Circular Quay is the heart and soul of Sydney, where the city meets the sea. It is a bustling waterfront precinct that offers stunning views, iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and endless activities. Whether you want to admire the Sydney Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, explore the Royal Botanic Garden, or hop on a ferry to discover the nearby islands, Circular Quay has something for everyone. In this guide, we will show you how to make the most of your visit to Circular Quay, from how to get there, when to go, what to see and do, where to eat and drink, and what to explore nearby. Read on and get ready to experience the best of Sydney’s harbour hub.
How to Reach Circular Quay
Circular Quay is easily accessible by various modes of transport, such as flight, train, bus, ferry, car, and taxi. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
Flight:
The nearest airport to Circular Quay is Sydney Airport, which is about 12 km away. You can take a domestic or international flight to Sydney Airport, and then take a train, bus, taxi, or car to Circular Quay. The train takes about 20 minutes and costs $19.40 AUD, the bus takes about 40 minutes and costs $3.66 AUD, the taxi takes about 25 minutes and costs $50-$65 AUD, and the car takes about 20 minutes and costs $4-$8 AUD in tolls.
Train:
Circular Quay has its own train station, which is connected to the Sydney Trains network. You can take a train from any of the major stations in Sydney, such as Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, or Martin Place, and reach Circular Quay in 5-10 minutes. The train fare depends on the distance and time of travel, but it usually ranges from $2.24-$4.48 AUD.
Bus:
Circular Quay is also served by several bus routes, which stop at Alfred Street, Bridge Street, or Macquarie Street. You can take a bus from any of the major areas in Sydney, such as Bondi, Coogee, Newtown, or Parramatta, and reach Circular Quay in 15-45 minutes. The bus fare also depends on the distance and time of travel, but it usually ranges from $2.24-$4.48 AUD.
Ferry:
Circular Quay is the main ferry terminal in Sydney, which connects to various destinations around the harbour, such as Manly, Watsons Bay, Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, and Cockatoo Island. You can take a ferry from any of these places and enjoy the scenic views of the harbour along the way. The ferry fare varies depending on the destination and the type of service, but it usually ranges from $6.01-$8.86 AUD.
Car:
Circular Quay is located in the CBD of Sydney, which means that driving there can be challenging and expensive. There is limited parking available in the area, and the rates are high, especially during peak hours and weekends. The average parking rate is $15-$25 AUD per hour, and the maximum rate is $80-$100 AUD per day. You can also use apps like Parkopedia or Secure Parking to find and book parking spaces in advance.
Taxi:
Circular Quay is also reachable by taxi, which can be convenient and comfortable, but also costly and time-consuming. You can hail a taxi from anywhere in the city, or use apps like Uber or Ola to book one online. The taxi fare depends on the distance, time, and traffic, but it usually ranges from $20-$40 AUD for a short trip, and $40-$80 AUD for a long trip.
Best Time to Visit Circular Quay
Circular Quay is a year-round destination, as Sydney enjoys a mild and sunny climate throughout the year. However, there are some seasonal variations and weather conditions that you should consider before planning your trip. Here are some of the factors that can affect your visit to Circular Quay:
Temperature:
The average temperature in Sydney ranges from 16°C in winter (June-August) to 26°C in summer (December-February). The hottest months are January and February, when the temperature can reach up to 40°C, and the coldest months are June and July, when the temperature can drop to 5°C. The most pleasant months are March-May and September-November, when the temperature is around 20°C, and the humidity is low.
Rainfall:
The average rainfall in Sydney ranges from 78 mm in September to 131 mm in June. The wettest months are March, April, and June, when the rain can be heavy and frequent, and the driest months are August, September, and October, when the rain is light and rare. The rain can affect your outdoor activities and sightseeing, so it is advisable to check the weather forecast and pack an umbrella or a raincoat.
Events:
Sydney hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year, which can make your visit to Circular Quay more fun and exciting, but also more crowded and expensive. Some of the major events that take place in or near Circular Quay are:
Sydney Festival: A three-week celebration of arts and culture, featuring music, theatre, dance, circus, and more, held in January.
