The mouth of the Tank Stream, which flowed into Sydney Cove at the western end of Circular Quay, was in-filled. The harbour was originally known as "Semi-Circular Quay", this being the actual shape of the quay. However, the name was shortened for convenience.
It is located north of Sydney’s CBD on Sydney Cove, between Bennelong Point and The Rocks.
Some of Sydney's most popular attractions such as The Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks and Sydney Opera House.
Flanking the northern edge of Sydney Central Business District (CBD), Circular Quay is more than just a ferry and cruise ship docking port. It’s where tourism meets entertainment, as the area boasts ferry quays, cafés, restaurants, and exciting walkways filled with street performers. It is also one of Sydney’s most important transport hubs, with large bus and rail stations accompanying the quays. Several important landmarks are located within and close to Circular Quay, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and The Rocks.
If visitors are looking for Sydney’s most delectable, high-end restaurants, then Circular Quay and its nearby areas are the best spots to find them. In addition, plenty of magnificent hotels line the streets around this landmark. Even though the thoroughfares around the quay can get congested, Circular Quay Station, which rests just behind the ferry docks, connects commuters to the rest of Sydney.
There is a range of options for all travelers. The most popular hotel in The Rocks is the Sought After CBD Location YORK5, which has been booked 5 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended Sydney CBD Furnished Apartments in The Rocks as it has been reserved 5 times.
Circular Quay is among Sydney’s grandest landmarks. However, there are plenty of other highlights located in close proximity to this entertaining part of Sydney.
This steel arch bridge―among the most recognisable structures in the world―spans Port Jackson, from the Sydney CBD to North Sydney. It was started in 1923 and currently holds several steel-bridge records, including the widest and the tallest steel-bridge in the world. Often nicknamed, the Coathanger, the bridge provides great views of Australia’s only world city. Climbs offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience and scenes of the city from atop the steel arches are available daily. The bridge is only a short distance from the historic district of The Rocks so visitors staying near here and Circular Quay can reach the bridge on foot.
One of the most iconic landmarks both in Sydney and Australia, the Sydney Opera House is not to be missed. This architectural marvel was constructed in 1973 by the famous Danish architect Jorn Utzon and was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 2007. More than seven million visitors come here annually, making it one of the world’s most sought-after attractions.
One of Sydney’s premier shopping spots, Pitt Street Mall, is within close proximity to Circular Quay. This pedestrian-friendly area of the CBD’s Pitt Street is found between Market and King streets. There are several flagship stores located along this mall, including a three-storey Guess store and Tag Heuer and Zara branches. Rain or shine, this landmark is an ideal spot for shopping as several massive arcades, such as Westfield Sydney and the Mid City Centre, are found here. Less than a kilometre from both Circular Quay and Pitt Street Mall is the fabulous Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour hotel.
Circular Quay is home to a wondrous array of cafés and fine dining restaurants. Some of the most popular restaurants in Sydney are located in The Rocks, which lies adjacent to the quay. Some nearby hotels, like Park Hyatt Sydney, boast five-star dining and social facilities. Visitors will also find plenty of spots to enjoy an evening drink, particularly in The Rocks. Several nightclubs are located to the south of Circular Quay, in the downtown district of Sydney. Pitt Street and its pedestrian mall are only a short walk from the ferry docks, and plenty of street art and crafts are found in Circular Quay, too.
There are several public transport options found at Circular Quay. This part of the city is most famous for its ferry services, with five concourses serving Sydney Harbour and Parramatta River destinations. The site is also a large hub for Sydney Bus transportation, and the Circular Quay Railway Station is part of the Sydney Trains City Circle Line. It is the only rail station in the city that sits above ground.