Situated at the Sydney Cove, Circular Quay is a major hub and ferry terminus of the city harbor. Vibrant and bustling with activity this place is the stepping-off point for many tourist attractions of Sydney. Located at the end of the CBD, this place is always dotted with, ferries, sail boats and cruises. It is a convenient starting point. One can reach any part of Sydney by catching a bus, train or taking a ferry from Circular Quay. Water taxis are also available from west Circular quay area.

The quay is actually semi-circular and got its name from the cove’s old crescent-shaped, convict-built sea wall. This is also the birth place of Sydney city.

There are walk ways, restaurants, parks, pedestrian malls and many ferry and train stations here. The icon of Sydney the Opera House is part of this beautiful area along with art galleries and The Museum of Contemporary Art. The grand custom house is also a major attraction. On the eastern side are food courts, large Dendy’s Opera Quays Cinema, cafes, bars all the way to the Opera house and on the western side are nice looking restaurants and famous Rocks area with serene and quite shopping arcades. One more major attraction here is the quaint Royal Botanical Gardens.

Many people love the winter walkways which start from the Overseas Passenger Terminal connect the terminal to the jetties and then again up to the fore court of the Sydney Opera House. One can find around 50 bronze plaques of writers like Joseph Conrad, D H Lawrence, Kipling and Mark Twain with passages from their works. One can take guided tours; book a seat for music shows, live theater, ballet or opera in any of the theaters and enjoy a great evening. On weekends street performers enthrall the visitors.

The quay is a hit with locals who love its quite serene surroundings and comfortable open spaces as well as with commuters who travel each day from Sydney Bay and other places. Many people gather to watch the magic of the mist rising out of blue waters and the sun appear in the early mornings. The nights at the quay are festive and full of life with lights from the Opera and other buildings reflecting playfully in the waters. Two major shopping areas are just a few minutes from the quay.

It gives great view of the city protected and sheltered from strong winds by ridges. The Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House frame the quay, giving it a unique view.

The place is a focal point for community celebrations and is worth a visit during New Year Eve and Australia Day firework celebration. One gets some of the most enchanting views of the Harbor and the city from here. It is a true picture postcard real life place.

Circular Quay is always well lit and patrolled.

It is a pleasant combination of leisure, transportations and tourism and one of the iconic places of Sydney. So don’t forget to be here.