Australia Day: A national holiday that commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove in 1788, featuring parades, concerts, fireworks, and more, held on January 26.
Sydney Mardi Gras: A colourful and vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and diversity, featuring a parade, a party, and more, held in February or March.
Vivid Sydney: A spectacular festival of light, music, and ideas, featuring projections, installations, performances, and more, held in May or June.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Run: A popular running event that crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge and ends at the Sydney Opera House, featuring various distances and categories, held in September.
New Year’s Eve: A world-famous celebration of the new year, featuring a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour, held on December 31.
Based on these factors, the best time to visit Circular Quay depends on your preferences and priorities. If you want to enjoy the warm and sunny weather, you should visit in summer or spring. If you want to avoid the crowds and the high prices, you should visit in winter or autumn. If you want to experience the events and festivals, you should visit during the specific dates and book your tickets and accommodation in advance.
What to See and Do in Circular Quay
Circular Quay is a hub of attractions and activities, where you can find something to suit your taste and budget. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, Circular Quay has it all. Here are some of the categories and examples of what you can see and do in Circular Quay:
Landmarks:
Circular Quay is home to some of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Sydney, such as the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Customs House. You can admire these landmarks from different angles and perspectives, or you can explore them up close and personal. You can take a tour of the Sydney Opera House, and learn about its history, architecture, and shows. You can climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and enjoy the panoramic views of the harbour and the city. You can visit the Customs House, and discover its heritage, exhibitions, and library.
Museums:
Circular Quay is also a cultural hotspot, where you can find some of the best museums in Sydney, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the Justice and Police Museum, and the Sydney Observatory. You can visit these museums and immerse yourself in the art, history, and science of Sydney. You can admire the collections and exhibitions of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, which showcases the works of Australian and international artists. You can explore the Justice and Police Museum, which reveals the stories of crime and punishment in Sydney. You can visit the Sydney Observatory, which offers a glimpse into the astronomy and meteorology of Sydney.
Gardens:
Circular Quay is also a green oasis, where you can find some of the most beautiful and serene gardens in Sydney, such as the Royal Botanic Garden, the Chinese Garden of Friendship, and the Barangaroo Reserve. You can visit these gardens and enjoy the flora, fauna, and scenery of Sydney. You can stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden, which features a variety of plants, flowers, birds, and animals. You can relax in the Chinese Garden of Friendship, which features a traditional Chinese landscape, pavilions, and ponds. You can hike in the Barangaroo Reserve, which features a natural waterfront, sandstone cliffs, and native vegetation.
Walks:
Circular Quay is also a great starting point for some of the most scenic and enjoyable walks in Sydney, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk, the Sydney Opera House Walk, and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Walk. You can take these walks and discover the sights and sounds of Sydney. You can walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and marvel at the engineering and design of the bridge. You can walk around the Sydney Opera House, and appreciate the beauty and elegance of the building. You can walk along the Sydney Harbour Foreshore, and experience the vibrancy and diversity of the harbour.
Cruises:
Circular Quay is also the main gateway to the harbour and the islands, where you can find some of the most exciting and adventurous cruises in Sydney, such as the Tall Ship Cruise, the Jet Boat Cruise, the Lunch and Dinner Cruise, and the Whale-Watching Cruise. You can take these cruises and enjoy the views, activities, and experiences of the harbour. You can sail on a Tall Ship Cruise, and relive the history and romance of the olden days. You can thrill on a Jet Boat Cruise, and experience the speed and adrenaline of the modern days. You can dine on a Lunch and Dinner Cruise, and savour the flavours and ambiance of the harbour. You can marvel on a Whale-Watching Cruise, and witness the majestic and graceful creatures of the sea.
Where to Eat and Drink in Circular Quay
Circular Quay is a foodie’s paradise, where you can find some of the best restaurants and bars in Sydney, ranging from fine-dining to casual eateries. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner, a family lunch, or a quick bite, Circular Quay has it all. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
Fine-dining:
Circular Quay is home to some of the most renowned and award-winning restaurants in Sydney, such as Aria, Bennelong, and Quay. You can treat yourself to a fine-dining experience, and enjoy the exquisite cuisine, service, and views of these restaurants. You can sample the contemporary Australian dishes of Aria, which feature local and seasonal ingredients. You can taste the innovative and creative dishes of Bennelong, which showcase the diversity and quality of Australian produce. You can indulge in the degustation menu of Quay, which offers a culinary journey of flavours, textures, and techniques.
