Circular Quay isn't just Sydney's premier transport hub, where boats, buses and trains converge in an endless and elegantly choreographed dance. It's the cove where Sydney was christened, and where Australia itself was born as a nation. The first British settlers arrived on this very spot in 1788, as part of the country's founding First Fleet. Sydney Cove it was named, and the 1,300 who made it across the 24,000-kilometre sea journey from Great Britain were to form the nucleus of New South Wales, Australia's first State.The Cove has a very different buzz now to when those 11 sailing ships first weighed anchor here. As a city fronting one of the largest natural harbours in the world, the criss-crossing of Sydney's two halves is done as much by ferry, as any other form of transport. 14 million travellers take a ticket-to-ride on the Harbour City Ferry's boats and catamarans each year. And Circular Quay is the most important start and endpoint for those water-borne journeys. It is also home to city's main bus terminal, as well as the Circular Quay Railway Station. Chances are that, on your travels around the city, you will pass through one of the Quay's many ticket gates. But it's not just a pass-through. It's a destination in its own right. The City of Sydney Library is here, as is the Customs House, one the oldest buildings in Sydney. So old, in fact, that it has a resident ghost – a convict who was hanged here in 1790 (and who might just offer you a glass of rum). And you can catch up with the contemporary at the Quay too. The MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) is here, housed in the Art Deco splendour of the Maritime Services Board Building. With Sydney Opera House literally around the corner (and Sydney Harbour Bridge a stone's throw the other way), you could almost say that if you've done Circular Quay, you've done Sydney. It'd be a real shame if you did though. This is a city meandering along ten miles of harbour: beaches, coves and forested shorelines all begging to be explored. So Circular Quay is really the ideal launching point for your Sydney adventure proper.
Circular Quay Tours and Activities
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YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 274 activitiesOpens in new tabAll-inclusive Deluxe Small-Group Tour of Blue Mountains
Attractions
See all 19 activitiesOpens in new tabTaronga Zoo Ticket with Hop-On Hop-Off Sydney Harbour Explorer Cruise
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 10 activitiesOpens in new tabSydney Harbour Scenic Helicopter Flight
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 70 activitiesOpens in new tabSydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise
Shows & concerts
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabOpera Performance at the Sydney Opera House
Reviews of Circular Quay
3/5 - Okay
It's about time they banned smoking.
5/5 - Excellent
Sydney Cove Oyster Bar has brilliant food...and the best garlic bread, right by the water.
5/5 - Excellent
Great place to walk around and explore
5/5 - Excellent
a new tram and a new 3 levels dining "Gateway"
4/5 - Good
Easily accessible by most forms of transport and to Ferries.
4/5 - Good
Transportation options were amazingly efficient
Popular places to visit
Museum of Contemporary Art
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Museum of Contemporary Art during your trip to Sydney. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.
Cadman’s Cottage
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Cadman’s Cottage during your travels in Sydney. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.
Customs House
You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Customs House in Sydney. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in the area.
Cadmans Cottage Historic Site
Explore the great outdoors at Cadmans Cottage Historic Site, a lovely green space in Sydney. Stroll along the waterfront in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants.
Argyle Cut
You can find out about the history of Sydney with a visit to Argyle Cut. Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.
Tank Stream Fountain
Find out about the history of Sydney when you spend time at Tank Stream Fountain. Discover the area's entertainment choices and shops.
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