Sydney Landmarks and Monuments

(Sydney, New South Wales - NSW, Australia)



Parliament House image, by J. BarAustralian landmarks don't come much bigger or more famous than those of Sydney, with a number being known the world over. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are of course amongst the most famous and certainly add a great deal of character to the waterfront.

Another sight of note in Sydney is the Tower Eye observation tower, where the city views are hard to improve upon. Those with time should consider taking a stroll down Market Street and Elizabeth Street, reaching Hyde Park and its important Anzac War Memorial. Standing on Macquarie Street, the Government House, Parliament House and the State Library of NSW all serve as further important landmarks, while in Circular Quay, the mid-19th century Customs House once belonged to the Commonwealth Government of Australia, before the City of Sydney Council took over the reigns in the 1990s.

Built in stages between 1868 and 1889 on the site of an important burial ground, the Sydney Town Hall is another of the city's splendid Victorian buildings and its first foundation stone was actually laid in 1868 by Prince Alfred, son of Queen Victoria.



Further view of the Parliament House, by J. Bar

Parliament House

Address: Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9230 2637
Sydney's breathtaking Parliament House is almost identical to the nearby Mint Building and was built in 1816. Featuring elegant architecture, a sandstone facade, two storeys, verandahs and a number of important collections, the public gallery is only open on days when parliament is in session. Originally built as the northern wing of the Rum Hospital, the building has been used by the Legislative Council since 1829, making it the oldest continually operating parliament building in the world.
Open hours: guided tours, Monday to Friday - 09:30, 11:00, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:00
Admission: free

Sydney Landmarks and Monuments

AMP Tower (Tower Eye)

Address: 100 Market Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9231 1000
The AMP Tower has a number of different titles, namely the Centrepoint, the Westfield Centrepoint, the Sydney Tower and more recently, the Tower Eye, following its acquisition by Merlin Entertainments in 2011. Standing at more than 980 feet / 300 metres high above the city, this freestanding structure is certainly hard to miss. With high-speed elevators and regular guided tours, the Tower Eye offers some of the best possible panoramic views of the cityscape from its popular observation deck. Also on this floor is a gift shop, a recently opened 4D cinema and numerous touchscreens.

The tower was built in 1981, although designs were being discussed in the late 1960s. The central spike is a prominent feature, being topped with a golden cylinder and anchored by more than 50 individual cables. For dining with a view, you can choose between two revolving restaurants, with the buffet choice being especially popular and serving close to 200,000 diners each year.
Open hours: Sunday to Friday - 09:00 to 22:30, Saturday - 09:00 to 22:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Photo showing the Anzac War Memorial, taken by Greg O'Beirne

Anzac War Memorial

Address: Hyde Park, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9267 7668
The Anzac War Memorial is a prominent landmark in the Central Business District and remembers those from the First Australian Imperial Force, who lost their lives in the First World War. This memorial comprises a museum, a statue and also the Pool of Remembrance, being situated on the southern side of Hyde Park and erected in the 1930s.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

The Cenotaph

Address: Martin Place, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9255 1788
The Cenotaph, on centrally located Martin Place, is a moving monument that commemorates Australia's sacrifices in war. A dawn service is held here every year on April 25th and this has become a major annual event in the city. The adjacent Commonwealth Bank Building serves as a useful point of reference.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Central Railway Station

Address: Eddy Avenue, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9379 1777
The important Central Railway Station first opened around 100 years ago, in the early 20th century. This busy transport hub has led the way in train travel throughout Australia and also features impressive architecture, including an eye-catching clock tower.
Open hours: daily - 05:00 to 01:00
Admission: free

Customs House

Address: 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9247 2285
Customs House, in the Circular Quay area, has recently been completely renovated and restored. Originally built in the mid-1840s and later expanded some 40 years later, this building boasts a vast interior, which is used for many major festivals and exhibitions. Other attractions include the onsite bar, which has awesome views of Sydney harbour and plays host to various musical events in the evenings.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Cadman's Cottage

Address: 110 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9247 5033
Cadman's Cottage is actually the oldest house in the entire city and was built in 1816. Once the home of the last government coxswain, John Cadman, this historic landmark is now home to the offices of the Sydney Harbour National Park Information Centre and Cadman's Cottage has become a major tourist attraction in its own right.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 16:30, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: free



Elizabeth Bay House

Address: 7 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2011, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9356 3022
Close to Beare Park and on the easterly outskirts of the city, the Elizabeth Bay House was built in 1839 and was known for many years as the 'finest house of the colony'. Recently restored to its former glory by the Heritage Trust, the house features a number of interesting exhibitions, many authentic period features, antique furniture and glorious neoclassical architecture. Next-door, the Arthur McElhorne Reserve may also be of interest.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Fort Denison

