When Sydney began to develop since the 1800’s it was a mixture of broad tree lined streets and narrow alleys as well as grand sandstone buildings, cottages and terraces on either side of narrow streets. Amongst the modern office buildings and modern apartment complexes which dominate Sydney’s skyline today, a flash back into Sydney CBD’s historical colonial past can be still seen when you take a tour around The Rocks area close to Circular Quay.
If you are in The Rocks, what you observe is pure history. Old hotels, old sandstone cottages and terrace houses, the old Garrison church and the old observatory all form a part of the colonial past. There are other inner city suburbs such as Paddington, Balmain , Leichardt and Redfern with its sandstone cottages and terrace homes on either side of narrow streets which adequately display the historical past of Sydney. These areas are popular with those who want to live close to Sydney CBD. The old homes are beautifully restored, yet leaving the facade to remind what it looked like centuries ago.
Take a walk along Macquarie Street in the city alongside Botanic Gardens and the Domain and you will be greeted with more historical buildings such as the Conservatorium of Music, Old Government House, Art Gallery of NSW ,the State Library, the Parliament House, building of the Royal College of Physicians, Hyde Park Barracks which is now a museum, St. James Church and towards the harbour end of Macquarie street the historical area known as Macquarie’s Chair. it is said that Governor Macquarie’s wife sat on the sandstone shell known as the Macquarie’s chair to gaze at the harbour.
Your exploration of Sydney’s historic buildings in or near Sydney city does not stop here. Elizabeth Bay House, General Post Office in Martin Place, the Great Hall at Sydney University, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Cathedral , Greek Revival Court House in Taylor Square, Vaucluse House and the most spectacular of all the Victoria Barracks in Darlinghurst which is the 2 storey Georgian building with 74 metre long white painted lower and upper verandahs proudly showcasing its elegance.
If you are the traveller seeking accommodation in Sydney to explore the historical past of this beautiful harbour city, holiday rentals in Sydney including accommodation in Sydney CBD such as Sydney hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation in Sydney as well as accommodation in Sydney Darling Harbour to suit your holiday accommodation needs can be booked ahead.
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