As we pull out of Circular Quay, we get great views of the bridge and opera house, including closeups of vast expanses of smoky brown glass encased in linoleum. But notwithstanding the Opera House it's still one of the most beautiful boat trips you can take. After leaving the Quay, the ferry chugs by quirky Fort Denison in the middle of the harbour. Overcautious British had it built around 1850 during the Crimean War to protect Sydney from the possibility that the Russians would somehow make it all the way down to Sydney. Needless to say the fort was never used, but nowadays it houses a nice little cafe.