the waterfront in this romantic area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

Argyle Cut
You can find out about the history of Sydney when you stop by Argyle Cut. Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.
Tank Stream Fountain
Tank Stream Fountain is just one of the places to see in Sydney, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.
Best Lodging Options Near Circular Quay
Check availability on hotels close to Circular Quay









Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Vacations and getaways similar to Circular Quay
- Other Hotels near Circular Quay, The Rocks
- Hotels near popular Sydney Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Circular Quay
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Novotel Sydney City Centre
- The Grace Hotel
- Hilton Sydney
- W Sydney
- Rydges Australia Square
- Sir Stamford At Circular Quay
- The York by Swiss-Belhotel International
- PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney
- Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
- The Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney
- Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
- Little National Hotel Sydney
- Hotels near Overseas Passenger Terminal
- Hotels near Museum of Contemporary Art
- Hotels near Sydney Opera House
- Hotels near Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Hotels near Taronga Zoo
- Hotels near Star Casino
- Hotels near Hyde Park
- Hotels near Manly Beach
- Hotels near White Bay Cruise Terminal
- Hotels near Qudos Bank Arena
- Hotels near International Convention Centre Sydney
- Hotels near Bondi Beach
- Hotels near Accor Stadium
- Hotels near University of Sydney
- Hotels near Coogee Beach
- Hotels near Sydney Town Hall
- Hotels near Macquarie University
- Hotels near Luna Park Sydney
- Hotels near Capitol Theatre
- Hotels near Sydney Cricket Ground
Expedia's Latest Trends
- Aerotel London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2-3
- Hotels near Zushi Station
- DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport
- Hotels near Tennoji Station
- Hamilton Hotel
- Sofitel Mumbai BKC Hotel
- Boston Marriott Copley Place
- APAHotels Hotels in Fujikawaguchiko
- Villas Santa Rosa Beach
- HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Hamamatsucho
- Dormy Inn Nagasakiekimae Hot Springs
- Minn Umeda North
- Hotels near Tenzan Onsen
- NIHI Sumba - member Leading Hotels of the World