Circular Quay
Circular Quay
4.5
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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Circular Quay
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
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4,571 within 5 kms
Attractions
786 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- TVDadTampa, Florida1,482 contributionsThe Happening Place in SydneyCircular Quay is the hub of transportation, entertainment and dining in Sydney’s Central Business District. Easily accessible by ferry, train or trolley you must visit here if you are visiting Sydney. This is the place you’ll take the best selfies of The Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. You can catch a ferry, take a harbor cruise, listen to street performers, eat gelato and sip a cool adult beverage Lots of restaurants and cafes too. Best of all, you can spend as much or as little money as you want and still have fun!Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 March 2023
- johnmodestoModesto, California713 contributionsThe heart of the city with lovely viewsCircular Quay was our favorite place in Sydney. The views of the harbor, the Opera House, and the Rocks is superb. This is a transit hub for ferries, trams, and trains. A reason to take the train is the magnificent view of the harbor from the rail platform on the second floor of the building. There are fast food places, restaurants, convenience stores, a wine shop, and clean toilets. The public ferries are affordable and a great way to see the harbor. A pleasant journey is to Manly, avoid the so called Manly fast ferry as this is more expensive and in fact not much faster. It requires a special ticket while the normal ferries use the public transport Opal card.Visited May 2023Written 4 June 2023
- Rowena PAdelaide, Australia274 contributionsWorth the smells!Ok, for convenience=5. It’s simple, it’s a gateway. The trains, ferry, light rail all stop here so it’s your access path to all things Sydney. But it constantly smells like pee. The shops are varies but the convenience shops are over priced. Having said that… the views. You just can’t get better!Visited June 2023Travelled soloWritten 4 June 2023
- Michael-4551Caloundra, Australia5,458 contributionsCircular QuayVisited a few times during my recent visit to Sydney. It is the gateway to exploring Sydney by train, bus, light rail or ferry. Or to go exploring the Opera House, Rocks area or further afield.Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 20 June 2023
- Nicole MHornsby, Australia511 contributionsI love Circular QuayWe walked down here after dinner at the Sydney Tower. Such a nice walk. Always something happening at Circular Quay. Ice cream, Gelato and many places to eat or have a coffee or wine. You can watch the ferries come and go, take in the view of the harbour.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 July 2023
- Pixiehat480 contributionsExtremely vibrantAn exciting vibrant place with a frantic holiday vibe about it. Holidaying families with push-chairs and toddlers are everywhere. Some nice restaurants (more restaurant choices between Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House). Sydney Information people wander throughout daily. The many ferry terminals look daunting but take a deep breath, stand still, and calmly read information on any terminal's wall to get information as to which terminal you need to leave from. You must get a travel card to board ferries or buses and there's a machine at the wharf entrance or you can purchase a card from a shop that is also at one of the quay entrances. Most visitors do the walk of The Rocks-Circuar Quay-Sydney Opera House. About an hour if admiring views, longer if stopping off at placesVisited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 26 September 2023
- JaneWW-COSurprise, Arizona149 contributionsLots to See and DoWhat a wonderful day in Sydney. Loved Circular Quay and loved not being in the hustle/bustle of Sydney proper. Lots to see and do -- the Opra House, restaurants, shopping and access to transportation. We were there Sunday and loved the Street Market with so many talented artisens. One of my favorite stops in Australia.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 November 2023
- JJOHDoha, Qatar712 contributionsNice spot near the cruise ship terminalNot far from (adjacent) the Rocks this is close to the end of 5he harbour bridge and the cruise terminal. Good views of the bridge and opera house. The enormous cruise ships park her3 and are an impressive site. There are some fairly upmarket places to eat here. Good quality but at a priceVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
4,359 reviews
Excellent
2,428
Very good
1,551
Average
328
Poor
38
Terrible
14
JJOH
Doha, Qatar712 contributions
Dec. 2023 • Couples
Not far from (adjacent) the Rocks this is close to the end of 5he harbour bridge and the cruise terminal. Good views of the bridge and opera house. The enormous cruise ships park her3 and are an impressive site. There are some fairly upmarket places to eat here. Good quality but at a price
Written 8 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JaneWW-CO
Surprise, AZ149 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
What a wonderful day in Sydney. Loved Circular Quay and loved not being in the hustle/bustle of Sydney proper. Lots to see and do -- the Opra House, restaurants, shopping and access to transportation. We were there Sunday and loved the Street Market with so many talented artisens. One of my favorite stops in Australia.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeFo
Brighton, UK1,049 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Ferries, the train, tram all converge on the quay, from which there are great views and numerous coffee shops, eateries too
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
reeceyb
Chichester, UK1,617 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Well positioned ferry port right in amongst everything with tram stop outside and close to the opera house and gardens.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,777 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
All roads... ferries... trains... trams.... buses... subways... lead to Circular Quay! It's really the hub of public transport in Sydney. Lots of shops and restaurants nearby.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn M
Gold Coast, Australia1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Family
The public toilets at circular quay train station are vile. Filthy dirty and sanitary bins are over flowing onto the floor! I had to take my children as they couldn’t wait and it was absolutely awful!!! How embarrassing that tourists see this!
