Circular Quay Tours
30 Reviews
Perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour and backed by the sleek skyscrapers of the city’s central business district, Circular Quay is the scenic gateway to Manly Beach, Taronga Zoo, and Watson’s Bay. From this transportation hub—from which ferries depart every few minutes—you can enjoy unobstructed views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Basics
As one of the busiest areas in Sydney, Circular Quay is a staple of most sightseeing tours. Nearly all hop-on hop-off bus and boat tours stop here and allow you to create your own itinerary, while walking tours of The Rocks historic area also tend to take in views of Sydney Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay. If you’ve got kids in tow, look out for Taronga Zoo admission ticket packages that include round-trip ferry transfers from Circular Quay.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Circular Quay is one of Sydney’s major transportation hubs. Sydney’s green-and-yellow ferries run from Circular Quay to Manly, Balmain, Taronga Zoo, and Watsons Bay. The Circular Quay train station overlooks the harbor and ferry terminals, and most Sydney buses terminate outside of the station.
When to Get There
As a public space Circular Quay is open 24 hours. Ferries run from early morning until late at night, with the opening hours of restaurants reflecting the transportation schedule. Circular Quay is one of the most popular vantage points for the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks display, which explodes over Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Explore Waterfront Sydney
You’ll find Sydney’s highest concentration of attractions by the water. From Circular Quay you can reach the iconic Sydney Opera House on foot, and then continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the finest parks in Australia. Heading back in the other direction, you’ll find The Rocks neighborhood, formerly home to rat catchers, the Bubonic Plague, and whaling warehouses. Today it houses some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in the city.
The Basics
As one of the busiest areas in Sydney, Circular Quay is a staple of most sightseeing tours. Nearly all hop-on hop-off bus and boat tours stop here and allow you to create your own itinerary, while walking tours of The Rocks historic area also tend to take in views of Sydney Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay. If you’ve got kids in tow, look out for Taronga Zoo admission ticket packages that include round-trip ferry transfers from Circular Quay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As well as being a transit hub, Circular Quay is home to many open-air restaurants and bars.
- A strip of Circular Quay has been nicknamed Busker Street due to the high concentration of musicians and street performers who gather there.
- Circular Quay is fully wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
How to Get There
Circular Quay is one of Sydney’s major transportation hubs. Sydney’s green-and-yellow ferries run from Circular Quay to Manly, Balmain, Taronga Zoo, and Watsons Bay. The Circular Quay train station overlooks the harbor and ferry terminals, and most Sydney buses terminate outside of the station.
When to Get There
As a public space Circular Quay is open 24 hours. Ferries run from early morning until late at night, with the opening hours of restaurants reflecting the transportation schedule. Circular Quay is one of the most popular vantage points for the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks display, which explodes over Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Explore Waterfront Sydney
You’ll find Sydney’s highest concentration of attractions by the water. From Circular Quay you can reach the iconic Sydney Opera House on foot, and then continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the finest parks in Australia. Heading back in the other direction, you’ll find The Rocks neighborhood, formerly home to rat catchers, the Bubonic Plague, and whaling warehouses. Today it houses some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in the city.
Address: Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
Admission: Free
37 Tours and Activities to Experience Circular Quay
Sort by:Featured
Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to discover the highlights of Sydney and Bondi Beach. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel along two routes to top destinations like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Go in-depth at any given place by simply hopping off the bus to explore. You can experience Sydney and Bondi's most noteworthy attractions at your own pace with your choice of ticket, valid for either 24 or 48 hours.
…More
From
$27.14
From
$27.14
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Sydney Harbour Hop-on Hop-off Cruise
Explore Sydney aboard a hop-on hop-off Sydney Harbour cruise that stops at top destinations including Circular Quay, Watsons Bay, Manly . Get a great vantage point for photo ops of icons such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Simply jump on and off at as many stops as you like; when you're ready to move on to your next destination, just catch the next boat. Upgrade to include an entrance ticket to Taronga Zoo, another fantastic attraction located on the harbor shores.
