Circular Quay

Circular Quay is a major harbour precinct and transport hub in central Sydney, New South Wales, located on Sydney Harbour between the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Originally the landing site of the First Fleet in 1788, it now serves as the city's main ferry terminal with wharves, railway station, promenades and public spaces. It is notable for its harbour views, historic significance and proximity to key attractions.

Visitors can expect an open waterfront promenade on Sydney Harbour with paved walkways, ferry wharves, and views of the Sydney Opera House to the east and Sydney Harbour Bridge to the west. The area includes restaurants, cafes, buskers, public art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Customs House. Ferries, trains and buses operate from the precinct, and visitors can walk along the harbour foreshore, take harbour cruises, and access nearby attractions such as The Rocks and the Royal Botanic Garden.

Circular Quay is the site of the First Fleet landing on 26 January 1788 at Warrane, the traditional land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. Originally known as Semi-Circular Quay, it was constructed between 1837 and 1844 as Sydney's main shipping harbour. It has served as the city's central passenger ferry terminal since the 19th century and was redeveloped with the elevated railway station in 1956.

Circular Quay is a central cultural and social gathering place for Sydney, hosting public celebrations, harbour events and daily ferry transport. It forms the gateway between the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks historic precinct and the Royal Botanic Garden, and remains significant for its Aboriginal heritage as Warrane and its role in Sydney's maritime history.