7 of the best things to do in Circular Quay, Sydney

Circular Quay is a must see on a visit to Sydney, Australia. As well as being home to two of Australia’s most iconic landmarks there are so many fun things to do in Circular Quay.

You can enjoy spectacular harbour views, from land or on water, show your adventurous side by climbing to the top of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge or soak some Australian art and culture.

View of Circular Quay with Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in background

Most Australian’s will probably find this hard to believe (at least my Aussie friends will) but Circular Quay is one of my favourite places in Sydney…in Australia in fact. It’s pretty much the first place I head to when I land in Sydney.

Ok, at first glance, it’s a bustling transport interchange, busy with commuters, tourists and noisy with buskers and street entertainers but there is something magical about getting a glimpse of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge that never gets old.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission.

About Circular Quay

Once a working port Circular Quay is now many things. A transport hub (the city workers must have the most scenic commute in the world!), a place to dine out, have a drink and home to two of the most famous landmarks in Sydney.

If you visit Sydney, you’ll end up here at some point. I mean you can’t visit Sydney and not see the Opera House or Harbour Bridge can you?

So, if you are heading to Sydney and wondering what to do in Circular Quay here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your time there.

Things to do in Circular Quay

Visit the Sydney Opera House

There are many attractions in Circular Quay but if you had to name one the Sydney Opera House would probably come out on top.

This building needs no introduction. Sat overlooking the harbour with it’s distinctive sails you can see immediately why it is one of the world’s most famous buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On my first visit to Sydney, it was the the place I headed to first and even now, having visited many times, it still takes my breath away. It really is a spectacular building.

The performing arts venue plays host to over 1600 shows a year from opera (of course), music, dance and ballet.

So, see a show or just sit in one of the many bars and restaurants and watch the world go by. It’s a great place to people watch and soak up the views. For me, it is one of the best things to do in Sydney.

If you’d like to get a closer look, you can step inside on a guided tour and learn more about the building and history of this iconic Australian landmark.

I did one of these tours on one of my trips some years ago and it was a fascinating inside into this architectural masterpiece and World Heritage listed building.

Ferry in front of the Sydney Opera House at sunset

Best photo spot:  Head over the Hyatt Hotel on the other side of Circular Quay for a view back to the Opera House.

Explore the Sydney Harbour Bridge

If one world famous landmark wasn’t enough, Circular Quay has two. One of the most recognisable bridges in the world, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is another must see on a visit to Sydney.

Nicknamed the Coathanger by locals, the bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. It took around eight years to build and was opened on 19 March 1932.

You can walk, drive or take a train over the bridge. Or just sit and admire it from a distance from all around Sydney Harbour.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous you can also climb it.

BridgeClimb Sydney takes you to the very top of the bridge, 134 metres above the water. Once you reach the summit you are rewarded with 360-degree views over Sydney and beyond.

If you like to see the view from the Sydney Harbour Bridge but are not keen on the climb, other options include walking over the bridge or visiting the Pylon Lookout. Both will give you a flavour of one of the best views of the harbour.

Best photo spot: Some of the best views include looking back at the bridge from the base of the Opera House. To get both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the same photo, head over to Mrs Macquarie’s Point in the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The bridge is the focal point for Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations which kick starts the world ringing in the new year. Each year they put on a spectacular display watched by over 1 million people around the harbour.

While it’s nice to enjoy the view from a distance, it is well worth paying a visit to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Seeing it close up you get a sense of what an engineering marvel it is.

Close up view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Tip: Visit the Pylon Lookout for a cheap way to get up close to the bridge and enjoy the spectacular views without splashing out on the full bridge climb experience.

While the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are the two big Circular Quay attractions there are lots of other things not to be missed in the area.

Visit Dawes Point Park

At the tip of The Rocks overlooking Sydney Cove, Dawes Point Park is a great place for views across the harbour. You also get a unique view of the Harbour Bridge which runs over the top of the park.

The park is on the site of Australia’s first fortified position, constructed to protect the cove from foreign invaders. Five cannons remain from the former Dawes Point Battery.

Admire the view from the Cahill Expressway

I know you are probably thinking why go stand by the side of a freeway but bear with me. Running along the top of Circular Quay station, the road offers some of the best views of the harbour.

You don’t see it mentioned in many guides, in fact I didn’t discover it until my third or fourth visit but the unbeatable view is well worth tracking down the discreet entrances up to the roadway and heading up for a look.

