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Circular Quay

Circular Quay, Sydney: Address, Phone Number, Circular Quay Reviews: 4.5/5

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Circular Quay

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Circular Quay
4.5
4,312
#28 of 671 things to do in Sydney
Piers & Boardwalks
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About
Circular Quay is a colorful port where ferries and cruise ships board and depart, and boat watching can be as good a pastime as people watching. While street performers entertain outside, those wanting a more cultural experience can head into the Museum of Contemporary Art where a sculpture garden on the roof is as much a view as the waterways below.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
The Sydney Central Business District is abuzz with energy. Power brokers run to and from high rise buildings and after-work drink places, high-end shoppers tour venues like the QVB, and fine diners frequent the many celebrity chef restaurants. For a dose of culture, walk to the NSW Art Gallery, or visit the Sydney Museum. To escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature at the Sydney Botanical Gardens or picnic lunch at High Park. No matter your interest, be sure to check the full calendar of events hosted by the city, from the Sydney Festival in January to October’s Good Food Month at Hyde Park.
How to get there
  • Circular Quay • 1 min walk
  • Wynyard • 9 min walk
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
5,046 within 5 kms
William Blue Dining
492
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • European • Healthy • Australian
Playfair Cafe
509
0.4 km$ • Cafe • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
La Renaissance Patisserie (The Rocks)
630
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • French • Cafe
Aria Restaurant Sydney
3,019
0.4 km$$$$ • Contemporary • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
Gelato Messina Circular Quay
350
0.1 km$ • Australian • Gluten Free Options
Mode Kitchen & Bar
246
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Contemporary • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
The Grand Pavilion
290
0.5 km$$$$ • Indian • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
The Spice Room
1,022
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Four Frogs Creperie Circular Quay
425
83 m$$ - $$$ • Dessert • French • Cafe
Cafe Sydney
4,190
83 m$$$$ • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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Attractions
701 within 10 kms
Customs House
208
51 mArt Museums • History Museums
Sydney Ferries
21,213
57 mFerries
Justice & Police Museum
252
0.1 kmSpeciality Museums • Historic Sites
My Fast Ferry
475
0.2 kmFerries
Harbour Ferry Wharves
48
80 mFerries
Sydney Light Rail
156
0.1 kmPublic Transportation Systems
Museum of Contemporary Art
1,201
0.2 kmArt Museums
Hinchliff House
1
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Amp Building Sydney
1
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Jessie Street Gardens
2
62 mGardens
See all
Popular mentions
4.5
4,312 reviews
Excellent
2,398
Very good
1,538
Average
326
Poor
38
Terrible
12
bob2bkk
Bangkok, Thailand5,780 contributions
The Hub Of Sydney
Apr. 2022
It is one of the most crowded areas in Sydney. Tram lines start there, a major train stop above ground and the ferry terminals, along with passenger cruise ship terminal. Museums, restaurants, and lots of outdoor space to walk, sit and watch the crowds. Also adjacent to the popular Rocks area.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Helen W
Wagga Wagga, Australia99 contributions
Excellent area
May 2022
Lots of places to eat and drink. Easy to get to and easy to find your way around. Close to the Opera House, and easy to commute by ferry.
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TeamBrad
Santa Fe, NM48 contributions
Great location
Apr. 2022
What better area to wonder, to see the Opera House, to stroll thru the Rocks and Dawes Point, and to view one of the most iconic bridges in the world. And of course to catch ferries!
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
quekl
Singapore, Singapore133 contributions
Nice walk
Apr. 2022
Happened to walk there after going to seeing Sydney Opera House.

Was not crowded. Nice walk. Walking distance to The Rocks. Ferry terminal is there- can consider taking a day trip to the north or the zoo.

Otherwise, take the light rail to other parts of Sydney. Or even just to GVB!
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pete S
Melbourne, Australia34 contributions
Trains and ferries to everywhere..great toilets
Dec. 2021
Trains and ferries to almost anywhere in Sydney including the airport train. Pharmacies, an alcohol bottle shop, lots of buskers most days. Good selection of fast food, through to casual and formal dining. A very pleasant walk to the opera house and Botanical Gardens as well as the Rocks and the iconic overseas terminal. Catch the ferry to Darling Harbour or deep into the harbour to Parramatta or across to Manly. You only life once! Go for it.
Written 5 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anthony S
Brisbane, Australia1,688 contributions
Ferries to everywhere
Mar. 2022
Major transport intersection with ferries, trams and trains all converging here. Plenty of places to eat and enjoy yourself. Parks and gardens close by.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ahh
Port Macquarie, Australia77 contributions
People watching heaven
Mar. 2022
Love the waterfront cafes, ferries coming and going. The atmosphere is abuzz. Stopping here is a must.
Written 22 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fuzz K
Sydney, Australia242 contributions
A Must See in Sydney
Jan. 2022
Ferries coming and going the Coat Hanger (Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House - all there and with some great cafe's and restaurants.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JnVSydney
Greater Sydney, Australia14,107 contributions
There a lot going on
Sep. 2021
You could say this area is Sydneys transport hub, International cruise ships park here, which is totally amazing for the visitors, it is the ferries hub as well as trains, light rail and buses all stop here.

the quay itself has a nice vibe about it, especially on weekends, a more laidback feel, looking out the bridge is to the left and the Opera house is on the right, the perfect setting to upon, Sydneys icons.
Written 21 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
blackeldo
Kiama, Australia2,171 contributions
NOT SO MUCH A DESTINATION THAN A FOCUS
Nov. 2021
Here’s the thing. Few people go to Circular Quay as a final destination. Most pass thru on the way to somewhere else – a ferry trip to one of the numerous beaut locations around Sydney Harbour** or a walk to one one of the many close locations – The Rocks**, The Opera House**, The Museum of Contemporary Arts** , The Botanic Gardens** or one of rhe cafes just to the right along the way to the Opera House** or to the left in Lower George St., The Rocks**. Or even to get on one of the huge ocean liners at the nearby International Cruise Terminal**. You can also jump on heavy rail upstairs, lighrtail (trams) immediately south or buses a bit fiurther south to just about anywhere.

But it’s okay as a final destination. Maybe people watching is yer rhing – you won’t tire of watching joggers, cruisers with their huge bags, business types (it kills me to see the business suite/skirt wirh joggers and the dress shoes in a handheld bag) and myriad tourists (I like playing “guess from where” - “funny” clothing and accents help). There’s never a shortage of buskers. Or you may choose to do a meal/snack in one of the several restaurants beneath the expressway/rail-line section. There’s also plenty of faster-food options in the area, particularly at the inland end of the various ferry quays.

TIPS – not sure of best time of day to call by. I’ve been at many times and there’s always something happening.
- a board at the inland end of most quays tell which wharf, what time to where.
- a relatively unknown zone is the walkway along the Quay side of the elevated Cahill Expressway – this gives a great overview of the Quay and is also a shortcut to the Botanic Gardens to the east and The Rocks to the west. Access via a lift at eastern end of Quay.

How can it be improved? Well I lack a certain amount of imagination but the thing is every-time I pass thru (maybe a dozen times a year which aint bad for a non-Sydney local) there is something new going in. So the authorities are improving it all the time.
Plus something for sure – trendies are always going on about how the Cahill Expressway and the lower rail-line should be put in a tunnel underground. Now my background is economics and on a cost/benefit basis that make zero sense – the better idea would be to cantilever some sort of pedestrian/dining zone out from the existing Cahill walkway, which would give a magic overview or rhe Quay, Bridge and all the other nearby stuff - and would be a destination rather than a focus.
Written 17 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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