Circular Quay is a bustling, iconic waterfront precinct located on Sydney Cove between the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It serves as a major transport hub--offering ferry, train, and light rail services--and is a primary tourist destination for dining, culture, and harbor views. A cruise ship terminal is also here. During our recent several days visiting Sydney, Gayle and I caught a Tram here (twice), took the Ferry to Manly (and back), and took Ferry in from Watson Bay. It was also the jumping off point to our tour of the Opera House and the Rocks. The other cool thing we did was reading the brass plaques recognizing 60 important characters of Australian literature featured in the Sydney writers walk. read more

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What a fun, memorable area of Sydney. Full of tourism, localism and picturesque spots and views, it's an area not to be missed. Take a boat ride around the harbor or simply scroll along the water. Enjoy local dining and even watch cruise ships come in and out of the harbor. Personally, at sunset is the best time of day. You can enjoy the views as the sun is going down and get incredible pictures during sunset. The Sydney opera house can be viewed from all angles and you can learn about the history of Sydney and its amazing and unique history during a ride around the harbor. read more

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If you're at the Sydney opera house or the harbor bridge, you are also at Circular Quay. This is the hustle/bustle area right on the waterfront, with access to the Sydney transit system AND the ferry system. Additionally, there are a ton of shops and restaurants offering anything your heart desires. I've partaken in just about everything CQ has to offer including visiting the opera house, eating a sumptuous lunch at a restaurant with a waterfront view, ordering two scoops of gelato, getting an afternoon latte, catching the ferry, and catching the train. It's a nice place to waste a few hours. read more

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This is the spot to be for beautiful views of the Sydney Opera house and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can view these landmarks at any angle from Circular Quay. There's also plenty it restaurants with great views. You can take a ferry ride to numerous ports from this port at a minimal fare. The train and light rail is accessible from this spot too. Great spot to walk around. read more

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Circular Quay is considered Sydney's No.1 buzz place. "The Quay" is the city's main ferry terminus - situated in the very heart of Sydney Cove, the founding place for the settlement of Australia. It's the gateway, connecting Sydney's major attractions - Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge &The Rocks. It's a vibrant, bustling hub with ferries leaving every few minutes to different parts of the harbour, including Manly, Watsons Bay, Mosman and Taronga Zoo. Aside from catering to tourists, it is a vital link for Sydneysiders commuting to and from work and as a gateway for the thousands of locals journeying to Manly's surf beach on weekends. Circular Quay is at the foot of the central business district and the older, historic end of the city. Buses depart here for Bondi and the eastern suburbs. It is also a major railway station on an underground railway known as the City Circle, which loops around the CBD. read more

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The place to visit when visiting Sydney. This shopping area encompasses the bridge, ferries and the Opera House. Plenty of shops and restaurants of all price ranges. The place for pictures. Tourists everywhere on a weekend. Calms a bit during the week but still gets busy at night. If you go just off and into the city streets you can find a plethora of hidden gems as well. read more

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The day and night life at the Quay never rest. Circular Quay isn't is the heart of Sydney, but has easy access to all of Sydney. And that's what I was looking for, plus being close to the cruise terminal. From the airport, it's easily accessible by the T8 metro in about 30 minutes. CQ is home to many great spots. The Rocks - the historic beginning of Sydney, the main ferry terminal, a cruise ship terminal, the Sydney Opera House, lots of great restaurants and bars, and fabulous hotels. As I wandered the area for a week, I always felt safe. And was so fascinated at all the sites and options to explore. read more

When I was in town for the Sydney Marathon, I was here to catch a musical over at the Sydney Opera House. I was also here to catch a ferry at the wharf over to the Manly Wharf. Everything is so convenient as there's a railway station here to connect you to other parts of Sydney. There was also a lot of good dining options here from which to choose. read more

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#95 for 2021 There is nothing you need to know about Circular Quay. Don't even think of coming here. No need to get directions either. Forget about it. Weather you want to or not you will end up here because this is the gateway to Sydney. From here you can board any of the ferries, buses and rail stations to go anywhere. You can view the Sydney Bridge and Sydney Opera House. And if you're lucky to be here for New Year's Eve it affords many interesting spots to watch the fireworks. Lots of food, restaurants and bars you will have no time partying all night long. read more

