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The Rocks & Circular Quay

Sydney

Sydney's oldest quarter, under the Harbour Bridge, and the ferry hub of Circular Quay facing the Opera House across the water.

Best for First visit · Upscale

Transport
5/5
Sights
5/5
Value
2/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$250/night · 5 min to Circular Quay

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The Rocks & Circular Quay on the map

Why stay here

  • Opera House and Harbour Bridge on your doorstep
  • Ferries to Manly, Taronga Zoo and the harbour beaches
  • Harbour-view hotels

Who should stay here

  • First-time visitors
  • Couples and special occasions
  • Travellers who want to explore by ferry

Not ideal if…

  • You're on a budget
  • You want a beach outside the door
  • You want a lively bar scene

What it's like

The Rocks was where the colony began in 1788, and its sandstone lanes, old pubs and weekend market still sit beneath the southern end of the Harbour Bridge. Circular Quay, next door, is where the ferries leave for Manly, Watsons Bay and Taronga Zoo, with the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden a short walk round the harbour.

It's the most spectacular place to stay, with harbour views from many rooms, but also the most expensive. Evenings are busy around the quay and quiet in the back lanes once the restaurants close.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • George Street, The Rocks

    Sandstone shops, pubs and the weekend Rocks Markets.

  • Circular Quay

    Ferry wharves, the station and the walk to the Opera House.

  • Millers Point

    Quiet old streets and historic pubs behind the bridge.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Circular Quay station, light rail and ferry wharves, and Wynyard station a short walk south.
To Circular Quay
About 5 minutes
From Sydney Airport
About 25 minutes: airport train to Circular Quay (with a station access fee), or about 30 minutes by taxi.

Nearby attractions

  • Sydney Opera House

    Take a tour or see a show; the steps are free to sit on.

  • Harbour Bridge

    Walk across for free, or do the BridgeClimb over the arch.

  • Royal Botanic Garden

    Harbourside gardens to Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

  • Museum of Contemporary Art

    Free modern art museum on the quay.

Where to eat and drink

  • Historic pubs

    Some of Australia's oldest pubs are in The Rocks.

  • Opera Bar

    Outdoor bar under the Opera House sails.

  • The Rocks Markets

    Food stalls at the weekend market.

Where to stay in The Rocks & Circular Quay

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Park Hyatt Sydney

Why we like it: Low-rise hotel on the water with Opera House views.

Typical luxury rate in The Rocks & Circular Quay: ~$595/night

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Luxury pick

The Langham, Sydney

Why we like it: Classic hotel on Observatory Hill above The Rocks.

Typical luxury rate in The Rocks & Circular Quay: ~$595/night

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Boutique pick

Pier One Sydney Harbour

Why we like it: Converted wharf under the Harbour Bridge.

Typical mid-range rate in The Rocks & Circular Quay: ~$250/night

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Hotels in The Rocks & Circular QuayMid-range from ~$250/night

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