…More
From
$26.03
From
$26.03
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Sydney Harbour Ferry with Taronga Zoo Entry Ticket
Take in panoramic views of top Sydney landmarks as you cruise through Sydney Harbour en route to Taronga Zoo. Your package includes round-trip cruise from Circular Quay to the zoo, and a ride on the Sky Safari Gondola, which whisks you uphill from the boat dock to the main entrance of Taronga Zoo. From the gondola, get an early peek at some of the zoo's inhabitants, such as giraffes, big apes, and native animals like kangaroos and koalas.
…More
From
$48.34
From
$48.34
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Sydney Harbour High Tea Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise around Sydney Harbour accompanied by high tea goodies and sparkling wine from Brown Brothers, a classic Australian winery. Admire clear views of iconic landmarks such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison and the city skyline during your 1.5-hour scenic sightseeing cruise. Upgrade to guarantee a window sea with excellent sightlines on the famously beautiful harbor city. You’ll want to keep your camera handy for great photo ops in every direction.
…More
From
$51.31
From
$51.31
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Taste of Sydney - Barangaroo and the Rocks
Experience Sydney’s history, food, and culture on this guided excursion to Barangaroo and The Rocks. Enjoy amazing views at Barangaroo Park, sample Italian classics, local beer, and pub food—it’s included in the tour price. Then, head to the Rocks and learn about landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge with an informative local guide. Finish the night with a delectable dinner of fresh Thai cuisine.
…More
From
$116.57
From
$116.57
Sydney Whale-Watching by Speed Boat
Experience a close encounter with humpback whales without having to leave the city on this thrilling 2-hour speedboat tour from Sydney. Hop on-board the city’s fastest commercial ship and blast off across Sydney Harbour, past iconic landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Leave the city behind and speed out into the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll have chance to spot majestic whales swimming and playing in their natural environment.
…More
From
$88.49
From
$88.49
Sydney Shore Excursion: Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
When your cruise ship docks in Sydney, enjoy a family-friendly hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour that covers Sydney and Bondi Beach. Travel by double-decker bus with an open-top that allows for unobstructed views of all the sights, including Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Have the freedom to create your own itinerary, choosing from 34 stops where you can hop off and explore in depth. Ejnoy the informative pre-recorded onboard commentary in your choice of eight languages along the route, which includes Circular Quay, Kings Cross, the Rocks, Double Bay and Bondi Beach.
…More
From
$44.06
From
$44.06
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Private Sydney Half Day Tour including Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach
See Sydney’s top sights on a half-day private city tour that still leaves you with time to enjoy the rest of the day on your own. You’ll check off Sydney’s must-see attractions, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and Circular Quay. Hear about the city’s history and modern-day culture from a private guide-driver, and take in daily life around neighborhoods like Paddington and Darlinghurst.
…More
From
$244.27
Price varies by group size
From
$244.27
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Tour
Set out in search of Sydney’s sun, sand and surf on this full-day tour of the city’s famous Northern Beaches. Stroll the golden sands of Narrabeen; see where popular Aussie soap ‘Home & Away’ is filmed in Palm Beach; and look out along the coast from Spit Bridge and Long Reef. That’s not all: uncover Sydney’s fascinating Aboriginal heritage as you explore the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park; admire the lavish villas along Whale Beach and ride the Manly ferry back to Circular Quay.
…More
From
$145.01
From
$145.01
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Must See Sydney With A Local: Private & Personalized
If you’ve just arrived in the Harbour City, kickstart your time in Sydney on a private sightseeing tour that can be customized according to your interests. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to tailor your schedule using the expertise and insider knowledge of a guide.
…More
From
$175.99
Price varies by group size
From
$175.99
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
3 Hour Discovery Cruise Ultimate Whale Watching Experience
Spot majestic humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment during this whale-watching cruise from Sydney. Sail across Sydney Harbour, past the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, to the open waters of the Pacific and get up close to the gentle giants. This seasonal tour runs between May and November, and cruises pick up from either Circular Quay or Darling Harbour.
