When Circular Quay was Circular
An interesting walk around the shores of Sydney’s earliest settled areas. Explore the forgotten shoreline, view historical buildings, see the significant landmarks around Sydney cove and hear about how and why they are here.
Sydney Cove carries so much of Sydney’s first settlement history. Visit the place where the First Fleet came ashore and learn about the incredible changes this landmark Sydney location has endured over the last two centuries. As you explore the forgotten shoreline, you will discover evidence of the original landscape and the earliest 19th century developments, understand the evolution of the Quay and why this area has been subjected to so much change over the years.
Consider the first Australians – the Cadigal people who lived in this area for over 20,000 years prior to European settlement. Challenge your thoughts on the significance of Australia Day and whether you think it should be a celebrated National Holiday.
Explore the original maritime centre of Sydney and see why it remains the gateway to the city today.
The Walk:
This walk is completely flat, you will not even climb any stairs as we walk and talk our way around Circular Quay. We start at Campbells Cove and finish up at the Opera House. From here you can easily make your way back to Circular Quay to catch a ferry or train. There are also many places we can recommend to stop for a drink or to dine your afternoon away if you would like to stay on in the area.
Schedule: Check the calendar for current availability
Duration: 1.5 hours
Meeting point: Meeting point is at Hickson Road Reserve, by the waters edge; it’s a park on the point just next to the Park Hyatt Hotel Sydney
Finish: Finish point is in front of the Sydney Opera House steps
Bookings, payment and information
Please use the online booking function to book your walk, this is a live system so it is continuously up to date. If you require a date or time not listed or booked out, please call or email so we can accommodate your requirements. You will receive a booking confirmation by email, and also a reminder before the tour. Please bring the confirmation with you on the day of the tour (the email on your phone is accepted as well).
Please check the online calendar for current scheduled walks and availability. Walks are scheduled at different times throughout the year. If you have a group booking or would like a private walk at a time to suit you, please get in touch by phone or email so we can accommodate your specific needs.
Current pricing for each walk is displayed in the booking calendar. Our maximum group size for this walk is 16 people, and no minimum. Our child rate applies to children and teenagers up to and including 17 years – many children will likely find this tour very interesting, however this tour is not recommended for children under 10 years of age.
Meeting point is at Hickson Road Reserve, by the waters edge; it’s a park on the point just next to the Park Hyatt Hotel Sydney.
Finish point is in front of the Sydney Opera House steps.
We usually stop for a break and a drink along the way – a tea or coffee, or maybe a beer or wine – depending on the weather and the groups preference!
There are plenty of toilets in the area for comfort stops when required – just ask your guide.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking outdoors – high heels are NOT recommended!
- Wear a hat and sunscreen if it is sunny, bring a raincoat if the weather looks bad
- Bring a water bottle if you like – there are also plenty of places to stop along the way for refreshments if required
- Don’t bring your luggage with you, this won’t be practical. Let us know before the walk if you need to store your bags and we can help you with this.
This tour operates in all weather conditions, there are many places to shelter along the way if the weather isn’t so nice but remember to bring a jacket, raincoat or umbrella.
Bookings can be cancelled or re-scheduled up to 1 week prior at no charge.
A 20% fee applies to all other cancellations made up to seven days before the walk.
No refund will be made if a booking is cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled start time or in the event of a no show.
To the extent permitted by law, the Company excludes liability and will not be responsible for any loss, damage or injury arising from or connected with the tour, no matter how that loss, damage or injury is caused. In particular, the Company will not be responsible for loss or damage arising from a Participant’s failure to obey the Company guides’ instructions or from any pre-existing medical or psychological condition. Further, but only to the extent permitted by law, the Company will not be responsible for loss or damage arising from any negligent act or omission of the Company or any person for whom the Company is responsible. Certain laws imply non-excludable conditions and warranties. This provision does not exclude those conditions and warranties but limits the Company’s liability in relation to these to provision of services provided by the Company again, or refund of the cost of those services.