Written 1 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davieland
Auckland, New Zealand596 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Great spot to hand out and people watch. So many places to eat and drink. Even on a Sunday it was buzzing. A must when visiting Sydney.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pixiehat
New Zealand480 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
An exciting vibrant place with a frantic holiday vibe about it. Holidaying families with push-chairs and toddlers are everywhere. Some nice restaurants (more restaurant choices between Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House). Sydney Information people wander throughout daily. The many ferry terminals look daunting but take a deep breath, stand still, and calmly read information on any terminal's wall to get information as to which terminal you need to leave from. You must get a travel card to board ferries or buses and there's a machine at the wharf entrance or you can purchase a card from a shop that is also at one of the quay entrances.
Most visitors do the walk of The Rocks-Circuar Quay-Sydney Opera House. About an hour if admiring views, longer if stopping off at places
Most visitors do the walk of The Rocks-Circuar Quay-Sydney Opera House. About an hour if admiring views, longer if stopping off at places
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelove58
11,272 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
This is where the last tram stop ( which ends at this Circular Quay ), where you take the ferries. Nice views of Opera House & Sydney Harbour. There are shops, cafes & a nice food court here.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ogi0
Sofia, Bulgaria20,943 contributions
Aug. 2023
There is everything here and hotels and a museum and restaurants and even a transport hub. There are also great views of the bridge and the Opera House.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maryanne B
Naples, FL14 contributions
Where is a good place to buy quality tee shirts in Sydney?
Euan williams
Bulli, Australia55 contributions
There e many tourist shops around Sydney the best ones are either Circular Quay or Darling Harbour.
JanetECanny
7 contributions
Where to have dinner
Jodie S
Sydney, Australia1,381 contributions
So many places around.... we love the central location of city extra. It’s casual dining and the pancakes are always a hit with the kids.
Doron D
Dubai, United Arab Emirates12 contributions
What are Rules/Regulations at Customs and Immigration when arriving in sydney port ?
Jan C
Sydney, Australia35 contributions
Sorry, not sure really what is required, however you might want to have a look at the website:
Australian Government
Department of Home Affairs
Arriving into Australia
hongkongmay11
Sydney, Australia3 contributions
if you arrive early can you store your luggage until boarding
Howarth S
Worcestershire, UK544 contributions
I'm not sure, sorry. Might depend on which boat you are taking -perhaps contact the company?
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Claim your listingCircular Quay: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Circular Quay
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Circular Quay:
- Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour (From AU$66.38)
- Taste of Sydney - Barangaroo and the Rocks (From AU$160.11)
- Sydney Harbour Ferry with Taronga Zoo Entry Ticket (From AU$76.27)
- Sydney Harbour High Tea Cruise (From AU$97.03)
- Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off Cruise (From AU$40.86)
- Hotels near Circular Quay:
- (0.03 km) Comfortable 3 bed property in the heart of The Rocks
- (0.18 km) Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
- (0.21 km) Sir Stamford at Circular Quay Hotel Sydney
- (0.21 km) Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
- (0.23 km) The Russell Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Circular Quay:
- (0.03 km) Mcdonalds Sydney Gateway
- (0.03 km) Hero Sushi
- (0.03 km) Young Alfred Restaurant
- (0.03 km) Circular Quay Kiosk
- (0.03 km) City Extra
- Attractions near Circular Quay:
- (0.05 km) Journey Walks
- (0.05 km) Customs House
- (0.06 km) Sydney Ferries
- (0.15 km) Welcome Walking Tours
- (0.06 km) Emu Trekkers