Quick Facts
Best Time To Visit
Sydney is great year-round, but the best time to visit is
September–November and March–May for mild weather and clear skies.
Summer (December–February) is hot and busy, while winter is cooler but still excellent for sightseeing.
Handy Apps
TripView (transport timetables)
Opal Travel
Uber / Ola / Didi
Google Maps
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Cards widely accepted everywhere
Timezone
Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC +10)
Daylight savings in summer (UTC +11)
Powerplugs
Plug type: I (three flat angled pins)
Voltage: 230V
Frequency: 50Hz
Emergency Numbers
Police, Fire, Ambulance: 000
Wifi
Free WiFi in Circular Quay, The Rocks and many public areas
Hotels and cafés offer free WiFi
Getting Around
Port Location
Cruise ships dock at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) at Circular Quay, located right in the heart of Sydney Harbour. The terminal sits between The Rocks and the Opera House, surrounded by dining, attractions and train, ferry and light rail services—all within a few minutes’ walk.
Taxi & Transport Info
• Taxi to Sydney CBD hotels: AUD $12–$20 (5–10 mins)
• Taxi to Darling Harbour: AUD $15–$25
• Taxi to Bondi Beach: AUD $25–$40
• Train from Circular Quay to Town Hall: AUD $4–$5
• Opal Card recommended for trains, ferries and light rail
• Ferries: AUD $7–$10 for most harbour routes
Port Shuttle Info
No shuttle is required at Circular Quay as the port is directly connected to trains, ferries, buses and light rail. Everything is walkable from the terminal. Taxis and rideshare (Uber, Didi, Ola) are available just outside The Rocks.
Walking Difficulty Level
Easy. Most major sights around Circular Quay are within 5–15 minutes on flat, paved paths. Light hills appear in The Rocks area.
Mobility Info
Circular Quay is flat, accessible and easy to navigate. The Overseas Passenger Terminal has lifts, ramps and mobility-friendly access. Ferries and trains offer wheelchair access, and many major attractions have accessible paths.
Map
Things to See & Do
Must Try Foods
• Fish & chips by the harbour
• Meat pies
• Flat white coffee
• Barramundi
• Sydney rock oysters
• Lamingtons
• Gelato Messina (local favourite)
Shopping Areas
• The Rocks Markets – crafts, souvenirs and food stalls
• Pitt Street Mall – fashion & major brands
• Queen Victoria Building – boutique shopping
• Circular Quay & Opera House – gift shops and galleries
• Barangaroo – modern waterfront dining and shopping
Top Things To Do
• Sydney Opera House tour or photo stop
• Walk across or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
• The Rocks historic laneways
• Ferry to Manly Beach
• Royal Botanic Garden walk
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo ferry
Family Friendly Activities
• Taronga Zoo (via ferry)
• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
• Wildlife Sydney Zoo
• Darling Harbour playgrounds
• Manly Beach & Shelly Beach snorkelling
• Luna Park amusement park
Half Day Itinerary
• Walk around Circular Quay & Opera House
• Explore The Rocks and its historic laneways
• Ferry to Manly Beach for lunch
• Return to Circular Quay for harbour views and shopping
Full Day Itinerary
• Start at the Opera House & Royal Botanic Garden
• Walk through The Rocks, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
• Lunch at Barangaroo waterfront
• Afternoon ferry to Manly or Taronga Zoo
• Sunset at Circular Quay or Harbour Bridge lookout
Two Day Itinerary
DAY 1:
• Circular Quay, Opera House & Botanic Gardens
• The Rocks walking tour
• Harbour Bridge or Pylon Lookout
• Afternoon in Darling Harbour (aquarium or museums)
• Dinner at Barangaroo
DAY 2:
• Ferry to Manly Beach (morning coffee on the beach)
• Coastal walk to Shelly Beach
• Afternoon at Taronga Zoo or Bondi Beach
• Evening harbour sunset cruise or Opera House show
Helpful Tips
Local Etiquette Tips
• Stand on the left side of escalators
• Tipping is optional—rounding up is appreciated
• Walk on the left on pathways
• Sunscreen is essential year-round
• Lines (queues) are taken seriously—don’t skip ahead
Cruise Tips
• Arrive early—Circular Quay gets busy, especially on weekends.
• Ferries are the quickest way to explore the harbour.
• Use an Opal card for easy public transport.
• If departing from White Bay Cruise Terminal on a different day, check transport options—White Bay does not have direct public transit.
• Book Opera House tours in advance during peak season.
Safety Info
Sydney is very safe with low crime in tourist areas. Just be mindful of belongings around popular sites and keep hydrated on hot days.
