Exploring Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Exploring Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 05/24/2018

Reading time: 3 mins

See this unique landmark and the view go with it!

Sydney boasts one of the most iconic skylines in the world with a smattering of renowned landmarks, like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. These attractions can all be seen from the incredible vantage point of Mrs Macquarie’s Point. Connected to the lush expanse of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquarie’s Point is the most north-easterly part of Farm Cove and perches over the top of some of the city’s best-loved highlights.

The region is also home to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Also known as Lady Macquarie’s Chair, this sandstone rock formation has been carved to resemble a bench. Formed in 1810 by a group of convicts, it now provides a resting spot from which visitors can marvel at Sydney’s major landmarks below. It was made in honour of Governor Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth.

Macquarie was the governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821, and legend has it that his wife used to sit on the rock the bench is now carved out of and watch for ships that were sailing into the harbour from Great Britain.

Right above the sandstone seat there is an inscription dedicated to Mrs Macquarie’s Road which was built over five years between 1813 and 1818 and joined together Government House and Mrs Macquarie’s Point. The road was Governor Macquarie’s idea to benefit his wife, though the passageway no longer remains.

The Marvellous Views from Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Stories have it that Elizabeth often sat on the rock that the bench is now carved out of and watched over ships that came into the harbour after their long voyages from Great Britain back in the early 1800s. If you keep your eyes peeled, you can see an inscription above the seat that’s been dedicated to Mrs Macquarie’s Road. Built in the 1810s, it connected up Government House and Mrs Macquarie’s Point so that Elizabeth could easily get from one to the other.

In summer, the area takes on a life of its own and buzzes with groups of visitors and locals who head there to kick back and enjoy the sun. There’s plenty to do besides looking out over the city, too; the annual Open Air Cinema is set at Mrs Macquarie’s Point every year, giving people the chance to watch a selection of classic films against Sydney’s memorable skyline.

How to Get to Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Mrs Macquarie’s Point remains one of the best-loved and most visited attractions in the city, and it’s really easy to get to if you want to soak up the incredible views from its excellent vantage point.

Getting to Mrs Macquarie’s Point and Chair is simple. The Sydney Explorer route travels to it, as well as trains and ferries from Circular Quay in the harbour. If you decide to get the bus, disembark at the Art Gallery which is just 15 minutes away from the Point.

Alternatively, you can walk to the vantage point and soak up the beautiful scenery as you go. The walk takes just 20 minutes from Circular Quay, taking you past the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and numerous other landmarks as you go. For drivers, there is parking along the road that connects the Art Gallery to Mrs Macquarie’s Point.

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.