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Historic Ruins & Heritage

Cadman’s Cottage

📍 110 George Street, The Rocks NSW 2000
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★★★★☆

Introduction

Cadman's Cottage at 110 George Street in The Rocks was built in 1816 and is the oldest surviving residential building in Sydney, one of only a handful of buildings remaining from the colony's first 30 years. This small sandstone cottage takes its name from John Cadman, superintendent of government boats, who once lived here. Over the years it has served variously as a water transport headquarters, a sailors' home and a water police station. Now a state heritage historic site managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, it is open free to the public and offers a window into early colonial Sydney.

✨ Highlights

1
Sydney's oldest residence
Built in 1816, it is the oldest surviving residential building in Sydney and one of the few remnants of the settlement's first three decades.
2
Named for John Cadman
The cottage bears the name of Superintendent John Cadman, who managed water transport from this home.
3
A life of many uses
Served as water-transport headquarters, a sailors' home and a water police station, condensing the history of the colonial waterfront.
4
State heritage historic site
Managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and inscribed on the state heritage list - a living relic of early colonial Sydney.
5
Anchor of The Rocks
Set below street level overlooking Circular Quay, it is a cornerstone of The Rocks' maritime and colonial story.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.
→Transport：Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.
→Climate & dress：UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.
→On site：Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.
→Accessibility：Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Reference: Mon-Fri about 9:30am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun about 10am-4:30pm; closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Confirm on site.; admission: Free..
• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.
• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.
• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Cadman’s Cottage?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Reference: Mon-Fri about 9:30am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun about 10am-4:30pm; closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Confirm on site.; admission: Free.. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.