…More
From
$64.70
From
$64.70
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
The Rocks & Darling Harbour With A Local: Private & Personalized
Experience Sydney’s waterfront and historic district with an insider. Check out Darling Harbour’s biggest attractions, including Sydney Aquarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Luna Park, and Taronga Zoo. Hop on the ferry at Circular Quay, stroll across Sydney Harbour Bridge, get tips from a Sydneysider guide. Then, visit Sydney’s oldest, neighborhood, The Rocks, where you can enjoy a complimentary pint at Sydney’s oldest pub.
…More
From
$158.12
Price varies by group size
From
$158.12
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Best of Manly Beach Electric Bike Tour
Check out gorgeous Manly Beach and the other most scenic spots along Sydney's coast on an e-bike tour. Cruise across Sydney Harbour on the ferry, and see where locals go to catch some sun as you pedal past the popular Manly and Shelley beaches and soak in fantastic views of North Head. Give your legs a break when needed with a battery-powered boost, and learn the fascinating history of landmarks like Circular Quay and Quarantine Station from a guide along the way.
…More
From
$97.85
From
$97.85
Private Sydney Harbour National Park Walking Tour
Discover the hidden gems of Sydney Harbour National Park on a leisurely private walking tour with an expert local guide. Take a private boat from Circular Quay across Rose Bay then stroll along the Hermitage Foreshore track to Watsons Bay. When exploring this lesser-known side of Sydney, enjoy fabulous photo ops of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and gorgeous coastal scenery, including Strickland House, Parsley Bay, Nielsen Park and Shark Beach. Refuel with morning tea, lunch and other refreshments on this personalized 6-hour tour.
…More
From
$802.32
Price varies by group size
From
$802.32
Price varies by group size
Small-Group Sydney City Walking Tour
Dig deeper into Sydney’s dark history and multi-cultural heritage on this 3-hour walking tour of the city’s best bits. Learn about Sydney’s Aboriginal roots, convict past and colonial history as you follow your guide around Circular Quay, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour. Stop along the way to admire landmark buildings like the Customs House, Parliament House and St Mary's Cathedral; stroll around Hyde Park; and snap photos of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Tower.
…More
From
$90.45
From
$90.45
Withlocals 90 Minutes Kickstart: Safe & Private Sydney Tour with a Local expert
Please be aware that this tour is adapted to the local regulations post Covid-19. Our hosts will deliver this experience with the required equipment always keeping the distance suggested by local authorities. It will be safe and entertaining!
Kickstart your time in Sydney with a 90-minute introduction to the city with the help of your favorite local. See the main highlights of Sydney and discover the best the city has to offer.
On this private tour, you’ll visit the must-see historical spots of Sydney, but also see hidden places that will give an authentic feeling of the city. Go to the world-famous Opera House, the incredible Circular Quay, and find out where locals look for the best timepiece in town. Hear all about how an observatory was created for a rebellion that never came and more. Ready for a unique private trip into this mix of history and modern culture?
Wondering about the best places for food and drinks? Get your personal recommendations from your local host.
…More
From
$33.75
Price varies by group size
From
$33.75
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Private Helicopter Flight Over Sydney & Beaches for 2 or 3 people - 20 Minutes
Sydney is a huge city, but there’s one way you can see it all in just 20 minutes: on a private helicopter ride. You’ll fly over the city and the northern beaches, and enjoy some spectacular views. Look out for landmarks like the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Manly Beach. Listen to your pilot’s live commentary through personal headsets so you understand what you’re seeing. This is an unforgettable trip that’s ideal for couples seeking romance.
…More
From
$506.49
per group
From
$506.49
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Private Sunset Helicopter Flight Over Sydney & Beaches for 2 or 3 - 30 Minutes
Discover all of Sydney's famous icons during a thrilling 30 minute helicopter flight. Take off from Mascot Airport and fly over the spectacular Sydney Harbour, experiencing the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison, Watson's Bay, Taronga Zoo and Bondi Beach from above. From the Harbour you will head north to see what the Northern beaches have to offer. From there, track coastal back toward South Head, and passing Bondi, Coogee, Wedding Cake Island and more!
