Circular Quay Tours and Activities

Circular Quay featuring general coastal views, a sunset and central business district
Circular Quay
Circular Quay
Circular Quay
Circular Quay


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

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YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay by IHG
Ovolo Woolloomooloo

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Best Lodging Options Near Circular Quay

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
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Sydney Harbour Hotel

Sydney Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
Sydney Harbour Hotel
InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney by IHG
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

5 out of 5
11 Jamison Street, Sydney, NSW
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The Fullerton Hotel 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
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
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 Sydney's vibrant culture with exciting activities like whale watching and sightseeing adventures. Explore iconic tourist sights, enjoy shopping, and indulge in the local entertainment scene. Whether you're planning a daily trip or an extended stay, Circular Quay offers an array of experiences that capture the essence of Australia, making it a must-visit destination for any traveller.

Shopping

The Rocks Markets, only 322m from Circular Quay, offers a vibrant public market experience perfect for unique gifts. Martin Place, at 805m, is a family-friendly shopping mall with entertainment options. Centrepoint, 966m away, is ideal for city vibes and family shopping.

Recreation

The Sydney Cricket Ground offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 3.2km from Circular Quay. For outdoor family fun, Bondi Icebergs pool, located 6.4km away, is a fantastic option. For ultimate relaxation, Treera Thai Massage, 4.8km from Circular Quay, provides a soothing wellness experience.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, located 6.4km from Circular Quay, offers breathtaking views while hiking. For a family-friendly adventure, explore the McElhone Stairs, only 1.6km away. Additionally, dive into underwater sports at Ben Buckler Point, situated 8.0km from Circular Quay.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Sydney Theatre Company and Wharf Theatre, both 0.4.8km from Circular Quay, offering captivating performances in a romantic setting. For a unique evening, visit the Sydney Observatory, where family-friendly entertainment meets stunning celestial views, just a short stroll away.

Find the best attractions near Circular Quay

When visiting Circular Quay in Sydney, you'll find a delightful mix of urban parks, historic civic buildings, and vibrant streets. This area is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Explore the iconic sights, enjoy the local atmosphere, and take in the stunning views of the harbour. Circular Quay truly offers something for every traveller looking to immerse themselves in the city's rich heritage and lively environment.

  • Sydney Opera House: A world-renowned architectural masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House is a cultural hub located only 644m from Circular Quay. Its stunning design and vibrant performance schedule make it a must-visit for any tourist looking to experience the arts in an iconic setting.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Connecting the northern and southern shores of Sydney, the historic Sydney Harbour Bridge is 805m from Circular Quay. Walking or cycling across offers breathtaking views of the harbour and city skyline, making it an unforgettable experience steeped in history.
  • Hyde Park: Situated 1.3km from Circular Quay, Hyde Park is Sydney’s oldest park, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy lush gardens, walking paths, and historical monuments in this vibrant urban oasis that offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

Best time to go to Circular Quay

Visitor numbers around Circular Quay is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
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

Circular Quay in Sydney offers numerous ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Hyde Park, and plan your stay in May, July, or October when hotel prices are lower. To secure the best rates, book your accommodation about a month in advance, and consider checking Expedia for last-minute deals or package offers that combine hotels with flights and activities. Mondays are typically the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilize Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options easily.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Circular Quay are May, July and October, 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Circular Quay is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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 offers you the flexibility to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can easily sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel reservation at Circular Quay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.