This elegant harbourside edifice (1885) has a democratic feel to it. It houses tourist information, a library, bars and restaurant options, including Cafe Sydney on the top floor. In the lobby, look for the swastikas in the tiling (and the plaque explaining their symbolism), and a fascinating 1:500 model of the inner city, overrun by carp, under the glass floor.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Customs House Library

0.01 MILES

The elegant 1885 Customs House houses this three-level library. There's a great selection of international newspapers and magazines, internet access and…

2. Justice & Police Museum

0.09 MILES

In a sandstone building that once headquartered the Water Police, this atmospheric museum plunges you straight into Sydney noir. An assemblage of black…

3. Macquarie Place

0.09 MILES

Beneath some shady Moreton Bay fig trees is this historic triangle. Look for the cannon and anchor from the First Fleet flagship (HMS Sirius), an ornate…

4. Museum of Sydney

0.12 MILES

Built on the site of Sydney’s first Government House, the MoS is a fragmented, storytelling museum, which uses installations to explore the city’s history…

5. Tank Stream Fountain

0.13 MILES

Designed by Stephen Walker, this four-part bronze fountain (1981) near Circular Quay incorporates dozens of sculptures of native Australian animals; play…

6. Governors Phillip & Macquarie Towers

0.15 MILES

Clad in steel, granite and glass, Governor Phillip Tower (1993) is one of Sydney's tallest buildings (254m including antennae). Its distinctive metallic…

7. Sydney Writers Walk

0.15 MILES

Metal discs cast into the promenade hold ruminations from Australian writers (and the odd literary visitor). The likes of Mark Twain, Germaine Greer,…

8. Museum of Contemporary Art

0.17 MILES

The MCA is a showcase for Australian and international contemporary art, with a rotating permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Aboriginal art…