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If you visit Sydney, you're going to end up here probably many times! Circular Quay is a transit hub, the cruise ship port and where most ferries depart from. There are also tons of harbourside restaurants (of varying quality as you'd expect), souvenir shops selling anything and everything Aussie (go to Paddy's markets for this stuff) and waking paths. You can't beat the views from the piers and train platforms - you'll see the Opera house and the Harbour bridge. The area is plenty touristy but honestly quite safe and really pretty clean. I would love to see better wayfinding on the trains - yes I can see that this is Platform 2 but how does the casual visitor know what metro line that translates to? read more

Circular Quay - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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If you in the Sydney, then you must at least swing by this place at least one time. You can take a ferry ride "tap" with creditcard and take you to other side of the harbor, zoo, and fish market area. Also, during a beautiful day, a ferry ride was a thing to do. Enjoy the summer breeze and view of the harbor. Just be careful about some rude tourist that push you off to try to get a better seat to take pictures : ) read more

This is the spot you come to for the ferries, busses, and rail stations. We hopped on a few times to go to Manly Beach (not walkable), among many other places. The view of the harbor from the ferries is nice and you can even see the Sydney Bridge and Sydney Opera House. If you're traveling here, it's not necessarily a place to visit, rather one you'll probably end up using for convenience! read more

Circular Quay pronounced circular key is the main downtown area that is a must to visit for every person who has ever been to Sydney. Circular Quay is the main destination and hub of the Sydney Harbour. We took the metro line T2 to the circular quay metro stop and as soon as you get off the train you are greeted by a absolutely gorgeous view of the harbor bridge and Sydney opera house along with ferries and cruise ships lining the harbour. Circular Quay has a huge number of shops and restaurants and if you get a chance you should enjoy the view of the harbor while sitting on one of the outdoor tables at any of those restaurants. Beautiful spot to visit along with gorgeous views from all angles. 5 star destination. Don't leave Sydney without spending at least a day at this spot. read more

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One suggestion, take a ferry to Manly. It's an inexpensive way to see Sydney Harbour, they run often and priced well. You can then take a 10 minute stroll down to Manly Beach read more

This is a nice walk at night when the summer sun has set. During the day, you can listen to live music and soak in the views. At night, the lights shine brightly and make for a magical evening. There are many restaurants along the walkway and it takes you to the Opera House. If you are taking a cruise, your port might be right here (which was convenient for us)! read more

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Stepping off the train from the airport, this was my first destination in Sydney. Lots of touristy stuff but also just convenient for commuters changing modes of transportation. I wandered about and found the ferry to take me to my niece's house across the harbor. Easy peasy. I also over the course of the week, purchased magazines and snacks at one of the shops. And ate at one of the restaurants that was having a deal. Great start to my trip. Also good people watching since it's such a center spot. read more

Nestled between The Rocks from the west and the Opera House and Royal Botanical Gardens from the east, Circular Quay is packed with tourists, locals, and amazing city skyline views. Circular Quay is a lively and beautiful port where ferries, boats, trains, and buses intersect. You can get around almost anywhere from Circular Quay - northern or eastern parts such as Luna Park and Manly via ferry or train, as well as CBD or other suburbs via bus. To get the best views of the city skyline, take one of the ferries (F1 Manly ferry is very popular) or walk along the Harbour Bridge. The waterfront restaurants around here are pretty expensive, so if you're on a budget, there are plenty of cafes around The Rocks. Also, there are so many tourist trap shops around here selling overpriced souvenirs that you could get for a fraction at Paddy's Market. But other than those minor drawbacks, Circular Quay is still a lovely part of Sydney worth visiting, both at day and at night. read more

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We were here for NYE 2019 & NY 2020! What an absolutely magical place. It is electric and with the opera house on one side and the harbor bridge on the other 'iconic' just seems the perfect description. The ferries leave from here as well and we're taking one tomorrow to Manly Beach just to make sure we have covered the Sydney trifecta (harbor bridge at NYE, opera house and Manly). The place is teeming with people and that makes it even more electrifying. If you're heading to Sydney make sure you get to circular quay if nothing else, just to soak up the atmosphere- it's totally worth it! read more

