English: Circular Quay is the site of the first European settlement in Australia and the hub for the earliest commercial shipping activities in the colony of New South Wales. Circular Quay has been a major point of arrival and departure for Europeans and the infrastructure of surrounding warehouses, hotels, houses and commercial premises has progressively evolved since 1788.

The name Man O ' War steps is the name given to the stone jetty on the northern side of Bennelong Point (behind the photographer in this image). Built originally of timber, the jetty was constructed for Governor Macquarie's private use about 1810. Between 1810 and 1820 it was rebuilt in stone and gradually ceased to be for the exclusive use of the Governor. The stone jetty enclosed a sheltered landing for small craft with a flight of steps to water level at the inner extremity. The steps were used for watering ships in the nearby anchorage and as these were often naval vessels, the steps came to be known as Man O' War steps.
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Object number 00045618, ANMM Collection Gift from David and Stephanie Helen