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Circular Quay
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.
Guide to Exploring Circular Quay
Top Hotel Deals
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSWOpposite majestic Hyde Park and with views of St Mary’s Cathedral and Sydney Harbour, this luxury hotel in the heart of Sydney’s retail and business districts is a 15-minute walk to Darling Harbour. On the doorstep is Sydney’s premium retail shopping precinct for luxury and popular brands.
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
11 Jamison Street, Sydney, NSWThis 34-story hotel offers a stylish retreat from busy George Street, with Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and Hyde Park all within 3 blocks. Wynyard Train Station is a 3-minute walk away.
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSWStanding in the historic Rocks district of cobbled laneways and designer boutiques, the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney is less than 500 meters from ferries and trains, Sydney's central business district, shopping, and Sydney Harbor foreshores.
The Westin Sydney
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSWLocated on Sydney's Martin Place, this central business district hotel is less than 1 kilometer from Sydney Tower, Sydney Parliament House, and Darling Harbour.
Hyatt Regency Sydney
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSWThis darling Harbour hotel is also less than a kilometer from the restaurants, cafes, and bars of Cockle Bay and shopping at the Queen Victoria Building.
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
199 George St., Sydney, NSWLuxury and panoramic views abound at this Rocks District hotel set within a 5-minute walk of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour
100 Murray Street, Sydney, NSWLocated in Darling Harbour, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National Maritime Museum, International Convention Centre Sydney, and Sydney Lyric Theatre. SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Town Hall are also within 15 minutes. Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station is only a 4-minute walk and Exhibition Light Rail Station is 6 minutes.
The Grace Hotel
77 York Street, Sydney, NSWLocated in the business, entertainment, and cultural centre, the hotel is bordered by York, King, and Clarence streets, with Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens within four blocks.