The grid references shown below refer to the colour map of Sydney at the front of the book.

 

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Circular Quay Area
Sydney Harbour BridgeE11
Affectionately known to Sydneysiders as 'The Coathanger' the Sydney Harbour Bridge dominates the city skyline. It is 503m long, and was completed in 1932 after nine years of construction. It was built from either shore, and when the two halves met they were only 7.6cm (3 inches in the old measurements) out of alignment! The Bridge opened with a piece of drama. The dignitaries were lined up, the Premier, Jack Lang, stepped forward to cut the ribbon, and up rode Captain de Groot on a noble steed. He slashed the ribbon with his sword, and all and sundry stood speechless, at least for a few seconds. The miscreant was apprehended, the ribbon was rejoined, and the ceremony continued.

In August, 1992, came the opening of the long-awaited harbour tunnel, which has lived up to its expectations in reducing peak hour traffic snarls on the bridge. You can't walk through the tunnel but you can walk over the bridge, and you can climb up the south-east pylon for some of the best harbour views. The pylon is hopen daily 10am-5pm and admission is around $2 adult.

A recent enterprise which has proved extremely popular is offered by BridgeClimb, 5 Cumberland Street, The Rocks. Included in the three hour package is a safety briefing and a magnificent walk up and across the great steel span. From the top of the bridge, spectacular views of Sydney by day or night are the reward for making it to the top, 9252 0077 for tickets, h7am-7pm, 7 days a week.

From the bridge there is a good view of Sydney's newest crossing, the Glebe Island Bridge with its many suspension cables. The bridge has improved the traffic flow into the city from the west.
Sydney Opera HouseG10

This magnificent performing arts complex is situated on Bennelong Point, which was named by Governor Phillip after an Aboriginal he befriended, taught English, and actually took back to England. This spot is apparently where Bennelong resided in his humpy.

Shrouded in controversy during its construction, Sydney Opera House was finally completed in 1973, and has since become almost the symbol of Australia. Instantly recognisable anywhere because of its unique architecture, this extraordinary building can only really be appreciated when acknowledged as part of its surroundings. The design encapsulates the concept of architecture mimicking its environment: the white sails give the vague impression that the building is a cluster of vessels on the waters of Port Jackson.

The Opera House has four theatres, four restaurants and six bars, and is surrounded by wide walkways. Details of current programs are published in the daily newspapers, and the Box Office is hopen Mon-Sat 9am-8.30pm and two hours prior to the start of a Sunday performance. Phone bookings may be made up to seven days prior to the performance, and the booking clerk will advise when payment must be made, or you can use your credit card. Front of House tours are held hdaily from 9am-4pm, departing every 30 minutes, and cost $15 adults, $10 concession, 9250 7111. There are also tours on some Sundays that take visitors backstage and cost $23 per person with no concessions (the tour is unsuitable for children under 12). The availability of the backstage tours depends on whether there are rehearsals in the house. It is best to contact Guided Tours, on the Saturday before you would like your tour, on the above number.
Bus no 438 travels down George Street to the concourse. Circular Quay Railway Station is the closest stop for train passengers.

Surely one of the world's greatest marine backdrops, the combination of Sydney's premier icons, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, must be appreciated at every angle. On any crystal morning, the white roof of the House is resplendant in the sunlight. Nearby, the impressive span of the Bridge arches over passing yachts and small cruisers carving their white trails across the harbour. The source of Sydney's beauty in a nutshell.

Circular QuayF8
It doesn't seem to matter when you visit the Quay, there are always lots of people around, but it is on weekends and holidays that you have the added colour and noise of all the buskers. From men playing classical pieces on violins, to little kids belting it out on a range of brass instruments, to Aborigines and (non-Aborigines) playing didgeridoos and teaching people to perform kangaroo and emu dances - it's all captivating entertainment.

The Quay is the heart of the Sydney Ferry network. At any given time, at least one of these green-hulled vessels will be visible at the docks, either accepting passengers or waiting for them to disembark. They then make their way slowly to and from the middle harbour on routes that stretch north-east to Manly and west towards Parra-matta River.

