Circular Quay

Circular Quay featuring modern architecture, street scenes 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 harbour. It’s also a great spot to take in incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.Circular Quayis 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. Rumour has it, he walks the halls of the building offering rum to unsuspecting visitors!Harbour 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 harbour 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.

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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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, indulge in a variety of activities including thrilling amusement parks and engaging art fairs. You can book tours to explore the area further, enjoy cinema screenings, and take delight in classic rides. With its vibrant atmosphere, Circular Quay offers an excellent blend of opera, shopping, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for an unforgettable experience in Sydney.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, head to Martin Place, just 805m from Circular Quay, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and city vibes. The Rocks Markets, only 322m away, provide a charming atmosphere for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Centrepoint, located 966m away, perfect for family and city shopping.

Recreation

Experience the lively atmosphere at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where you can enjoy a range of sports events. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant entertainment scene at the Metro Theatre, featuring diverse music performances that uplift the spirit.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk offers breathtaking views along a scenic hiking trail, perfect for adventurous souls seeking nature's beauty, located 6.4km from Circular Quay. For a family-friendly challenge, navigate the McElhone Stairs, situated 1.6km away. Meanwhile, experience thrilling underwater sports at Ben Buckler Point, 8.0km from your base.

Nightlife

Begin your evening at the Sydney Observatory, soaking in the cosmic vibes just 483m away. Then, immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere at Theatre Royal, located 805m away, before enjoying a romantic night at the State Theatre, only 1.1km from Circular Quay.

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

Find the best attractions near Circular Quay

Circular Quay offers a vibrant mix of urban parks, historic civic government buildings, and lively streets, making it a prime destination for tourists. Whether you seek cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or a taste of the city's history, you'll find plenty to explore. This bustling area provides an ideal backdrop for those wanting to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Sydney's urban life.

  • Sydney Opera House: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic landmark showcases stunning architecture and cultural significance. Enjoy a guided tour to explore its unique design and vibrant arts scene, making it a must-see for any visitor.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: An engineering marvel, this historic bridge offers breathtaking views of the harbour. Climb to the top for a thrilling experience or stroll along the pedestrian walkway to soak in the scenery.
  • Hyde Park: Sydney's oldest park, Hyde Park is a lush urban oasis perfect for families. Enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, or simply relax under the shade of its grand trees amidst the bustling city life.

Best time to go to Circular Quay

The best time to visit Circular Quay can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Circular Quay falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Circular Quay falls in July, 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, consider visiting between May and July when accommodation costs are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, particularly on Mondays, which are the least expensive days. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and package offers that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to utilise public transport, which is economical, and explore free activities like walking along the stunning harbour or visiting the Royal Botanic Garden. Always check for cancellation options to maintain flexibility.

  • 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, including your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it more economical to combine your hotel stay at Circular Quay with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia