The Circular Quay and The Rocks

Related subjects: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Transport in Sydney

Related subjects: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Transport in Sydney

The Circular Quay is the hub of Sydney Harbour and a major tourist attraction, situated at a small inlet called Sydney Cove, the founding site for Sydney and Australia. It is a stepping-off point for most attractions based around the harbour and an exciting place to be on a warm summer's day. Circular Quay is made up of walkways, pedestrian malls, parks and restaurants. A great vibe with loads of restaurants, cafes, fast food and pubs as well as locals, workers and tourist going about their business.

The Circular Quay is a vibrant, bustling place with ferries leaving every few minutes to different parts of the harbour, including Manly, Watsons Bay, Mosman and Taronga Park Zoo. There are great views of the Harbour Bridge, a short distance away. It hosts a number of ferry quays and a train station.

On the southern side of Circular Quay is a walkway that leads to the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanical Gardens; while on the northern side, a short walk along lovely landscaped walkways takes you to the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks, one of the oldest, most attractive and most interesting parts of Sydney.

Circular Quay is at the foot of the central business district and the older, historic end of the city. Buses depart here for Bondi and the eastern suburbs.

Framed by the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, Circular Quay (Sydney Cove) is the real-life, postcard-perfect vantage point that captures the city in the mind's eye of the world. There is a major railway station at the quay, which is part of the underground City Circle, which skirts around the CBD. Alongside the ferry terminals are a number of small outdoor cafes and the area is a magnet for tourists and buskers of every description.

Circular Quay name is a contraction of Semi-Circular Quay – the cove's old crescent-shaped, convict-built (1837-1844) sea wall. Sydney began here in 1788, when the First Fleet dropped anchor on January 26 (Australia Day). It is the focal point for many of the cities celebrations - most notably the New Years Eve Fireworks display.

I'm Ilya Genkin - an internationally recognised Australian landscape and fine art photographer based in Sydney. My passion for capturing the beauty of nature and our world translates into striking photographic prints that bring life, emotion, and inspiration to any space. From tranquil seascapes to dramatic mountainscapes, each image is a reflection of my vision and dedication to the art of photography.

Read more about Ilya Genkin

Explore my extensive collection of fine art prints - crafted with the highest-quality materials to suit every style and budget. Whether you're looking for a luxurious, ready-to-hang piece or a beautifully printed work to frame yourself, each photograph is available in several premium formats: Gallery-quality Fine Art Paper Prints - ready for framing, and Professional Canvas Prints - classic and timeless texture.

Each artwork is meticulously printed and made-to-order to ensure you receive a piece that elevates your home, office, or commercial space.

Learn more about print options

I collaborate with interior designers, home stylists, and architects to create bespoke wall art tailored to your project's aesthetic and colour palette. Prints can be customised and sized to complement your space perfectly. All pieces are made-to-order, and pricing varies based on size, quantity, and shipping.

Contact me to discuss your project and request a personalised quote.

By choosing my work, you're not just acquiring exceptional art - you're supporting an independent Australian artist and contributing to a vibrant local creative community. Every purchase directly helps sustain and grow this craft, bringing authentic and meaningful art into your life.

Request a free mockup to see how a chosen photograph will look in your space before you buy.