Circular Quay Tours and Activities

Circular Quay showing street scenes, a city and a sunset
Circular Quay
Circular Quay
Circular Quay
Circular Quay

Under the gaze of the magnificent Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s transport hub is a terminal of unexpected beauty.

Getting around this bustling metropolis and tourist paradise, you’re likely to cross paths with Circular Quay at some point during your travels. Located between two of the city’s most unmistakable landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the quay is easy to find, even for first-time visitors.

Located in the inlet dubbed Sydney Cove, Circular Quay is the official landing site of the First Fleet that set sail for Australia from England back in 1787. Even today, it retains a naval theme, with Circular Quay being the best place in Sydney to catch a ferry to many other spectacular locations. Its location also makes it an excellent place to enjoy some spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and it is always buzzing with life as visitors and commuters go about their daily business.

Circular Quay is also home to a busy railway station and bus station. The range of transport options on offer, combined with its attractive, central location mean you have plenty of choice when it comes to ways of getting around Sydney’s many great sights. Sydney residents are a welcoming bunch, so if you get lost or stuck somewhere for any reason, there will always be a friendly face willing to help you out.

This wonderful location is more than just a transport hub—Sydney is one of the first places in the world to welcome in the New Year, and the spectacular firework display celebrating this draws some of Sydney’s biggest crowds. Circular Quay is also right next to the recently refurbished Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), a real honeypot for culture seekers and it’s also free to get in!

For lovers of architecture, Customs House is also located in the Circular Quay area. This impressive structure is one of Sydney’s heritage buildings, and houses numerous interesting exhibitions as well as an extensive library. Customs House has a spectacular grand atrium and distinctive Helix staircase, along with striking and contemporary interior decor. Feast your eyes on the giant model of the city displayed in a glass case on the ground floor of the development.

Being adjacent to the harbour, Circular Quay is the perfect place to catch a boat, whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset dinner cruise, or a fun tour of the harbour for all the family, Circular Quay has something to offer.

Plan a trip to see Circular Quay

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

YEHS Hotel Sydney CBD

3.5 out of 5
Sydney Central Business District
Save 100% on your flight
per person
20 Sept - 22 Sept
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Adelaide (ADL) to Sydney (SYD)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Within walking distance to city transport. I had the standard single room which is quite small but adequate for 1 night.

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

The Ultimo

The Ultimo

4 out of 5
Haymarket
Save 100% on your flight
per person
18 Sept - 21 Sept
found 16 hours ago
Return flight included
Brisbane (BNE) to Sydney (SYD)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Staff were excellent. Room faced onto very noisy street at night ( car racing) & unfortunately hotel undergoing renovations ( jack hammers, builders noise). We were advised of this AFTER our booking was made

Reviewed on 2 Jun. 2025

The Old Clare by Ode Hotels

The Old Clare by Ode Hotels

4.5 out of 5
Chippendale
Save 100% on your flight
per person
31 Oct - 4 Nov
found 6 hours ago
Return flight included
Brisbane (BNE) to Sydney (SYD)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (520 reviews)
Beds are super comfy, area is trendy and efficient access to areas around Sydney. Lots of nice places to eat and drink.

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 2025

Tours & day trips

See all 221 activities
Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo

Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala Photo

Activity duration is 10 hours and 30 minutes
8.8 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$219 per adult
Blue Mountains Adventure: Scenic World, Zoo & Koala PhotoOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 70 activities
Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise

Sydney: Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise

Activity duration is 10 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$99 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 63 activities
Private Luxury Half Day Sydney City Tour

Private Luxury Half Day Sydney City Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$135 per adult*
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Water activities

See all 37 activities
Sydney: Morning or Afternoon Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

Sydney: Morning or Afternoon Harbour Sightseeing Cruise

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$55 per adult
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Attractions

See all 16 activities
Go City: Sydney Explorer Pass - Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

Go City: Sydney Explorer Pass - Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

Activity duration is 30 days
9.2 out of 10 with 37 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$109 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Museum of Contemporary Art showing signage and street scenes as well as a couple

Museum of Contemporary Art

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Museum of Contemporary Art during your trip to Sydney. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.