It is a real mezcla of people milling in anticipation of their ferry; people hurrying to catch their train at the railway station; some buying tickets for harbour cruises; some fishing in the doubtful water near Wharf 5; others, the well-dressed ones, beginning their walk around to the Opera House for a ballet or opera matinee.

A fairly recent and certainly controversial development has been established along the eastern promenade, stretching most of the way to the forefront of the Opera House. It is lined with up-market cafes, restaurants, shops and a movie cinema. The top levels are exclusive apartment residences. This imposing complex was initally dubbed 'The Toaster' by protesters who demonstrated on the steps of the Opera House in December 1996, during its construction, hoping to preserve the aesthetic quality of this landmark area. You can judge for yourself the final result.

Circular Quay Railway Station, although not underground, is part of the City Circle, and the Cahill Expressway on top of the railway takes traffic from the Bridge to the Eastern Suburbs and Macquarie Street.

Justice & Police MuseumF8
This museum, at 9 Phillip Street, 9252 1144, is almost directly opposite Wharf 5, and if you look across you will see figures of 'burglars' apparently trying to break into the building on the corner. It is only hopen Sunday 10am-5pm, but is worth a visit if you are in the area, and interested in phrenology or medieval-style weaponry. The collection began with the Police Exhibition that was an exhibit at the Royal Easter Show for many years. It is now housed in a former police station and court house, and has displays of relics from police investigations and trials, as well as record sheets of some of Sydney's most notorious felons. Admission is $7 adults, $4 children.

 

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Museum of SydneyF7
Situated on the corner of Phillip and Bridge Streets, on the site of First Government House, this modern museum is hopen daily 10am-5pm and admission is $7 adults, $4 children, $17 family, 9251 5988. It has an excellent cafe and a good bookshop, both of which can be visited without entering the museum. The bookshop specialises in architecture and design titles. There are also exhibits in the forecourt, and in the entrance foyer the foundations of Australia's first Government House are visible. Over the years there has been some controversy about the exhibits on show, and about the quotations of famous people that are on display throughout the galleries.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)E8
The MCA is the Art Deco building on the waterfront around from Wharf 5. It formerly housed the Maritime Services Board and when the board moved to new premises, there was some talk of levelling this imposing structure. Then somebody realised that it would be the perfect place for the J.W. Power collection of contemporary art, which had been left to the University of Sydney many years before. Now the museum is run as a non-profit company by a joint venture between Sydney University and the NSW Government. The museum's brochure proclaimed:
"This is a museum about the beautiful under our noses, the unusual, the weird and wacky in the visual, electronic, sound and tactile world we all live in."

And that just about sums it up! The museum is open daily 10am-5pm every day except Christmas. Admission is free. Entrance is from the Quay or from George Street. Volunteer-led guided tours are available for free, and curator-led tours cost $25 a head ad must be booked two weeks in advance. For details of current exhibitons phone 9252 4033 or the Infoline on 9241 5892.

The MCA Store in George Street has an incredible range of books, magazines, posters, etc, and the MCA Cafe next to the Quay entrance is worth a visit in itself. Why? It is managed by the people from the award-winning restaurant, Rockpool, which is nearby at 109 George Street, The Rocks.

Cadman's CottageE9
Continuing along the waterfront, the cottage is situated in a reserve on the corner of Argyle Street. It is the oldest remaining house in Sydney, and was home to John Cadman, the last Government Coxswain.

The two-storey sandstone cottage was finished in early 1816, and its building was possibly supervised by Francis Greenway, the convict architect, who lived nearby. At that time the house stood two metres from the water, on a small sandy beach, and had a wharf on its northern side. Its present position resulted in the late 1840s when ten acres of land were reclaimed to form Circular Quay. The lack of recorded history, artefacts or detailed plans of the cottage has stopped the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) from restoring the building as an historical museum.

It is presently an information centre for Sydney Harbour National Park, 9247 5033, and has plenty of brochures on walks and trips in Sydney parks and those further afield. It is open seven days a week.
The waterside walk continues around the back of the Overseas Terminal. There is a new upmarket bar and restaurant here over two levels, with great views. Continue on to Campbell's Cove, which has many restaurants in converted storehouses, and the wharf from which the Bounty and other cruise ships depart. Nearby is the Park Hyatt Sydney Hotel.