Address: Sydney Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9247 5033
Fort Denison is a small, fortified island located off Mrs. Macquarie's Point. Previously simply known as Pinchgut, the fort now features guided tours of its historic prison cells, a cannon museum and a particularly popular café, with some of the best views around.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

Government House

Address: Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9931 5222
Dominating the western headland of Farm Cove, Government House was built in the mid-19th century and has played host to visiting royalty from all over the world. The building is located within the Central Business District and features splendid Gothic-style architecture, antique furniture, elaborate decorations and many impressive period features. Regular guided tours are available every 30 minutes.
Open hours: Friday to Sunday - 10:00 to 15:00, Thursday - 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Picture of the State Library of New South Wales, photo by J. Bar

State Library of NSW (New South Wales)

Address: Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9273 1414
The city's State Library of New South Wales is to be found standing next to Parliament House and has become more of a cultural centre than a simple library, housing in excess of five million books, journals, artefacts and important historic documents. The library also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year and is close to both the InterContinental Hotel and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Old Government House

Address: Pitt Street / Macquarie Street, Parramatta Park, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2150, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9635 8149
Located on the far western side of the city and within Parramatta Park, the Old Government House is over 200 years old, making it one of the most historic landmarks in the area. Built as a country retreat for early governors, the house sits at the top of a hill, overlooking the Parramatta River, and is now home to an interesting museum. Close by you will find the Parramatta Stadium and the War Memorial Swimming Centre.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Rose Seidler House

Address: 71 Clissold Road, Wahroonga, New South Wales (NSW), 2076, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9989 8020
Built by world-famous architect Harry Seidler in 1948 and located roughly 40 minutes to the north, next to North Turramurra, the Rose Seidler House is situated on the Upper North Shore. This imposing modern building features spectacular views of the surrounding bushland and the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and comes with contemporary furniture and regular seasonal events, such as the extremely popular Fifties Fair, which is held every year during August.
Open hours: Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Rouse Hill Estate

Address: Guntawong Road, off Windsor Road, Rouse Hill, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2155, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9627 6777
The Rouse Hill Estate dates back to the early 19th century and has been home to six generations of occupants. Now owned and managed by the Historic Houses Trust, this grand neoclassical sandstone house was originally built by labouring convicts.
Open hours: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Susannah Place

Address: 58-64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9241 1893
Susannah Place resides within the Rocks district, where it comprises a wonderful row of tiny terrace houses dating from the mid-19th century. Remaining one of the few examples of the modest housing in this area of the city, Susannah Place also features a traditional corner shop selling many authentic period items.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Sydney Hospital and Eye Hospital

Address: 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9382 7400
Located alongside the Parliament House is the Sydney Hospital and Eye Hospital complex, which serves as the oldest hospital in the whole of Australia and was founded in 1788, being located on this spot since 1811. With an imposing sandstone facade and traditional Victorian architecture, the hospital is centred around a courtyard and was home to some of the earliest professional nurses and doctors in the history of the country.
Open hours: guided tours, Wednesday at 09:30 and 14:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for groups

Town Hall

Address: 483 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 8223 3815
Another noteworthy landmark in the city centre, the Town Hall stands directly across from the Queen Victoria Building and right next to St. Andrew's Cathedral. The hall features an elaborate interior with much ornate Victorian decoration, along with crystal chandeliers, stained-glass ceiling panels and an enormous pipe organ. The resident grand Centennial Hall, which was originally the home of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra until they moved to the Sydney Opera House in the 1970s, is now used for large meetings, concerts and local events.
Open hours: Tuesday and Thursday - 10:30
Admission: charge

Vaucluse House

Address: Wentworth Road, Vaucluse, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2030, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9388 7922
Located some 15 minutes to the east, the historic estate of Vaucluse House stands on one side of Vaucluse Park and dates back to the early part of the 18th century, being later extended by Australian explorer William Charles Wentworth - widely acknowledged as the father of the Australian constitution. The house was originally built for Sir Henry Brown Hayes, considered to be a 'troublesome individual' by the Governor of New South Wales, who was keen to see Hayes living outside of the city centre. The interior is a real treat and has been restored to reflect its historic early period, with nearby tearooms being available for those in need of refreshments.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, families and seniors

Victoria Barracks

Address: Oxford Street, Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), 2021, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 9339 3303
The Victoria Barracks began their life in 1841. This historic, late-Georgian complex took seven years to build and houses the oldest surviving army barracks in Australia. The work was supervised by Major George Barney, commanding the Royal Engineers, and incorporates sandstone quarried on the site. Free guided tours are undertaken by volunteers once a week and comprise a 30-minute band presentation, a one-hour tour of the complex and an optional visit to the Army Museum. The latter focuses upon the history of the armed forces in New South Wales and displays such objects as weaponry, costumes and paper artefacts.
Open hours: Thursday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge