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Discover Sydney history presented through an extensive collection of buildings,museums and gardens. Many of the buildings below can be visited using the Ticket through Time ticket which provides unlimited entry for three months to 11 buildings and museums. The museums and buildings that are part of the Ticket through Time ticket are Elizabeth Bay House; Elizabeth Farm; Government House; Hyde Park Barracks; Justice & Police Museum; Meroogal; Museum of Sydney; Rose Seidler House; Rouse Hill Estate; Susannah Place Museum and Vaucluse House.
Anzac War Memorial
This sturdy and imposing Art Deco building is the state's moving tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for Australia, especially those who died with the first Anzac force at Gallipoli and during the remainder of the Great War. The monument was erected in 1934 and is at the south end of Hyde Park. There is a small war museum in the base of the monument. The memorial contains no names but 120,00 stars in the ceiling dome represents those from NSW who served. Free guided tours available. Located at Hyde Park. Take the train to Museum or Sydney Explorer, Stop 7. (02 9267 7668)
Cadman's Cottage
This is one of Sydney's oldest surviving buildings, dating from 1816. It was built to house the Government Coxswain, who had the important task of organising all the water transport on the harbour. The cottage was named after the third and longest serving such coxswain, the ex convict John Cadman. Originally the cottage was at the water's edge, but it is now 100 metres back from the harbour. Over the years it has served various purposes, including acting as a court and as a sailors' home. It became disused in the 1960s, but has now been taken over by the Sydney Harbour National Park, excavated and restored. Located at 110 George Street. Take the train to Circular Quay or Sydney bus to Circular Quay or Sydney Explorer, Stop 25. (02 9247 5033) Circular Quay
Sydneys Circular Quay on the world famous Sydney Harbour.
Elizabeth Bay House
A superb example of colonial architecture overlooking the Harbour built by John Serge for the Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay. Furnished to a mid 1800's style. Located at 7 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay. Take Bus 311 from Circular Quay, the Sydney Explorer stops on Macleay Street a short walk away.(02 9356 3022)
Elizabeth Farm
The oldest farmhouse in Australia located in Parramatta. Built by John Macarthur who arrived in 1790 and was one of the first farmers. Parts of the building date from 1793. Located at 70 Alice Street, Rosehill. The nearest stations are Rosehill or Harris Park. From the ferry wharf it is fifteen minutes on foot, take the ferry to Parramatta.(02 9635 9488)
Government House
Situated in the Sydney Botanical Gardens, the Government House building is open to the public.
Hyde Park Barracks
This building originally housed convicts. It was designed in 1819 by Governor Macquarie and a convict architect named Francis Greenway. Now it is a museum of Australian history, with particular emphasis on the life of Francis Greenway and the history of this building. The shop has books on convicts, Australian culture and history. Located at Queens Square Macquarie Street. Admission is part of the Ticket Through Time. Take the train to St. James or Sydney Explorer, Stop 4. (02 8239 2311).
Old Government House
Located in Parramatta Park and built in 1799 Old Government House was extended in 1815, now home to a fine collection of Australian colonial furniture. Located at Parramatta Park. Take the ferry to Parramatta.
Parliament House
Click Parliament House for more information.
Mrs. Macquarie's Chair
Located at the end of the Royal Botanic Gardens provides some of the best views of the harbour and the Opera House. This is the place to capture a classic souvenir picture.
Quarantine Station
Ships arriving with disease were quarantined at this site, since closed in 1984. Tours are arranged and in the evening ghost tours. Tour booking is essential on 02 9247 5033. Take bus 135 departing from Manly Wharf.
Queen Victoria Building
A good example of 19th century architecture and also an up market shopping arcade. Located at George Street. Take the train to Town Hall or Sydney Explorer Stop 14. (02 9264 9209)
Rose Seilder House
Built between 1848 and 1950 Rose Seilder House was designed by Harry Seilder using open plans, bold colours and started the modernist movement in Australia. A good collection of post war furniture is housed inside and good views of Ku-ring-gai National Park. Located at 71 Clissold Road, Wahroonga. Take the train to Wahroonga. (02 9989 8020).
Rouse Hill Estate
A very old and fragile property about an hour's drive from the city centre. You can see the farm buildings and many objects used in the 19th Century. Located at
Guntawong Road, Rouse Hill, admission charges apply. (02 9627 6777).
St James Anglican Church
The oldest church in Sydney, designed by Francis Greenway in 1824. 173 King Street (02 8227 1300).
State Library of New South Wales
This is the oldest research library in Australia and it has an extensive collection of Australian manuscripts, including eight of the ten diaries written by those who arrived in the first fleet. The Mitchell Library has a mosaic depicting the voyages of Abel Tasman in 1642 - 1643. Admission to the library is free. There are also free exhibitions held in the Mitchell Galleries. Located at Macquarie Street. Take the train to Martin Place or Sydney Explorer, Stop 4. (02 9273 1414).
Strand Arcade
Running between George Street and Pitt Street Mall, The Strand built in 1892 features a very ornate interior. Take the train to St.James or Sydney Explorer, Stop 14.
Susannah Place
Susannah Place built in 1844 is a group of terraced houses retaining the traditional atmosphere of The Rocks and now converted into a museum. The houses bring to life conditions for working class people from 1844 until the 20th Century. A working corner shop sells goods from the early 20th Century. Nearby you can explore the narrow alleys of this area, passing through such lanes as Suez Canal, for example, at the mouth of which two pedestrians can barely pass. Located at 58 – 64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, admission charges apply. Take the train or bus to Circular Quay. (02 9241 1893)
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Read more about the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney Hospital
Hopefully you will not be needing this landmark, most of which was constructed in 1894, for its principal purpose. Its most interesting feature is the Florence Nightingale Wing, adjacent to the courtyard, which was built to Florence Nightingale's specifications in order to house the nurses who were sent to Australia in 1868.
Take the train to Martin Place or Sydney Explorer, Stop 4.
Sydney Opera House
Please click to read all about the Sydney Opera House.
Sydney Tower
For Sydney Tower information click Sydney Tower
Town Hall
Intersted in finding out about Town Hall click the link to learn more.
The Bounty
The Bounty is a replica of Captain Bligh's ship, recreated to star in the film Mutiny on the Bounty. Now it serves as a floating restaurant, sailing out onto the harbour at meal times. The ship is based in Campbell's Cove.Take the train or bus to Circular Quay or Sydney Explorer, Stop 24.
The Mint
Built in 1816 this was the building where the gold sovereigns were made. You can see the former vaults and learn how raw gold was turned into currency. Located on Macquarie Street.(02 9217 0311).
The Rocks
To read about The Rocks one of the oldest areas of Sydney, Circular Quay click The Rocks.
Vaucluse House
Vaucluse House, not far from Watsons Bay, was, for a while, the home of William Charles Wentworth, the explorer who pioneered the first route through the Blue Mountains. Parts of the house date from 1803, although most of it is later. The gardens extend to ten hectares and there is a popular tearoom. Located at Wentworth Road, Vaucluse. Take the Bondi Explorer, Stop 9 or bus 325 from Circular Quay. (02 9388 7922).
Victoria Barracks
A colonial Georgian complex and home to the army since 1848. A flag raising ceremony and marching band display is held every Thursday at 10am, after which a tour is possible. Located at Oxford Street, Paddington. Take the bus 378, 380, 382 or Bondi Explorer Stop 17 (02 9339 3250).
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