Unique Sydney: Circular Quay

With a prime location at the foot of Sydney'sWales along the earliest roads developed there.
dynamic central business district, Circular Quays isTo the east is the Museum of Sydney which is
an exciting place with colourful ferries berthing athoused in the Old Government House, built in
the piers and chugging out onto the harbour. It1788. The museum is a treasure house of lore
also offers unequalled views of the Harbour Bridgeand exhibits relating to the history of Sydney.
and Sydney Opera HouseOne interesting feature of Circular Quay is the
Circular Quay is drenched in history being situatedWriters Walk. This is a series of some 50 plaques
in the inlet of Sydney Cove. Together with thecommemorating Australian writers (such as Peter
adjacent area of The Rocks, it's the founding siteCarey and Germaine Greer) and writers who
for Sydney as well as all of Australia. Formerly ahave written on Australia (including D.H. Lawrence,
port and shipping area, Circular Quay is now aCharles Darwin, and Joseph Conrad). The plaques,
recreational and leisure zone as well as a transportwhich are inscribed with the author's name and a
hub.quote, are studded around the International
One of the first things you'll notice about CircularPassenger Terminal on West Circular Quay and on
Quay is that it's not circular. It's shaped more likethe walkway to Sydney Opera House among
a horseshoe opening out onto the bay. Other thanother places.
the ferry piers and trains station, you can findCircular Quay is also the perfect jumping off point
scenic walkways, parks and eateries. It's a lovelyfor all of Sydney's attractions. Other than the
place to sit and relax in one of the cafes and takeferries that depart for such places as Manly,
in the Sydney sunshine. To the east are someWatson's Bay, Mosman and Taronga Park Zoo,
trendy, upmarket boutiques and the Dendymany of the city's premier attractions are
Cinema.accessible on foot. From the southern side of
Circular Quay is also home to the Museum ofCircular Quay, a walkway leads to the Opera
Contemporary Art, the Justice and Police MuseumHouse past the Royal Botanical Gardens; from the
and the splendidly imposing Customs House.northern side, it's just a short, scenic stroll to The
One of Circular Quay’s famous spots isRocks and Harbour Bridge.
Macquarie Place a small, triangular park. EstablishedYou'll no doubt pass through Circular Quay on
in 1810, it was the first formally laid out publicyour travels around Sydney but you might
space in the young city of Sydney. It houses aconsider making it your base to explore the city.
number of historic artefacts including a cannonNot only is it the most convenient location for
and anchor from the HMS Sirius, the first fleetgetting around, it also offers a great range of
ship, and an Obelisk which records the distancesCircular Quay hotels options including the Four
to various places in the new colony of New SouthSeasons Hotel and the Quay West Suites.