Circular Quay

Circular Quay showing a city, central business district and modern architecture
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.

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YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD
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Furama Darling Harbour

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History & culture

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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!

Popular places to visit


Top Circular Quay Hotel Deals

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
Sydney Harbour Hotel

Sydney Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
Sydney Harbour Hotel
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency Sydney
Paradox Sydney

Paradox Sydney

5 out of 5
27 O'Connell Street, Sydney, NSW
Paradox Sydney
InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney by IHG
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

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

Circular Quay offers a delightful array of activities, from sightseeing iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House to exploring fascinating museums. Visitors can enjoy tailored experiences and convenient tour buses for easy navigation. Additionally, the area boasts vibrant shopping destinations, ensuring a perfect blend of culture, entertainment, and retail therapy for an unforgettable visit to Sydney.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Martin Place, just 805m from Circular Quay, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. Paddy's Market and World Square Shopping Centre, both 1.6km away, provide excellent city vibes and a variety of shopping experiences.

Recreation

Experience the lively atmosphere at Sydney Cricket Ground, where the excitement of sports fills the air. Enjoy a night of music and entertainment at the Metro Theatre, just a short stroll away. For a refreshing outdoor swim, visit Bondi Icebergs, perfect for families and sports enthusiasts alike.

Adventure

Embark on the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, a scenic 6.4km hiking trail offering stunning views and fresh ocean air. Challenge yourself at the McElhone Stairs, a 1.6km maze perfect for family fun, and explore the underwater sports at Ben Buckler Point, located 8.0km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Circular Quay is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a romantic evening at the State Theatre, indulge in entertainment at the Theatre Royal, or marvel at the stars at the nearby Sydney Observatory. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for a memorable night out.

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

Find the best attractions near Circular Quay

At Circular Quay in Sydney, you'll find a vibrant mix of urban parks, historic civic buildings, and lively streets, perfect for culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Explore the stunning Sydney Harbour, enjoy the scenic views, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Whether you’re wandering through the parks or visiting iconic sites, Circular Quay offers a delightful experience that showcases the best of Sydney's charm and heritage.

  • Sydney Opera House: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sydney Opera House is an architectural marvel renowned for its sail-like design. Nestled 644m from Circular Quay, it offers a vibrant cultural atmosphere with world-class performances and stunning views of the harbour.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: Spanning 805m from Circular Quay, this iconic structure not only serves as a vital transport link but also offers breathtaking panoramic views. A walk or climb provides a unique perspective of Sydney’s skyline and its rich history.
  • International Convention Centre Sydney: Located 1.6km from Circular Quay, this modern venue is a hub for business and events. With its sleek design and state-of-the-art facilities, it hosts conferences and exhibitions, contributing to Sydney’s vibrant business scene.

Best time to go to Circular Quay

The best time to visit Circular Quay is dependent 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

For a budget-friendly trip to Circular Quay, visit between May and July when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Monday for the best rates, and use Expedia to find last-minute deals. Consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Explore free attractions in the area and utilise public transport, such as ferries and buses, which are economical options. Adjust the price filter on Expedia to find the most affordable deals, ensuring you enjoy your trip without overspending.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Circular Quay about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your hotel reservation at Circular Quay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.