Get on the water

One of best ways to enjoy Sydney Harbour is on the water and there are plenty of options available. Many of which start in Circular Quay.

You can

  • Sit back and enjoy the views on sightseeing cruise – a number of sightseeing cruises depart from Circular Quay which will take you all around Sydney Harbour. You can choose from cocktail cruises, afternoon tea cruises (my favourite) or even take a whale watching cruise outside the harbour.
  • Be a Sydneysider for the day and jump on a ferry – be a local for the day and explore the harbour on the extensive ferry network. Or jump on the Manly Ferry for a ride to one of Sydney’s most famous beaches. If you are on a budget this is a great way to experience the harbour without paying the cost of a sightseeing cruise boat.
  • Jetboat around the harbour – If you are looking for something a little more exciting then why not take a jet boat around the harbour?  You’ll see all the iconic sights (if you can bear to keep your eyes open) while doing 360-degree spins and tricks.

Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

With a prime spot overlooking Circular Quay, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia is home to over 4000 works from Australian artists. The museum also holds exhibitions of all forms of contemporary art and from both Australian and International artists.

The MCA cafe offers some of the best views in the city so make sure to take a pit stop here.

Top of the The Art Gallery of New South Wales building

Stroll round The Rocks

On the edge of the harbour, The Rocks is steeped in history. The traditional home of the Gadigal (indigenous Australians whose traditional lands are located in Sydney) and the spot where European settlers stepped ashore there plenty of stories from the past to discover.

Nowadays, the narrow cobbled lanes are home to shops, cafes and one of Australia’s oldest pubs. If you visit over weekend make sure you check out the food market on Friday’s and the gift/souvenir market on Saturday’s and Sunday’s.

Things to do in Circular Quay at night

One of my favourite things to do at Circular Quay in the evening is to have a drink at the Opera Bar. Sitting there on a warm evening enjoying the view while sipping a drink is highlight of a visit to Sydney for me.

Other things you can do in the evening include a sunset Bridge Climb or taking a ferry ride and watch the city light up.

Things to do near Circular Quay

There is enough to do in Circular Quay to keep you occupied all day. However, if you are looking for more things to do in Sydney then the surrounding area has plenty of options including…

  • Royal Botanic Gardens – you’ll be hard pressed to find gardens with a better view.  Located next to Sydney’s central business district and on the harbour’s edge, the gardens offer a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.
  • Sydney Observatory – head up to Observatory Hill for panoramic views over the harbour.  Explore the southern skies with a night visit.
  • Art Gallery of New South Wales – one of Australia’s largest art galleries, you can easily lose a few hours in here. Discover works from Australian and international artists or check out one of their temporary exhibitions.
  • Barangaroo Reserve – Sydney’s new harbour foreshore park. A great spot for a water side picnic or a stroll around the park lands
  • Museum of Sydney – uncover the history of Sydney in this museum which is built around the remains of Australia’s first Government House.

As you can see there are lots of things to do around Circular Quay. You can easily spend a whole day seeing the sights of the area and soaking up the fabulous views. It is a great way to start your visit before exploring the rest of Sydney.

How to get to Circular Quay

Circular Quay, Sydney, Australia sits nestled between the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

For visitors, at least, it is the heart of Sydney and it’s pretty impossible to avoid on a visit to the city. Thankfully, it is super easy to get to with a number of different transport options.

Train

Circular Quay station is on the City Circle line. Starting and ending at Central Station, the line loops around the central business district.

Ferry

Circular Quay is home to the Sydney Ferries hub so most ferry routes begin and terminate here. You can explore the whole harbour via the water from here.

On foot

Head downtown to Alfred Street, The Rocks or Macquarie Street to access Circular Quay.

Where to stay near Circular Quay

There is accommodation to suit all budgets near Circular Quay. Here are a few I’ve stayed in over the years and recommend.

Budget

Sydney Harbour YHA – My hostel days may be over but this is one hostel I make an exception for. The location is unbeatable. Within a few minutes walk you are on Circular Quay. The roof terrace overlooking the harbour and Opera House offers spectacular views at the fraction of the cost of nearby hotels.

Luxury

Intercontinental Sydney – if you are looking for something more indulgent then the Intercontinental is for you. Perched on the edge of Circular Quay many of rooms have spectacular views across the harbour and city.

They also do one of the best cups of tea I’ve had in Australia.

Looking for more about Sydney?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.