This is true Sydney. I love watching the ferries from the fifth floor Four Seasons Hotel. The Quay is great for people watching and great food. read more

There are two types of people in Sydney: those who have been to Circular Quay and those who are on their way! As you'd expect, you'll be running into a ton of tourists here, but that doesn't make the area any less great. It's a common stop if you're going by train. Basically every ferry will go through here. The Rocks are on one side and the Opera House is on the other. This place really is a must-see. Even if it isn't on your list, you'll end up going regardless because everything runs through Circular Quay. You can get some awesome photos here as well! read more

I've been here for a few months now and this area never loses it's charm. Yes, it's busy, Yes it's touristy, but Yes, I do like walking around it. Every time I see the bridge or opera house or get on the Manley ferry I'm amazed I live here. Food in the area is good (I've only done take away) and there's a great new place just across/under the main street! read more

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This place is SUPER touristy, but it is the gateway to harbour bridge, Sydney opera house, the city, ferries, and buses. Harbour views are nice here and the grounds are well kept for the amount of tourist traffic that comes through. Very impressed. Stopping here will be inevitable if you're a tourist, but it is more than a decent stop. read more

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Circular Quay is lovely. There are all different types of shops and eateries and it is a transportation hub as well. Great views of the harbor and bridge and Opera House and it doesn't feel touristy. It's a must see for visitors. read more

Circular Quay - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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If you visit Sydney you will find your way here. This port is your stop for the Harbor Bridge, Botanical Gardens, Opera House and the vibe of the city. Tons of locals and tourists but it's a mellow crowd. Busses, tour busses, ferries, cruise liners and trains all come and go here. Spend the day here and at sunset the city skyline lights up. Fireworks and projection show. During the day buskers are out. Everything from take away to fine dining is here. Historic buildings and iconic landmarks. It's a fun place to explore. My time here was during Chinese New Years so there were Lunar Year art installations set up and gigantic balloon animals. There was a huge blow up Tiger lounging on top of the walkway looking down at people. The Star Casino set up a Gazebo and Mahjong social area and nice ladies walked around giving red new year envelopes to us players. Awesomeness. Lots going on here. I miss it and can't believe I got to experience it all. From the train to ferries to my hand on the tiles of the Opera House and meeting amazing people. In awe Mel M Yelp 18:49 read more

Used to take the Jetcat catamaran here as a commute to work. Would come down here sometimes for lunch. Sydney has the best harbour in the world. The approach on a boat looks like lower Manhattan. read more

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Pretty views and plenty of transportation options for all your commuting and/or sightseeing needs. You can hop on a touristy cruise, or self tour by grabbing a much cheaper ticket on a government ferry. Try tripping over to Cockatoo Island for some exploring, or take the ferry to Manly which, apparently, has great views. (I didn't partake of that route myself) There are many different spots to eat and shop nearby. There are also usually local performers either painting/drawing or playing music. All in good fun. When the weather is nice, grab an ice cream, have a seat, and just enjoy the people watching. read more

Circular Quay - view approaching Circular Quay - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sydney, NSW

Definitely the fabric of Sydney, and a great locale to appreciate Sydney Harbour. So relaxing, so cool and great to hang out. Be entertained with street performers (some of which are really funny, you will be able to sort out the wheat from the chaff soon enough) and musicians as you walk towards the Overseas Passenger Terminal or towards Opera House with your ice cream and water on a hot afternoon. The Harbour Bridge (both during the day and at night) is such a joy to watch in mindfulness meditation. With great restaurants (albeit a few) and places to eat; definitely a great and popular hang out spot. Another great locale for the new years eve fireworks. And of course, the ferry service terminates here and moves on to various Sydney Harbour destinations. Also the Dendy cinema is worth it here as well, as well as nearby The Rocks. Dendy is fantastic to come and see a film here on a Saturday afternoon, and by 7pm on a Saturday night you are out into the open, and this is where Circular Quay (during the summer months) is just magical. I miss Circular Quay now that I am living in Melbourne; although it is great to visit once a month while in Sydney. read more

