Circular Quay

Circular Quay showing general coastal views, a skyscraper and street scenes
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.

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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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.

Things to do near Circular Quay

At Circular Quay, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene with activities that cater to art lovers, including the iconic Sydney Opera House and various galleries nearby. Enjoy shopping at the bustling markets and boutiques, and indulge in the lively entertainment options available. This picturesque harbour precinct is perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere while experiencing the best of Sydney’s artistic and social offerings.

Shopping

In Circular Quay, enjoy shopping at Martin Place, just 805m away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. The Rocks Markets, only 322m away, provides a charming atmosphere for unique finds. If you're up for a drive, visit Centrepoint, located 966m away, for more shopping delights.

Recreation

The Sydney Cricket Ground, located 3.2km from Circular Quay, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Experience live matches and the vibrant spirit of Australian sports. Just 1.6km away, Metro Theatre provides a lively entertainment vibe with concerts and performances that invigorate the senses.

Bondi Icebergs, situated 6.4km from Circular Quay, boasts an iconic pool where families can enjoy outdoor swimming and stunning coastal views, perfect for a refreshing day out while soaking up the sun.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, located 6.4km from Circular Quay, offers stunning scenery and adventure as you trek along the cliffs. For a family-friendly challenge, explore the McElhone Stairs, situated 1.6km away. For underwater sports enthusiasts, Ben Buckler Point is 8.0km away, promising thrilling experiences.

Nightlife

At Circular Quay, the nightlife buzzes with excitement. Visit the Sydney Observatory for a cosmic experience, or enjoy a cultural evening at the Theatre Royal and State Theatre, both offering a blend of romance and family-friendly entertainment just a short stroll away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Circular Quay

Circular Quay offers a delightful mix of urban parks, historic civic buildings, and vibrant streets, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking culture and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions that showcase the rich heritage and lively atmosphere of this iconic area in Sydney. Whether you’re wandering through scenic parks or admiring architectural gems, there’s something to captivate every traveller.

  • Sydney Opera House: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic landmark features stunning architecture and hosts world-class performances. Its unique sail-like design creates a vibrant cultural atmosphere, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Known as the 'Coathanger', this historic bridge offers breathtaking views of the harbour. Walking across or climbing to the top provides an exhilarating experience, steeped in rich history and culture.
  • Hyde Park: This expansive urban park is perfect for families and outdoor lovers. Enjoy serene walking paths, lush gardens, and historical monuments, making it an ideal spot for relaxation amidst the bustling city.

Best time to go to Circular Quay

The best time to visit Circular Quay is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Circular Quay

To save money during your visit to Circular Quay, consider travelling between May and July when accommodation prices drop. Booking about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can lead to significant savings. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and consider package deals that combine flights and accommodation for added savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the area, such as enjoying the stunning views and public spaces.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Circular Quay are May to July, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Circular Quay about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Circular Quay is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Circular Quay is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to easily identify the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel accommodation in Circular Quay with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia