A Perfect Day in Circular Quay

Circular Quay – perhaps Sydney’s most visited precinct and it’s no wonder why. Boasting several of Sydney’s key attractions, world class restaurants and bars, history, art and of course access to our great Sydney Harbour there’s something for everyone in Circular Quay.

With all this on offer, how do you create the perfect day in Circular Quay? With years of local knowledge on our team, we know all the great spots and have created an itinerary that won’t disappoint.

The Itinerary

10.00am: Fuel up for the day at Humble Bakery

We know you’ve got a lot to cover today in this fun filled precinct of Sydney - but first, coffee. Head to the lanes of Quay Quarter, one of Sydney’s newest urban communities. Humble Bakery on Loftus Street will be your first stop. Part of the celebrated Porteno Restaurant Group, this bakery-cum-café won’t disappoint and you’ll have your pick of the baked goods with shelves pilled high with croissants, danishes, cakes, cookies, bread, sandwiches and focaccias. Afterwards meander the lanes and take in the history of this character filled little area.

Humble Bakery, Quay Quarter – 16 Loftus Street, Sydney

10.30am to 12pm: Museum of Contemporary Art

Showcasing regular exhibitions of both international and local artists, the MCA is one of Sydney’s ‘must visit’ museums if you’re interested in contemporary art. The resident collection contains over 4000 pieces by Australian artists with a strong commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Take a look at their website prior to visiting to find out about the current exhibitions.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) - 140 George Street, Sydney

12.30pm to 2.30pm: Visit Hinchcliff House for a fabulous lunch

Housing four unique venues, Hinchcliff House is the perfect spot for lunch on your perfect day in Circular Quay. Set in a restored sandstone wool store, dating back to the 1860’s Grana is the upscale choice. The menu has an Italian vibe with a focus on bread and pasta due to them having their own in-house mill. A great spot to enjoy a beautiful lunch in a lovely historical setting.

Grana Sydney – Ground Floor, 5 – 7 Young Street, Sydney

Sister restaurant Bar Mammoni, just around the corner, offers a less extensive menu but equally delicious options and would suit if you are looking for more casual dining. Serving up an all-day menu of slices and snacks inspired by the corner stores of Italy, it’s also a terrific spot for a cheeky cocktail if you are feeling so inclined.

Bar Mammoni – Shop 3, Loftus Lane, Sydney

3pm to 4pm: Tour the Opera House

Most of us have been to see the Opera House, but few go inside and explore the soaring cathedral like interiors. The best way to do this is to join one of the daily tours which run for an hour at various times throughout the day between 11.30am and 3.30pm, to avoid disappointment book ahead via the website

Sydney Opera House – Bennelong Point, Sydney

4pm to 5pm: Put your feet up and enjoy a beverage at the famous Opera Bar

With unbeatable views and a great selection of beverages it’s easy to see why it has been called Australia’s most iconic bar. If you are lucky, you might even catch a live music performance, typically they have artists performing almost every day from 4pm.

Opera Bar – Sydney Opera House, Lower Concourse Level, Sydney

5pm to 6pm: Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens

If you are still feeling energetic then you can’t miss a stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens across to Lady Macquarie’s Chair, enter through Queen Elizabeth II Gate via the Sydney Opera House forecourt and meander the park.

Royal Botanic Gardens - Mrs Macquarie’s Road, Sydney

6.30pm to 9.30pm: Enjoy a beautiful dinner to complete your day

If you aren’t completely worn out from your action-packed day we have a fabulous dinner in mind for you – book ahead to avoid disappointment. Head back towards the Opera House and complete your Australiana tour with a decadent meal at Bennelong Restaurant. In our opinion it is one of Sydney’s quintessential restaurants, you will be treated to not only an exceptional meal but also the very special experience of dining inside the Opera House with a world class view of the Harbour Bridge. Executive Chef Peter Gilmore will surely wow you with the culturally significant and inspiring menu that showcases the most magnificent production of Australian produce.

Bennelong Restaurant - Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point

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