Circular Quay - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sydney, NSW

I really like this area. I think I like it more than Darling Harbour. There's always a lot of things going on and the hub of the Sydney Harbour transit. There's a bunch of buses, trains and ferries that will take you all over Sydney. There's a lot of shops, buskers and restaurants around. It's also a short walk to visit a few of the museums and galleries. The view is also absolutely gorgeous! Could sit in the area all day if it wasn't for the sun beating down on me. read more

Oh Sydney - how i LOVE thee, let me count the ways.... Whenever I need a reminder of why i love Sydney (which never happens - but lets pretend I did) I would head down to Circular Quay - and bam - honeymoon romance... Circular Quay is ALWAYS stunning - whether its because you've spotted The Bridge or the Opera House, or stopped by to here a didgeridoo player of enjoy an ice cream, Circular Quay is a wonderful place to soak up Sydney.... Around the Quay are a variety of overpriced restaurants - and no, none of them I'd recommend - they're all ok- - but they're there for the tourists... try get away from here if you want something to eat.... but if you do need something to snack on, nothing beats a delicious ice cream if it's a hot day in Sydney.... walking around with your cone, you'll feel like you're in one of those old fashioned movies where life is just so joyful, you can almost start singing out loud.... ENJOY this magnificent piece of Sydney.... read more

Circular Quay - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sydney, NSW

The Circular Quay is not actually Circular but no one seems interested in correcting it to Semi-Circular Quay. Hmm.. One explanation could be, in keeping with the true Aussie spirit, they just shortened the word. Not that ozzies are lazy, but they do enjoy shrinking every possible word to give them more time to spend in the water probably?! Breakfast is Brekky, Arvo is afternoon, Bikkie is Biscuit, Postie is Postman, Yewy is a U-turn in traffic, the list is endless... Well, like a rose will always smell as sweet, Circular or Semi-circular quay will remain the Number 1 place in Sydney to visit. There is heaps of stuff to do and see, but on top of the list has to be visiting the Opera House. My top 10 things to do in that vicinity - Visit the Opera House - Get your adrenalin fix in a Jet Boat Ride - Ferry to Manly - Indulge in a Belgian chocolate at Guylian - Stroll inside the Royal Botanic Garden - Step back into time, by visiting the Rocks - Support the local buskers - Sample the Australian indigenous music - See Sydney under your feet at Customs house - Dine in any of the waterfront restaurants While taking pictures with the Harbour bridge in the background, remember to turn around and capture an image with the Skyline in the background. It is quite impressive. read more

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This is certainly a beautiful place to see both the bridge and opera house. It is bustling with tourists and locals travelers, being the hub for train and ferry transit. It was pleasant to walk along the Quay. There are several restaurants, but seemed a bit over-priced and some souvenir shops. But, it really is the walk, people-watching and the beautiful famous landmarks in the background that seem to make it somewhat special. read more

I often have friends visiting from overseas, and of course they need the obligatory Opera House and Harbour Bridge shots for their collection, so this is the place to go to capture those magic moments. It's also the ferry terminus, so if you need to get one, this is the place to come for that. Those are pretty much the only things you need out of Circular Quay. OK, the restaurants in the International Passenger Terminal are all well and good, but the mark-up from being in that position is staggering. Opera Bar is a great place to go have a drink, regardless if you're going to a show, but be prepared to pay for the pleasure of the spectacular view. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is also worth a visit as they tend to have some great exhibitions on. You'll also come across plenty of street artists trying to make a few dollars from tourists, and the jet boat companies will be offering you spruiking a "thrill ride on the harbour" (although not sure how thrilling it can be, what with the harbour speed restrictions), but they can be ignored if they're not your cup-of-tea. I won't lie, I really like going for a walk around the area (I still play tourist every now and then), but mainly because i still enjoy taking in the view of the harbour from that perspective, not because I want to lose money. I can do that everywhere else in Sydney! read more

Circular Quay - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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Everyone who lives in Sydney has been here ..... for those you haven't .... get your asses down here !! It's a great place to meet up with friends .... spend time with family or your significant other ..... heaps of things going on from buskers to magic acts and everything in between. It's a major train & ferry hub ..... a landmark..... a place where magic can happen. Enjoy the ride !! read more

