This is where Australia began as a country, as what is now called Circular Quay was known as Sydney Cove, where the First Fleet had decided to begin settlement. What was once a penal colony quickly developed into a village, then town, then city and country, originally radiating from here.
Much development has taken place here since the early 1900s, culminating with the train station and the Cahill Expressway, constructed in 1958. Not much further away is The Rocks, Australia’s finest restored historical district, the Sydney Opera House and the MCA.
MCA: the Museum of Contemporary Art is in a wonderful example of 20th century art deco building and has changing displays. The MCA is committed to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting Australian contemporary art, as well as displays from around the world.
Photo: The Ferry to Manly (featured) will take you past many interesting sights, including the Sydney Opera House, featuring prominently on the harbour at Bennelong Point. There are plenty of great Sydney Harbour cruises as well, taking you to many more scenic places.
Parramatta
Another way to explore Sydney Harbour would be to take the Jetcat to Parramatta City, showing you the sights of Western Sydney Harbour:
The beaches at Manly are only the start of Sydney’ Northern Beaches. Here you can find some of our most stunning beaches, most with Surf Life Saving Clubs and facilities:
Trains, Taxis, Buses, Ferries and Cruise ships all converge on Circular Quay in Sydney.
Next: Colonial Secretary Building
Circular Quay - Terminus for Ferries, Buses and Taxis
Sydney City Map
What is Here
This is where Australia began as a country, as what is now called Circular Quay was known as Sydney Cove, where the First Fleet had decided to begin settlement. What was once a penal colony quickly developed into a village, then town, then city and country, originally radiating from here.
Sydney Cove
Much development has taken place here since the early 1900s, culminating with the train station and the Cahill Expressway, constructed in 1958. Not much further away is The Rocks, Australia’s finest restored historical district, the Sydney Opera House and the MCA.
MCA: the Museum of Contemporary Art is in a wonderful example of 20th century art deco building and has changing displays. The MCA is committed to exhibiting, interpreting and collecting Australian contemporary art, as well as displays from around the world.
At Circular Quay
Photo: The Ferry to Manly (featured) will take you past many interesting sights, including the Sydney Opera House, featuring prominently on the harbour at Bennelong Point. There are plenty of great Sydney Harbour cruises as well, taking you to many more scenic places.
Parramatta
Another way to explore Sydney Harbour would be to take the Jetcat to Parramatta City, showing you the sights of Western Sydney Harbour:
Parramatta Places to Eat
Manly
Sydney’ Northern Beaches
The beaches at Manly are only the start of Sydney’ Northern Beaches. Here you can find some of our most stunning beaches, most with Surf Life Saving Clubs and facilities:
Manly Ferry and Sydney Harbour
More Transport Information
Sydney Public Transport
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Maps
See the City Central Map showing Circular Quay at the foot of the city, The Opera House and The Rocks Map of Sydney CBD.
For Parramatta see the Greater Sydney Surrounds Map.
Parramatta
Also a scenic ride on the harbour to Parramatta where you can find heritage and a growing number of places to eat (almost 200):
Parramatta Places to Eat
Australia Tourist Guide
Further Reading about Circular Quay:
Circular Quay
Manly Ferry and Sydney Harbour
Inner Sydney City
Previous: Sydney Inner City
Topic: Inner City Suburbs
Main Photo: Trains, Taxis, Buses, Ferries and Cruise ships all converge on Circular Quay in Sydney.
Photo: Ferries at Circular Quay