The RocksE9-E10
The Rocks nestles on the western edge of Circular Quay, the initial point of colonial settlement. Preservation of the area's heritage was the subject of conflict during the 1970s, but eventually common sense prevailed and the region has undergone restoration and improvement to become popular with both locals and tourists. The architecture transports the visitor to a previous era, and even products of modern consumerism attempt to blend in with the nostalgic theme.

The Sydney Visitor CentreE9
Steps beside Cadman's Cottage lead up to George Street, and if you turn right at the top of the steps you will come to the old Sailors' Home which now houses The Rocks Visitor Centre, 9255 1788. The Centre is hopen daily 9am-5pm, and has a very good video presentation on the first floor, of the growth of Sydney from a small penal colony to a thriving modern city. They carry brochures and maps for tourist attractions all over Sydney.

George StreetE9-E10
Continuing along George Street, there are many old historic buildings and pubs, and on the weekends the Bridge end of the street is closed off and The Rocks Markets are held (see Shopping section).
In the building on the right hand side of the markets there are some interesting craft displays and shops.

Westpac MuseumE9
Retrace your steps along George Street, walk past the Old Sydney Parkroyal Hotel, then turn up Playfair Street. Here at no 6-8 is the Westpac Museum, 9763 5670, which traces the history of the bank from its beginnings in 1817 as the Bank of NSW, to the present day of technological banking. There are also temporary exhibitions featuring subjects as diverse as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Antarctica. The museum is hopen Tues-Fri 10.30am-4pm, Sat-Mon 1-4pm and admission is free.
By the way, Playfair Street bends to the left, and straight ahead from the museum is Atherden Place, with four terrace houses. It is the shortest street in Sydney.

The Rocks SquareE9
The square is in the middle of Playfair Street (which is closed to traffic) and this area has many outdoor eateries, little shops, jazz or rock bands, and several lanes sprouting in all directions. Following Playfair Street to its end brings you to Argyle Street.

The Rocks Puppet CottageE8
The cottage is situated in Kendall Lane, and can be reached from George Street through a lane at no 77. It is open 10am-5pm Wed-Sun, 9241 2902. There are hundreds of puppets on display, and shows are held at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm on weekends, and other days during school holidays. Admission is free, and the cottage is sponsored by the Sydney Cove Authority.

Susannah PlaceD8
Situated at 58-64 Gloucester Street, Susannah Place, & 9241 1893, is a terrace of four brick houses that was built in 1844. It is now a museum of the lifestyle in the area from the 1840s until the turn of the century. Included is a shop that stocks the type of goods that would have been available then.

The Rocks CentreE9
The centre is on the corner of Playfair & Argyle Streets and offers two floors of boutiques and eateries.

Argyle StoresE9
The Rocks' newest addition is Argyle Stores, 18-24 Argyle Street, 9251 4800, which has around 5000 square metres of upmarket shopping. Modelled along the lines of France's Galleries Lafeyette, the different departments are managed by individual operators, but blend to give the appearance of one entity.

The building was initially completed in 1828 using convict labour, and was the first Customs House in Australia. Over the years it has had several uses, and names, until in 1993 it was completely restored by the Sydney Cove Authority at a cost of around $9 million. In 1994 it was offered for lease as a department store, and back in October 1996 the Argyle opened its doors to customers.

A few doors up Argyle Street is The Argyle Restaurant, which is open daily 11.30am-3pm, 7.30-10.30pm, 9247 7782. This is a real Aussie theatre-restaurant, that serves good old fashioned tucker (food) with large helpings of fun and laughter.

Clocktower SquareE9
The square is the building on the corner of Argyle and Harrington Streets with the clocktower, and it contains several souvenir shops, a Japanese restaurant, and The Rocks Opal Mine, 9247 4974. Here you can not only buy tax-free opals, you can dig for them! There is a mine shaft elevator which really does seem to travel down to the depths of the earth, then the door opens and an old mine tunnel appears with 'miners' busy at work. It's good fun even if you are not interested in buying opals, and is hopen seven days.