…More
From
$663.26
per group
From
$663.26
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Private Helicopter Flight Over Sydney & Beaches for 2 or 3 people - 30 Minutes
Experience the best of Sydney from the sky during a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight. Get a bird's-eye view of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, Watson's Bay, and the Taronga Zoo before your pilot heads over to the Northern beaches and Manly. Pass over Bondi, Coogee, Wedding Cake Island, and more as you follow the coast back to South Head before landing.
…More
From
$643.16
per group
From
$643.16
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Private Luxury Sydney Harbour Cruise
Experience Sydney like a VIP on this private sightseeing cruise. On board your own yacht with your own captain, you can view iconic landmarks around Sydney Harbour, even stopping to fish, swim or kayak during the afternoon tour. Get great photo ops of Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Shark Island and more. The morning tour includes morning tea, and the afternoon or sunset tour come with a three-course barbecue lunch or dinner accompanied by Australian wine and beer. Linger at your favorite places on this customizable tour.
…More
From
$1,130.55
per group
From
$1,130.55
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
The Beauty of Sydney Private Bike Tour
What could be more thrilling than flying through the streets of Sydney on two wheels? Experience the child-like joy that only comes from biking as you whiz around taking in everything from the colonial-era Cadmans Cottage to the trendy spaces of the Museum of Contemporary Art and beyond. Cycling is a locals’ favorite way to get around. So hop on, blend in, and set off to discover Sydney. You’ll be surprised by how much more you can see when you explore by bike.
Sydney is a city that embraces the outdoor lifestyle, with a fantastic mix of neighborhoods and open spaces to explore. By bike, you can see it all. As well as checking out the unmissable Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, you’ll get off the tourist trail and discover a side to Sydney that only the locals see. Your cycle-loving host will be by your side at all times, so follow their lead for an easy-going ride.
…More
From
$116.92
Price varies by group size
From
$116.92
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems: Covid-19 Regulated Sydney Private Tour
Please be aware that this tour is adapted to the local regulations post Covid-19. Our hosts will deliver this experience with the required equipment always keeping the distance suggested by local authorities. It will be safe and entertaining!
A multicultural melting pot with the most beautiful harbor in the world and a laid-back atmosphere. On this private tour, get ready to discover the best highlights the city has to offer, as well as its unique hidden gems with your favorite local.
Enjoy the city to the max and hear more about the origin, history, and culture of Sydney. Explore the past highlights and historical treasures. Visit Wendy's secret garden and hear the story behind her hard work. And for a fun carnival ride, there's no better place than Luna Park!
Follow your local through Sydney's harbor,and cross the bridge that connects the North Shore to Sydney CBD. Go to Observatory Hill for panoramic views, and make a stop at Church Hill and hear about its religious upbringings.
…More
From
$67.50
Price varies by group size
From
$67.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Discover Sydney - The Rocks
Trixity offers a series of trails which are not only sightseeing experiences around some of Australia’s most beautiful cities but we will also give your brain a work-out on the way round
You will guide yourself on your ‘smart’ device along the trail solving clues as you go - get the answer correct and we send you the next clue – easy! There are ‘Help’ & ‘Hint’ options if you get stuck and of course you can use your device to look things up if required.
We think this is an excellent way to spend 2-3 hours discovering the city you live in, work in, play in. See our website for more details www.trixity.com.au
…More
From
$40.90
per group
From
$40.90
per group
Sydney Scavenger Hunt: Inside Sydney
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
…More
From
$12.31
From
$12.31
Things to do near Sydney
- Things to do in New South Wales
- Things to do in Newcastle
- Things to do in Hunter Valley
- Things to do in Port Stephens
- Things to do in Byron Bay
- Things to do in Brunswick Heads
- Things to do in Gold Coast
- Things to do in Melbourne
- Things to do in Choc
- Things to do in Brisbane
- Things to do in Mornington Peninsula
- Things to do in Phillip Island
- Things to do in Noosa & Sunshine Coast
- Things to do in Victoria
- Things to do in Tasmania