Today we are taking a look at Circular Quay on the picturesque Sydney Harbour.
Today marks the first in a series of posts where we will be going way back to before PacificTrek began. We will be looking at some of the very first travel videos I ever made, as Lukey G’s Travel Adventures.
Please be patient with me and pardon the cheesy intro! I hope these clips will provide some inspiration for your travels.
So let’s begin with one of Australia’s most visited tourist destinations, Circular Quay.
Circular Quay is the area of Sydney, to the north of the CBD. It borders the Southern edge of the Harbour between the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. This is the place where the first large group of Europeans came to Australia on the First Fleet and it’s really a centre for Sydney.
A Transport Hub
Today it provides a hub for the public transport network with Circular Quay train station and the ferry network. It also used to be the centre of the Sydney tram network for the eastern suburbs. The traditional tram network was removed in the 1950’s. A new line recommenced operations between Circular Quay and Randwick in 2019. Circular Quay is home to Sydney’s main cruise terminal. If you are embarking on a cruise from Sydney, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some of what Circular Quay has to offer.
Food & Dining
Circular Quay is right in the heart of the restaurant district. There are plenty of great food options available, including eateries and bars right by the Sydney Opera House looking out over the water. A short walk further back towards the station you’ll find the Guylian Café. They serve some delicious chocolates and desserts. It’s the perfect place to indulge after watching a show.
Another restaurant with a spectacular view is Café Sydney. It is located back towards the CBD across the road from the train station. Cafe Sydney gives you a spectacular view of Circular Quay including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Cruise Terminal
You’ll find more classy restaurants over in the Cruise Terminal. There is the award winning Quay Restaurant with head Chef, Peter Gilmore. Gilmore uses some of nature’s rare and beautiful ingredients to make delicacies that are truly unique.
If you are after something a little more friendly on the budget, The Squire’s Landing is another restaurant located at the Northern end of the Cruise Terminal. It is named after James Squire who arrived in Australia on the First Fleet but became the country’s first brewer. This restaurant offers some traditional pub fare and a spectacular view of the Sydney Opera House.
The Rocks
If you are still looking for different varieties of food, head up the hill from the Cruise Terminal. This is the Rocks district. It’s here that you’ll find one of my favourite German Restaurants, Munich Brauhaus. When I was last there it was called the Hoffbrauhaus, so not sure if its changed ownership. Their Chicken Schnitzel and their Apple Strudel are both incredible. Of course, you’ll find plenty of other great dining options in The Rocks too.
With all the dining, don’t forget the great views! They are all around Circular Quay so with the Sydney Opera House the Sydney Harbour bridge! It’s fun just to walk around and listen to some of the performers busking.
What do you love to do when you visit Circular Quay?
Stay tuned, as we’ll be taking a look back at another one of Lukey G’s Travel adventures soon!
