Sightseeing

The Mint

📍 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

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Introduction

The Mint at 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney, was built between 1811 and 1816 as the south wing of the General Hospital of Governor Macquarie's famed 'Rum Hospital'. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings in central Sydney and contains what is regarded as the earliest classical detailing in Australia, offering insight into colonial building techniques. From 1855 it operated as the first overseas branch of the Royal Mint of London, striking colonial coinage and shaping the colony's economy. Today this restored heritage site houses the headquarters of Museums of History NSW, the Caroline Simpson Library, the Bullion cafe and elegant event spaces.

✨ Highlights

Among Sydney's oldest buildings

Built 1811-1816 as the south wing of the Rum Hospital, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in central Sydney with the earliest classical detailing in Australia.

First overseas Royal Mint branch

From 1855 it was the London Royal Mint's first overseas branch, striking coinage and shaping the colonial economy.

Caroline Simpson Library

Now the headquarters of Museums of History NSW and home to the Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection.

Bullion cafe and dining

Hosts the Bullion cafe and the Bullion Bar and Dining restaurant, alongside elegant event venues.

Restored courtyard

The fine courtyard lawn invites visitors to relax, making The Mint a natural stop on the Macquarie Street walk.

🛈 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: Generally open Monday to Friday (reference around 9am-5pm), closed weekends and public holidays; confirm on the official site.; admission: Free entry..

• 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 The Mint?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Generally open Monday to Friday (reference around 9am-5pm), closed weekends and public holidays; confirm on the official site.; admission: Free entry.. 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.