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Sightseeing

Parliament of New South Wales

📍 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
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Introduction

Parliament of New South Wales sits on Macquarie Street in Sydney, and its complex includes the oldest surviving public building in the Sydney CBD. Its history reaches back to the era of Governor Lachlan Macquarie (1810-1821), when it formed part of the famed 'Rum Hospital' buildings; the NSW Legislative Council began operating here around 1824, making it the home of Australia's first parliament. The front facade is two-storey Georgian in style, flanked by newer Neo-Gothic wings that house the parliamentary chambers. Visitors can join a free guided tour or watch proceedings from the public galleries on sitting days.

✨ Highlights

1
Sydney's oldest public building
The complex contains the oldest surviving public building in the Sydney CBD, whose history dates to the governorship of Lachlan Macquarie (1810-1821).
2
Roots in the 'Rum Hospital'
Completed 1811-1816 as part of the 'Rum Hospital' complex, it became home to the NSW Parliament from around 1824.
3
Georgian facade and Neo-Gothic wings
A two-storey Georgian front is flanked by newer Neo-Gothic wings housing the chambers, offering a striking stylistic contrast.
4
Free parliamentary tours
Free guided tours take visitors into the historic chambers; on sitting days the public can watch proceedings from the galleries.
5
Art in the Fountain Court
The Fountain Court displays some of the state's finest historical and contemporary art.

🛈 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: Free guided tours are generally offered on Mondays and non-sitting Fridays; public galleries are open on sitting days. Confirm on the official website.; admission: Free entry; guided tours are 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 Parliament of New South Wales?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Free guided tours are generally offered on Mondays and non-sitting Fridays; public galleries are open on sitting days. Confirm on the official website.; admission: Free entry; guided tours are 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.