Sydney, Australia - July 11, 2010 : Dramatic sky and the Sydney Opera House at dusk. Sydney skyline taken from Mrs. Macquarie's Point.; Shutterstock ID 185348105; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

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This peninsula was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife, who ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquaries Chair, as it's known, is still there today. It's in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

OpenAir Cinema is held near here in the summer months.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Fort Denison

0.36 MILES

In colonial times this small fortified harbour island was a sorry site of suffering, used to isolate recalcitrant convicts and nicknamed ‘Pinchgut’ for…

2. Royal Botanic Garden

0.41 MILES

Southeast of the Opera House, this garden was established in 1816 and features plant life from around the world. Within the gardens are hothouses with…

3. Government House

0.43 MILES

Set within the Royal Botanic Gardens, this Gothic sandstone mansion (built 1837–43) is the official residence of the Governor of NSW. Its lovely loggia…

4. Garden Island

0.45 MILES

The majority of the important Garden Island naval base is off-limits to the strolling public, but you can visit the tip by ferry. Here, there's a pleasant…

5. Sydney Opera House

0.46 MILES

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, this magnificent building is Australia's most famous landmark. Visually referencing a yacht's sails, it's a…

6. Sydney Conservatorium of Music

0.55 MILES

The castellated ‘Con’ was designed in 1817 by convict architect Francis Greenway as the stables and servants’ quarters of Governor Macquarie’s new house…

7. Sydney Writers Walk

0.56 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. Admiralty House

0.57 MILES

Australia's governor-general, the local representative of the monarchy, officially resides in this waterside mansion (1846), best admired from the water…