Museum of Contemporary Art
Cadman’s Cottage

Cadman’s Cottage

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Cadman’s Cottage during your travels in Sydney. Stroll along the waterfront or visit the shops in the area.

Cadman’s Cottage
Customs House

Customs House

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Customs House during your travels in Sydney. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.

Customs House
Cadmans Cottage Historic Site

Cadmans Cottage Historic Site

Explore the great outdoors at Cadmans Cottage Historic Site, a lovely green space in Sydney. Stroll along the waterfront in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Cadmans Cottage Historic Site
Argyle Cut

Argyle Cut

You can find out about the history of Sydney with a visit to Argyle Cut. Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.

Argyle Cut

Tank Stream Fountain

Tank Stream Fountain is just one of the places to see in Sydney, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.

Tank Stream Fountain

Top Circular Quay Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Shangri-La Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

5 out of 5
176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, NSW
Shangri-La Sydney
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
199 George St., Sydney, NSW
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Hyatt Regency Sydney

Hyatt Regency Sydney

5 out of 5
161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
Hyatt Regency Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

5 out of 5
1 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Sydney Harbour Hotel

Sydney Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
55 George Street, The Rocks, NSW
Sydney Harbour Hotel
InterContinental Sydney by IHG

InterContinental Sydney by IHG

5 out of 5
16 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW
InterContinental Sydney by IHG
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney

5 out of 5
11 Jamison Street, Sydney, NSW
Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay

Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay

5 out of 5
30 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites

4 out of 5
252 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW
YEHS Hotel Sydney Harbour Suites
See all 4,954 properties in Circular Quay
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, immerse yourself in vibrant activities including scenic cruises that offer stunning views of Sydney Harbour, or indulge in a relaxing spa experience. Enjoy the local opera, explore diverse shopping options, and soak up the lively entertainment scene, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is The Rocks Markets, only 322m from Circular Quay, offering a vibrant atmosphere for unique gifts. Martin Place, 805m away, features various shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Centrepoint, 966m away, has family-friendly shopping options.

Recreation

The Sydney Cricket Ground is a vibrant venue, offering a fusion of sports excitement and local culture, just a short distance from Circular Quay. For music lovers, Metro Theatre presents lively concerts that elevate your entertainment experience. Additionally, Bondi Icebergs provides a refreshing outdoor pool experience perfect for families and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Adventure

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, located 6.4km from Circular Quay, offers stunning coastal views and invigorating hikes. McElhone Stairs, 1.6km away, provides a fun maze experience for families. For thrill-seekers, Ben Buckler Point, 8.0km distant, is perfect for underwater sports adventures.

Nightlife

At Circular Quay, the Theatre Royal offers captivating performances, while the State Theatre enchants with its cultural displays. For a unique experience, visit the Sydney Observatory, where family-friendly entertainment meets the wonder of the cosmos. Enjoy Sydney's vibrant nightlife in these captivating venues!

*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 is a vibrant hub in Sydney, offering a blend of urban parks, historic government buildings, and bustling streets. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying stunning views of Sydney Harbour. Whether you’re after outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Circular Quay has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for travellers exploring the heart of Sydney.

  • Sydney Opera House: A world-renowned architectural masterpiece, the Sydney Opera House is not only an iconic landmark but also a hub of cultural activity. Located 644m from Circular Quay, visitors can enjoy stunning performances and explore the unique design, which resembles sails on the harbour.
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge: This historic bridge, situated 805m from Circular Quay, offers breathtaking views of the harbour and city skyline. Take a guided climb for an unforgettable experience, or simply stroll across to soak in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Hyde Park: Spanning 1.3km from Circular Quay, Hyde Park is Sydney's oldest park, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy lush gardens, walking paths, and recreational areas, making it an ideal spot for relaxation in the heart of the city.

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August57.2°F (14.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
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

To save money during your visit to Circular Quay, plan your trip in May, July, or October when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals, with Monday being the cheapest night to stay. Consider using Expedia for package deals on flights and activities, and look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Take advantage of free activities around Circular Quay, and use public transport for an economical way to explore Sydney. Always check for free cancellation options to ensure flexibility in your travel plans.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Circular Quay are May, July and October, 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 tailor your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Circular Quay hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.