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
39 Tours and Activities to Experience Circular Quay
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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.
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From
$25.80
From
$25.80
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.
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From
$27.95
From
$27.95
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise
Take in panoramic views of lovely Sydney on a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise that lasts up to two hours. Choose from two options a morning or afternoon tour that takes you close to the majestic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison and other top sights. Listen to live commentary as you snack on tea, coffee and snacks and light refreshments during the 2-hour tour that includes all of the above plus sparkling wine, cakes and cheeses, with stories focused on Sydney's fascinating heritage.
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From
$35.12
From
$35.12
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.
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From
$49.45
From
$49.45
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.
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From
$112.35
From
$112.35
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.
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From
$85.29
From
$85.29
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.
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From
$37.27
From
$37.27
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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.
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From
$56.62
From
$56.62
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.
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From
$235.42
Price varies by group size
From
$235.42
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Sydney Harbour Unique Cruise Including Lunch
Explore Sydney from the water during this luxury lunch cruise. Hop onboard your yacht at Circular Quay then set out on Sydney Harbour. Snap photos of landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as you glide past the glittering city skyline. Visit pristine spots around the harbor where you can swim, kayak or hit the beach. Top off your Sydney cruise with a three-course barbecue lunch served with beer and wine. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people, ensuring a personalized experience.
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From
$250.61
From
$250.61
Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai Park
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.
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From
$139.76
From
$139.76
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Sydney City Highlights Small Group Electric Bike Guided Tour
Get orientated in Sydney while exploring the city's most famous landmarks on this guided electric bike tour. In a small group of no more than eight people, see such sites as the Opera House while riding across another landmark, Sydney Harbour Bridge. Don't worry about the city's hills: E-bikes make pedaling uphill a breeze.
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From
$96.85
From
$96.85
Bondi Beach High-Speed Offshore Thrill Ride
Combine Sydney sightseeing with a white-knuckle speedboat ride on this 1-hour high-speed cruise to Bondi Beach. Feel a surge of adrenaline as you zoom along the coast and reach speeds of up to 100kmph, traveling on-board Sydney's fastest commercial vessel. Set out from Circular Quay; pass landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Lady Macquaries Chair; then zip around Shark Island and along the famous sands of Bondi Beach.
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From
$65.38
From
$65.38
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.
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From
$168.15
Price varies by group size
From
$168.15
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
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.
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From
$46.59
From
$46.59
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.
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From
$151.08
Price varies by group size
From
$151.08
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.
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From
$94.30
From
$94.30
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.
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From
$773.24
Price varies by group size
From
$773.24
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.
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From
$87.17
From
$87.17
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.
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From
$33.12
Price varies by group size
From
$33.12
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 and Beaches for 3 - 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.
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From
$488.13
per group
From
$488.13
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 and Beaches for 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!
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From
$639.22
per group
From
$639.22
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Private Helicopter Flight Over Sydney and Beaches for 3 - 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.
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From
$619.85
per group
From
$619.85
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
$1,089.58
per group
From
$1,089.58
per group
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