Millers PointE11
Millers Point is the suburb on the opposite side of the Harbour Bridge (and the Bradfield Highway which crosses it) to The Rocks. It can be reached by following Hickson Road from the Park Hyatt Sydney Hotel around the base of the south-east pylon of the Bridge to Dawes Point; by following George Street to its end, then walking down steps to Hickson Road; or by continuing along Argyle Street and passing under the Bradfield Highway.

Holy Trinity (Garrison) Church D9
The Church is in Argyle Street. It was built in 1848 and is called the Garrison Church because it was compulsory for the soldiers of the 50th Regiment stationed at Dawes Point Battery to attend the morning service. There is a leaflet available for a small purchase fee at the rear of the church which details its complete history.

Argyle PlaceD9
The little park just up the street, is Sydney's oldest village green.

Sydney ObservatoryD8
The Observatory is on Watson Road, Observatory Hill, and can be reached by following Argyle Street, then walking up some steep steps. The Observatory, 9217 0485, has a regular program of exhibitions, films, talks and night viewings, and a hands-on exhibition. During the day it is hopen Mon-Fri 2-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm and admission is Jfree. It is also hopen nightly, except Wednesday, and has two programs in winter (6.15 and 8.15pm) and one in summer (8.15pm). Bookings are necessary for the night sessions, and charges are $10 adults, $5 children, $25 family.

You may wonder about the ball on top of the building. It has been part of the synchronisation of time in Sydney since the building was erected in 1858. In the early days of the colony, a gun was fired at exactly 1pm from Dawes Point, and another from Fort Denison. These were for the ships in the harbour to check their chronometers. To enable the settlers in the colony to also check their time-pieces, the ball on the Observatory was hoisted by mechanical means to the top of the pole at approximately five minutes to one, then when the guns fired, the ball dropped back to the bottom. The ball still fulfils its function, but only on special occasions such as public holidays and during school holidays.

S.H. Ervin GalleryD8
The Gallery is in the National Trust Centre, almost next door to the Observatory. The building was erected in 1815 as a military hospital, then for many years was home to one of Sydney's leading girls' high schools. The Gallery has changing exhibitions, and for current programs and entry charges, 9258 0173.

The Royal Botanical
Gardens & Macquarie Street
The Gardens are a popular lunchtime spot for city workers, and weekends see many family picnics. They are situated on the edge of Farm Cove, where the early colonists first tried to grow vegetables.
As you enter through the gate near the Opera House and climb the slight slope, the astonishing building to your right is Government House. It is the state's finest example of sophisticated Gothic Revival and took eight years to build, finally completed in 1845. Although the battlements, turrets and arches present it for all intents and purposes as a castle, defence was not one of the building's intended functions, and it was instead given over to the administration of colonial affairs.

Surrounded by scenic gardens in one of the city's finest corners, it now acts as a pleasant welcoming venue for the Governor's official receptions. It is open to the public Fri-Sun 10am-3pm, 9931 5222. The garden belonging to the House is open every day 10am-4pm. The building at the end of the driveway leading from Government House is the Conservatorium of Music, which was originally the Governor's stables.

Signposts point the way to Mrs Macquarie's Chair, a rock outcrop where the Governor's wife apparently sat to watch for ships arriving from England. The small remote island you can see in the centre of the harbour is Fort Denison. For a short time it was regarded notoriously among early convicts as the most inescapable gaol of the colony and the destination of wayward miscreants. The nickname 'Pinchgut' evolved from the starvation men unlucky enough to spend time on the island experienced. Poorly treated and unfit to attempt a fleeing swim, these criminals were naturally inappreciative of their otherwise superb location. Feared and despised in those times, the fort is now a prime location commanding one of the best views of the city and harbour. It was built as part of Sydney's defences, and has come under the jurisdiction of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, as part of Sydney Harbour National Park.

Tours of Fort Denison leave from Wharf 6, Circular Quay, but must be booked in advance, 9247 5033 (NPWS at Cadman's Cottage). The tour costs $16 for adults, $10 for children and concession and $40 for families.

