Circular Quay Tours

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Flanked by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s transportation hub is one of the prettiest terminals in the world.

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.

Plan a trip to see Circular Quay

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney QVB
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Circular Quay

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Reviews of Circular Quay

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
933
" "5 - Excellent 66.69049320943532%
4 - Good
422
" "4 - Good 30.164403145103645%
3 - Okay
41
" "3 - Okay 2.930664760543245%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.07147962830593281%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.14295925661186562%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 30, 2019

Always busy, but such a fun vibe.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 27, 2019

Very, very crowded!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 27, 2019

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

Verified traveler
Jan 14, 2019

Gateway to everything

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 3, 2019

Very walkable with food options and tour bookings.  Very crowded.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 27, 2018

Lots of restaurants and shops

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Circular Quay

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Shangri-La Sydney
Shangri-La Sydney
5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
Shangri-La Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney
5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency 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
Little National Hotel Sydney
Little National Hotel Sydney
4 out of 5
26 Clarence St, Sydney, NSW
Little National Hotel Sydney
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
InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
117 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney, an IHG Hotel
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.