Casual eateries:
Circular Quay is also a hub of casual eateries, where you can find some of the most delicious and affordable food in Sydney, such as Cafe Sydney, Opera Bar, and The Rocks Cafe. You can relax and unwind at these casual eateries, and enjoy the variety, atmosphere, and value of these places. You can savour the modern Australian dishes of Cafe Sydney, which feature seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. You can sip the cocktails and beers of Opera Bar, which offer a stunning backdrop of the harbour and the opera house. You can nibble the snacks and pastries of The Rocks Cafe, which offer a cosy and charming setting in the historic area.
Explore More of Sydney
Circular Quay is also a perfect base for exploring more of Sydney, as it is close to some of the most popular and attractive destinations in the city, such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks, and Darling Harbour. You can easily access these destinations from Circular Quay, and discover the culture, nature, and entertainment of Sydney. Here are some of the highlights and tips of these destinations:
Sydney Opera House: The Sydney Opera House is the most iconic and recognizable landmark in Sydney, and a must-see for any visitor. It is a masterpiece of architecture and engineering, and a symbol of art and culture. You can admire the beauty and elegance of the opera house from the outside, or you can explore the inside and learn about its history, design, and shows. You can take a guided tour of the opera house, which lasts for about an hour and costs $42 AUD per person. You can also book a ticket for one of the shows, which range from opera, ballet, and theatre, to music, comedy, and talks.
Sydney Harbour Bridge: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is another iconic and impressive landmark in Sydney, and a must-do for any adventurer. It is a marvel of engineering and design, and a symbol of connection and progress. You can admire the views and the structure of the bridge from the ground, or you can climb the bridge and enjoy the panorama of the harbour and the city. You can take a Bridge Climb, which lasts for about 3.5 hours and costs $308 AUD per person. You can also take a Bridge Walk, which lasts for about 1.5 hours and costs $15 AUD per person.
Royal Botanic Garden: The Royal Botanic Garden is the most beautiful and serene garden in Sydney, and a must-visit for any nature lover. It is a haven of plants, flowers, birds, and animals, and a symbol of conservation and education. You can stroll through the garden and enjoy the flora, fauna, and scenery of the garden. You can also join one of the free guided tours, which last for about 1.5 hours and start from the Garden Shop. You can also visit one of the exhibits or events, such as the Calyx, the Choo Choo Express, or the Aboriginal Heritage Tour.
The Rocks: The Rocks is the most historic and charming area in Sydney, and a must-explore for any culture enthusiast. It is a treasure trove of heritage, markets, and pubs, and a symbol of the past and the present. You can wander through the cobblestone streets and alleys, and discover the stories and secrets of the Rocks. You can also visit one of the museums or galleries, such as the Rocks Discovery Museum, the Susannah Place Museum, or the Ken Done Gallery. You can also shop at one of the markets or boutiques, such as the Rocks Markets, the Rocks Centre, or the Argyle Gallery.
Darling Harbour: Darling Harbour is the most vibrant and lively precinct in Sydney, and a must-enjoy for any entertainment seeker. It is a hub of attractions, activities, and events, and a symbol of fun and excitement. You can visit one of the attractions, such as the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, or the Madame Tussauds Sydney. You can also enjoy one of the activities, such as the Star Casino, the Kingpin Bowling, or the iFLY Indoor Skydiving. You can also catch one of the events, such as the Darling Harbour Fireworks, the Darling Harbour Jazz Festival, or the Darling Harbour Chinese New Year.
Circular Quay is the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to experience the best of Sydney. It is a place where you can find everything you need, from stunning views, iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and endless activities, to delicious food, great drinks, and nearby destinations. No matter what your interests, preferences, or budget are, Circular Quay has something for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your Circular Quay tour today, and get ready to explore the harbour hub of Sydney. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more Sydney travel tips.