Back on land, the footpath by the sea wall leads to the Visitors Centre and shop, a kiosk, and a restaurant; and signposts show the way to the herbarium, the pyramid glasshouse and other exhibits. There are two exits near the pyramid, one on to Macquarie Street, the other leads to the Art Gallery. The Royal Botanical Gardens are hopen daily 8am to sunset, 9231 8125.

Art Gallery of
New South WalesG5
The Art Gallery is in Art Gallery Road, in the Botanical Gardens, and faces The Domain. It is a spectacular building, housing a vast contemporary collection of Australian, European and Asian Art, and a fine collection of Aboriginal paintings and artefacts. The names of famous artists are set in stone on the front of the building, upon the tier just below the roof level. Two statues of mounted horseman grace the patches of lawn on either side of the entrance.

Many special exhibitions are held at the Gallery, and for recorded information on current exhibits, 9225 1744 or 9225 1790. Free guided tours of the Gallery are available - check at the information desk on your left as you walk into the gallery through the vestibule. There is no charge for admission to the Gallery and its permanent collection, but a fee is levied for special exhibitions.

There is a restaurant and a coffee shop, and the Gallery is open daily, 10am-5pm.
In this enriching environment, you can immerse yourself in culture and history before relaxing and reflecting among the flora of the Domain across the road or in the Botanical Gardens nearby.

The DomainG5
The Domain is the large grassed area between the Art Gallery and the Public Library. It is a peaceful park setting for soap box orators on Sundays, and the venue for a number of Sydney's free summertime open-air concerts, such as Opera In The Park and Symphony in the Park.

State Library of
New South WalesF6
The original, imposing building of the Library faces Shakespeare Place, on the corner of Macquarie Street. The new section has been built behind, but can also be accessed from Macquarie Street. The hushed ambience of the library envelops you upon entering.

The Library, commonly referred to as the Mitchell Library, contains the nation's finest collection of Australiana and an amazing wealth of historical records. The accumulation of this stored knowledge continues to grow with the obligation under law placed on all publishing houses to supply the library with a copy of each of their publications.

There is a magnificent reading room with wood panneling and tiered shelving, complete with matching stairs and narrow walkways. There is also an excellent Reference Library. The new wing contains the latest technology for reading and learning. The information desk has a self-guided tour sheet with information on every part of the library, and it is worth obtaining.

There is a restaurant and a bookshop, and the Library is open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm, and admission is of course free, 9230 1414. The Library has changing exhibitions, usually of an historic nature, and information on current programs can be obtained by calling the above number.

Parliament HouseF6
Situated in Macquarie Street, Parliament House has experienced several additions, removals, renovations and upgrades since its initial construction in 1816. It is a combination of styles - from Georgian to Victorian to contemporary - which have been carefully designed over the years to blend the variety and preserve the pleasant small scale of the building despite necessary expansions. The most recent challenge was the attachment of a twelve-storey office block to the existing framework, and its relative obscurity was accomplished by setting part of it underground, so that the new floors are only visible from the Domain at the rear rather than spoiling the Macquarie Street frontage.
The House is open to visitors, and they can even attend a session. Parliament generally sits from mid-February to early May, and from mid-September to early December, on Tues, Wed and Thurs. hFor information on hours, 9230 2111.

The MintF5
The Mint is further south of Parliament House and next to Sydney Hospital (which was once a wing of Governor Macquarie's Rum Hospital). Built in 1816, it was the 1850s that earned the building its name for it was here that gold sovereigns were coined. Visitors can visit the Mint's former vaults, strike their own souvenir coin, and learn how raw gold was turned into bullion and currency. The Mint is hopen daily 9am-5pm and admission is free, 9217 0311.

Hyde Park BarracksF5
The Barracks is a Georgian building designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, and was intended for convict accommodation when it was built in 1819. It now houses an impressive collection which shows how the convicts spent their daily lives; where and how they slept, ate and worked. The Barracks also has the Greenway Gallery, which has changing exhibitions of historical and cultural interest. The Barracks Cafe is in the original confinement cell area and has an imaginative menu, but it's a bit on the expensive side.

The Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales has control of the Barracks which is in Queens Square, adjacent to The Mint and north-east of Hyde Park itself. The museum hopens daily (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) 10am-5pm, 9223 8922. Admission is $7 adults, $3 children, $17 family.
Francis Greenway also designed St James' Anglican Church on the other side of the street from the Barracks.

St Mary's CathedralF4
The Cathedral, on the corner of College Street and St Mary's Road, 9220 0400, is a magnificent example of revival Gothic architecture in Hawkesbury sandstone, out-matched in its style only by Government House. Begun in 1866, after a fire destroyed the previous church, the workmen laid down their tools in 1928, standing back to admire the legacy of a 62-year project. The twin spires over the southern nave were added in early 2000, rectifying the unfinished look the exterior bore for seventy years. Vaulted ceilings, intricate statues, period-piece gargoyles and crafted side altars make the church interior both beautiful and fascinating.

Perhaps the pinnacle of the labour is the outstanding stained-glass window features, depicting scenes from the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the early days of the Catholic Church in Australia. Under the Cathedral is a crypt where the Catholic Archbishops of Sydney are interred, and there is also an exhibition on the background of the Cathedral and the plans for its future.

The Chapter Hall is the earliest building on the site. Built in Gothic Revival style between 1843 and 1845, it was to form part of a Benedictine Monastery planned to include the original cathedral. The monastery was never completed. The Chapter Hall was commissioned by John Bede Polding, the first Bishop of Sydney, and since its construction it has been used as a meeting hall, classics school and general purpose hall. It is classified by the National Trust. Another attraction of the Cathedral is its world-famous choir which sings every Sunday at the 10.30am Mass.

Hyde ParkF5-F2
Opposite Hyde Park Barracks is Queen's Square with an imposing statue of Queen Victoria, and adjoining that is Hyde Park. Further south into the park is the impressive Archibald Fountain. Its fanning peacock-spray captures the attention of people strolling through the northern section of Hyde Park.

Hyde Park is bounded by Queen's Square, College Street, Liverpool Street and Elizabeth Street, with Park Street running through the centre, and changing its name to William Street as it crosses College Street. The western boundary of the park adjoins the hectic commerce-and-trade climate of Market and Elizabeth Streets while St Mary's Cathedral to the east encourages quiet contemplation and prayer.

At the Queen's Square end of the park there are entrances to the underground St James Station from Macquarie Street, Elizabeth Street (at the end of Market Street) and Queen's Square. At the Liverpool Street end of the park there are entrances to the underground Museum Station from Elizabeth Street (at the end of Bathurst Street) and near the corner of Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets.

The Anzac War Memorial, with the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Pool of Reflection, is in the southern section. Protruding from its lush surrounds, this enormous monument commemorates those Australians who gave their lives in wars - a significant proportion of the population each time. The poignant carvings on the Memorial pitch solemm order against the rage of battle, evoking a sense of reflection and an awareness of great loss. It is a remarkable feature with outstanding architecture that should be viewed.

The Australian MuseumF3
The Museum is at 6 College Street, and is open daily, except Christmas Day, 9.30am-5pm, 9230 6000. General admission to the museum is $8 adult, $3 child (5-15), $19 family, but for special temporary exhibitions there may be an extra fee. There is no charge after 4pm each day. Phone the above number for all details of current attractions, special programs for children, information on guided tours and any other query you could possibly have.

The Australian Museum is recognised as one of the foremost museums of its type in the world. There is a bookshop and restaurant in the complex.

City Centre
Pedestrians flock through city centre thoroughfares for many reasons. Most shop at the many lavish malls, plazas, arcades and complexes. Others hunt for a snack in an elegant food court, a fresh seafood meal by the waterside, or dinner with a view at one of the upper-floor restaurants in the middle of the CBD. Still more stroll on their way to relax with friends over coffee at a promenade cafe. And all enjoy the sights and sunshine of a remarkable city, drawn like moths to a flame.
Though this is principally a shopping area, here are a few sites worth visiting.

