Create your free account
Sign in to your account
Search over 1 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide
Members save 10% more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Sign up.
Free cancellation on most hotels. Because flexibility matters.
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.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all, so why not embark on some new and exciting experiences?
Start off your trip to Circular Quay by trying out some of these activities:
- Extreme Jet Boat Ride
- Sydney Harbour Shopper Hopper
- Thunder Thrill Jet Boat Ride
- Fully Inclusive Tour Blue Mountains Luxury Mercedes
- Shared Speedy Shuttle: Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal
- Shared Shuttle: Overseas Passenger Terminal
Got a few spare moments? Head to our Circular Quay things to do page for a full list of activities.
Guide to Exploring around Circular Quay
Top Circular Quay Flight + Hotel Deals
Tue, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan 3
TYO-All Airports - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥328,866
The price now is ￥300,200 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat, Jan 16 - Sat, Jan 23
Kansai Intl. - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥115,022
The price now is ￥106,073 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat, Jan 16 - Sun, Jan 24
Kansai Intl. - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥346,654
The price now is ￥327,068 per personFlight + Hotel
Tue, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan 3
TYO-All Airports - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥302,633
The price now is ￥285,740 per personFlight + Hotel
Tue, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan 3
TYO-All Airports - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥329,988
The price now is ￥312,446 per personFlight + Hotel
Tue, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan 3
TYO-All Airports - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥380,838
The price now is ￥360,791 per personFlight + Hotel
Tue, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan 3
TYO-All Airports - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥354,988
The price now is ￥340,068 per personFlight + Hotel
Tue, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan 3
TYO-All Airports - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥302,222
The price now is ￥290,976 per personFlight + Hotel
Tue, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan 3
TYO-All Airports - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥300,388
The price now is ￥289,302 per personFlight + Hotel
Tue, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan 3
TYO-All Airports - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥366,648
The price now is ￥353,868 per personFlight + Hotel
Sat, Jan 16 - Sun, Jan 24
Kansai Intl. - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥340,898
The price now is ￥329,456 per personFlight + Hotel
Tue, Dec 29 - Sun, Jan 3
TYO-All Airports - Kingsford Smith Intl.
￥311,255
The price now is ￥301,122 per personFlight + Hotel
Best Lodging Options Near Circular Quay
Per night/room
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
199 George St., Sydney, NSWThis family-friendly Sydney hotel is located in the historical district, just steps from Circular Quay and Museum of Contemporary Art. The Rocks Markets and Sydney Opera House are also within 15 minutes. Sydney Circular Quay Station is only a 3-minute walk and Wynyard Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSWLocated in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Museum of Contemporary Art and Circular Quay. The Rocks Markets and Sydney Observatory are also within 10 minutes. Wynyard Station is 6 minutes by foot and Sydney Circular Quay Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Rydges Sydney Harbour
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSWLocated in Sydney Central Business District, this hotel is steps from The Rocks Markets, Circular Quay, and Overseas Passenger Terminal. Sydney Harbour Bridge and Australia Square are also within 10 minutes. Sydney Circular Quay Station is 7 minutes by foot and Wynyard Station is 12 minutes.
Per night/room
Nov 20 - Nov 21
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
27 O'Connell Street, Sydney, NSWLocated in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Pitt Street Mall and Circular Quay. The Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens are also within 15 minutes. Wynyard Station is 5 minutes by foot and Martin Place Station is 5 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
61 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSWLocated in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps from Circular Quay, Customs House, and Government House. Sydney Opera House and Museum of Sydney are also within 5 minutes. Sydney Circular Quay Station is only a 4-minute walk and Martin Place Station is 11 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Park Hyatt Sydney
7 Hickson Road, The Rocks, NSWThis family-friendly Sydney hotel is located on the boardwalk, steps from The Rocks Markets, Circular Quay, and Overseas Passenger Terminal. Sydney Harbour Bridge and Australia Square are also within 15 minutes. Sydney Circular Quay Station is 9 minutes by foot and Wynyard Station is 14 minutes.
Hilton Sydney
488 George Street, Sydney, NSWLocated in Sydney Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps from Queen Victoria Building, The Galeries, and Sydney Town Hall. Westfield Shopping Centre and Strand Arcade are also within 5 minutes. Town Hall Station is only a 2-minute walk and St. James Station is 8 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites
243 Pyrmont Street, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, NSWLocated in Darling Harbour, this apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Harbourside, Australian National Maritime Museum, and Star Casino. International Convention Centre Sydney and Chinese Garden of Friendship are also within 10 minutes. Convention Light Rail Station and Exhibition Light Rail Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Plan your trip to Circular Quay