Circular Quay - On way to Campbell's Cove - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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It's hard to say a bad word about The Quay. It's almost a national treasure, right up there with Barry Humphries and the all-singing, all-dancing, is he / isn't he Hugh Jackman. And don't get me wrong, there's a lot to love. Sparkling harbour, The Rocks at one end, the Opera House at t'other, old school ferries in between and a regular schedule of events and selfie sticks. I just wish they'd make it, well, cooler. The shops, for instance... there's a couple of nameless fish and chip shops, a few banal sandwich joints, a Hungry Jacks... strip the blah out of it and get some rad small bars in there, some food trucks, some creative concession stands and coffee huts, a chill-out area, a late-night bar, there's so many options and yet we're stuck with this golden strip studded with tacky tourist traps. Oh, the potential. The potential I say! *shakes fist, smokes pipe* read more

Very touristy indeed but still a must-see. It's a very beautiful harbour both day and night. Tons of restaurants and artists. Great connecting point between the trains and the ferries. The ferry is a must do - doesn't even matter which boat you are taking (just don't do the really long ones unless you have a reason to) The view of the skyline is even more amazing from the boat! read more

Circular Quay - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Sydney, NSW

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One of the most famous views of Sydney. Much to be seen and done during the day such as the MCA, opera house and the rocks. It's also near botanical garden - don't forget to check out the governors house (free entry/tour and great 18th century architecture), it's often missed by tourists. Most restaurants around here are not worth the price unless if you care much about the view (which you can enjoy for free if you know where to go anyway). Foods pretty average at the restaurants by the water, it generally gets better (and cheaper) as you move further from the water. Yayoi for lunch is good. Or just grab a sandwich if you're on the go. (See below) Local tip - the best cheap lunch is at the little Vienna sandwich shop (read my review for recommendations), and the best view to have lunch with is on top of the train station. You can get up there from the secret elevator located on the far right end (as you're facing the ocean) of the ferry wharfs. You should see a transparent lift that's often overlooked. Once you get up to the top, walk towards the centre of the harbour and you'll see an area where you can sit and enjoy your lunch under the shade and surrounded by sea breeze. Random tip - For those who are unfamiliar with Australia, quay is read "key" not "KW-ay" - took me a few tries to convey to the cab driver when I first arrived. read more

Okay, this is basically a transport hub where you can catch buses, fairies, and trains (and soon to be a tram) to all parts of Sydney. In fact this is the ferry terminus so if you are looking for a ferry to go somewhere then this is the place to go. It is really handy having the train station here as well as it makes interchanging between ferries much easier (though the ferries don't go as often as the trains - with the exception of the Manly ferry which heads off every half-an-hour). It's not just a transport hub either because you are also in close proximity to the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, as well as the Rocks. You also have buskers, usually of the traditional aboriginal variety, down here playing music and selling CDs. I have to say that some of those buskers are actually really cool. However if you want to explore the CBD it is probably best to head to Town Hall station because that is where the main shopping district is. Oh, there is also the Musuem of Contemporary Art if you are into that thing. read more

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Loved it. Very touristy but also lots of locals! It's the main hub with the train station and ferries. Clean, with a few street performers. A couple shops and a few restaurants. This is also the start location for the hop on/off bus tours which I highly recommend. Only downside - the restrooms are a bit less appealing than some of the others around sydney. read more

Enough reviews on this place, so I'll just offer this tip up for you. One of the most expensive places to stay in Sydney is the Hyatt at Circular Quay it has a flat on view of the opera house and the restaurant there is positioned so you can enjoy this postcard view as you dine. Lucky for you Den is a free loader and recommends you bring your own Ham and Cheese Sarnies, walk around past the Cruise terminal and make ya self comfy on the harbour wall on the conventionally placed wooden sleepers. This was a firm favourite lunch spot for me for many years Bonus points if you turn and give a thumbs up to the diners who paid a fortune to eat at the Hyatt and you wipe mustard off ya chops! read more

Ferries, Iconic Opera House, Fine Dining, Fast Food, Ice Cream, Indigenous Australian music performance, Stuntmen... Circular Quay has it all :) Watch out for people (everywhere!) over the weekends Watch out for joggers during the week Circular Quay brings a smile to everyone's face :) read more