Martin PlaceE6-F6
A traffic thoroughfare until 1973, Martin Place, or Martin Plaza as it is sometimes called, is a wide pedestrian mall that stretches for five blocks from George Street to Macquarie Street. At the George Street end near the GPO is the Cenotaph, where a Military Memorial Ceremony takes place on the last Thursday of the month at 12.30pm. On other Thursdays the Army Band plays near the monument. It is near the Cenotaph that Sydney's official Christmas Tree is erected (very tall and impressively decorated, it is disappointingly artificial nevertheless).

Between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets, near the MLC Centre, there is a sunken amphitheatre where free lunchtime entertainment is sometimes staged. The entrance to Martin Place Railway Station is between Phillip and Macquarie Streets.

Sydney TowerE5
Now burdened with the most overbearing advertisement visible, AMP Sydney Tower soars over 300m above the city, and is the highest public building in the Southern Hemisphere. It is located above the Centrepoint Shopping Complex, bounded by Pitt, Market and Castlereagh Streets. From the Market Street foyer take the lift to the Podium Level, then board one of three double-decker lifts that will take you to the Observation Level (Level 4). Here there are high-powered binoculars, an illuminated display of Sydney Harbour's water traffic, a tourist booking and information service, audio and guided tours.

Level 3 has the highest coffee lounge in Australia; Level 2 has a self-service revolving restaurant; and Level 1 has an a-la-carte up-market restaurant.
The Observation Level is hopen daily 9am-10.30pm Sun-Fri and 9.30am-11pm on Saturday. A general tour is available, lasting between 30 and 45 minutes. The 76-floor ascension costs adults $20, children $14, and $55 for a family, 9229 7444.

The Queen Victoria Building D4
There is more information on this restored building in the Shopping chapter, but even if you aren't interested in shopping, you should call in and have a look. It is not just a shopping centre, it is a remarkable building, with style.

From the outside it gives a visually comparative insight into Sydney's architecture, which is an eclectic mix of old and new. The ostentatious towers, arches, angelic figureheads and pale green domes of the restored QVB contrast with the streamlined walls and dominant glass of the typical modern skyscrapers occupying the background. Yet somehow the clash pleasantly co-exists.
The QVB is located at 455 George Street, 9264 9209.

Sydney Town HallD3
Situated on the corner of George and Druitt Streets, the Town Hall was built between 1868 and 1889 in French Renaissance style. Its concert hall houses a pipe organ which ranks with the biggest and best in the world. The Sydney City Council administrative offices occupy the modern tower block at the rear of the building. The Town Hall was given a facelift in time for Sydney's Sesquicentenary in 1992 (prior to 1842, Sydney had not received city status).

The steps of Town Hall are often crammed with people catching their breath, snacking on food, making a protest, selling something suspect or busking with limited talent. At night, the building's spires and recesses are aesthetically floodlit. Centrepoint Touring Company conduct tours of the building when there are no functions taking place, 8223 3815 for further information.
Town Hall Railway Station has entrances to the underground on both sides of George Street.

St Andrew's CathedralD3
The Cathedral has twin towers reminiscent of York Minster, and is the oldest cathedral in Australia. The foundation stone was laid on May 17, 1837 by Governor Bourke. Work stopped in 1842 due to lack of funds; a three year drought had caused the colony financial problems. The Cathedral was finally completed in 1868.

There was lot of drama during its construction, including a change of architects, and the complete reversal of the church's interior - the back door of which appeared on the original plans as opening onto George Street where the main entrace should have been. It is possible to buy a book detailing the history of this beautiful Cathedral. St Andrew's is just south of Town Hall.

Cinema DistrictD3
The next block on George Street, between Bathurst and Liverpool Streets, a large cinema complex jointly run by three different chains, a couple of McDonald's, a Pizza Hut, and other varieties of fast food outlet. There are also arcade parlours, restaurants and coffee shops. In short, this is a very busy part of the city.

ChinatownD2
Continue down George Street, turn right at Goulburn Street, and the first turn on the left will bring you to Chinatown, which has the usual amount of restaurants, delicatessens and herbalists.
From here it is a short walk to Paddy's Markets, the Entertainment Centre and the restored Capitol Theatre.