Circular Quay is the major travellers hub in Sydney, for locals due to the large train station and for tourists due to the ferries and tour boats starting from here. On the right side of the harbour, the Opera House and the Botanical Garden are only a short walk away, and on the left side, it is not far to The Rocks, a well renovated quarter with restaurants and art galleries.

Directly at Circular Quay, a small square allows a good view of the city centre. The older building on the right, with the flag, is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) which exhibits contemporary art, mostly from Australian artists.