2018 – Part 64 – Circular Quay

2018 – Part 64 – Sydney’s Circular Quay

No visit to Sydney is complete without visiting Circular Quay.  That’s because it’s home to Sydney’s numerous ferries but also,

The Sydney Opera House!

Time for context.  After spending almost a month in Melbourne in 2006, I took the hour long flight to Sydney.  As our plane made its turns for final approach my coworker and I glanced out the window to see the beauty of Sydney Harbour, complete with a perfect view of the Harbour Bridge, and Opera House.  Somehow, seeing the Sydney Opera House made me think “Yup.  This is Australia.”

The approach to the Opera House can be deceiving.  We made ours through a few narrow roads where we could make out the Harbour Bridge:

But it wasn’t until we had walked underneath the rail lines that the Opera House, and harbour was in full view.  Even in the late afternoon it was a gorgeous sight to take in.

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Climbing down the bridge

A deHavilland Beaver

Well timed to fly over

Nicknames

Short forms, and nicknames are commonplace.  Flying to New Zealand?  You’re crossing the ditch.  McDonald’s restaurants? Macca’s.  This one is so well used, their radio advertising doesn’t even use their full name.  The Harbour Bridge?  That’s the Coat Hanger.  And finally, The Opera House? well it’s a combination of turtles and what one learns in health class.  However I don’t think that’s as frequently used as the others.

Train & Ferry Terminal

Circular Quay is a key spot to transfer from the many ferries to either the CBD, or continue the journey by rail.  Taking a train from this station is cool as you get a great view while sitting at the station.

What to do at the Quay

Beyond being a transit hub, and a terminal for cruise liners (like the one in the feature image at the beginning), there are numerous restaurants and bars, even one right underneath the Opera House.

We didn’t go into the Opera House for a tour, however I have only heard good things about it.

For us, this was a great spot to rest our feet.  It was great for the beautiful view of Sydney, but the downside was realizing that both of us were thoroughly tired and weren’t going to continue exploring the city for the day.  Fortunately it was a quick train ride and short walk back to our hotel.

Read more about our trip by clicking here.