Circular Quay is not just a fascinating place to explore; it's also the gateway to the rest of Sydney's abundant charms. Whether you plan to explore the city by bus, boat, monorail or on foot, Circular Quay should be you're starting point. It's also one of the best places in the city to feel the beating heart of Sydney and its irrepressible energy and dynamism.
Circular Quay was originally known as "Semi-Circular Quay" owing to its shape. However, the name proved unwieldy and was shortened to its present form. When the First Fleet arrived in Port Jackson to found the new colony of Australia, Circular Quay was the original shipping hub. Over the years, it developed into a transport, leisure and recreational centre. Circular Quay railway station opened in 1956 and the elevated Cahill Expressway in 1958. Here's a look at your transport option at Circular Quay.
Firstly, the most scenic and authentic way to get around this harbour city is by ferry.
The wharf complex hosts five commuter ferry wharves and is the terminus for all public ferry routes in Sydney Harbour and the Parramatta River.
Sydney Ferries, the major operator, connects 39 destinations from Parramatta in the west, to Manly in the north and Watsons Bay in the east. Sydney Ferries have been plying Sydney Harbour for over 135 years.
Many Sydney siders use the ferries to commute so things can get crowded at the rush hour. Your best bet is to travel off-peak and to get one of the special tickets. You can get a ferry ten allowing ten trips anywhere, anytime. Or a range of TravelPasses offer unlimited weekly, quarterly or yearly travel on Sydney Ferries, Sydney Buses, & CityRail services all on the one ticket.
Sydney also offers a comprehensive bus network. You can pick up timetables and other information at the booths near the bus stops in Circular Quay. There are also posters there which list popular destinations and the corresponding bus numbers.
The railway station is the entrance to the Sydney underground system known as the City Circle. In fact, Circular Quay Station is the only one on the City Circle that's above ground. There are eight stations on the City Circle - Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James, Museum, Martin Place and Kings Cross. The City Circle system offers an easy and inexpensive way of getting around the main city area.
There's also the Monorail which travels around the CBD all the way down to Darling Harbour and skirting the harbour, before returning. This is great way to get a lofty view of things, especially picturesque Darling Harbour. The Monorail opened in July 1988 for the Bicentennial.
As it's such a convenient location for getting to anywhere in Sydney and beyond, it makes sense to base yourself there in one of the many Circular Quay hotels. Among the best of the fine hotels to choose from in Circular Quay are the InterContinental Hotel Sydney and the Quay Grand Suites Sydney. |
