RESOURCES: Streetscapes

Central Business District, Sydney

Photos by Matt Stone.

Many parts of Sydney CBD are worth a stroll for their interesting buildings and streetscapes.

Some examples of fine architecture can be found – although a great deal has been lost over the years.

On this page, the CBD North series of images begins at Circular Quay, moving southward approximately to Sydney GPO. CDB South then continues as far as Surry Hills.

CBD North

The Sydney Harbour Bridge (c.1932) viewed from the eastern side of Circular Quay. Prior to 2020, cruise ships were frequent visitors, but for now the passenger terminal remains deserted.

An inflatable sculpture at Circular Quay forming part of Chinese New Year celebrations, 2020.

Mysterious powers being demonstrated near the Manly Ferry Terminal at Circular Quay.

Commuters making their way to work from Circular Quay. At this time during 2019, the new light rail system was still under construction.

The old and the new, near Circular Quay.

Australia Square Tower at 264 George Street, viewed from Loftus Street. It was designed by architect Harry Seidler and completed in 1967.

Australia Square Tower (c.1967) reflected in part of the Stock Exchange building in Grosvenor Street.

Qantas House, c.1957, at No. 1 Chifley Square. It is the former world headquarters of Qantas Airways, and was designed by Rudder Littlemore & Rudder.

The Capita Centre, now known as 9 Castlereagh Street. The building was designed by Harry Seidler and completed in 1989.

View looking out from the entrance of the former Capita Centre towards 8 Chifley Square. Architects: Capita Centre – Harry Seidler; 8 Chifley Square – Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

The MLC Building located at 42-46 Martin Place. It was was built during 1937-1938, and designed by the architectural firm of Bates Smart & McCutcheon.

The former Asbestos House at 65-69 York Street. The building was designed by Robertson & Marks in a Stripped Classical style, and completed in 1929 with extensions in 1935.

Late afternoon sunlight on the Grace Building, 77-79 York Street. It was designed by Morrow and Gordon during the late 1920s, in the Federation Skyscraper Gothic style. The building opened in 1930 as headquarters of the Grace Brothers department store. It now operates as the Grace Hotel.

Morning light on Reid House at 69-75 King St. The building was designed by architects A. L. McCredie and Anderson, and completed in 1914.

The new casino under construction, viewed from the historic Wharf 10 in Pyrmont.

Early morning winter's light over Martin Place. This view is from behind the Lloyd Rees Fountain, which made a notable appearance in the film, 'The Matrix'.

CBD South

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St James station is worth exploring, as the interior still retains many original features, as does the next stop on the line, Museum Station.

The Queen Victoria Building (c.1898) near Town Hall was designed by architect George McRae to a Romanesque design. For a time it fell into disrepair and was almost demolished, but after refurbishment, reopened in the 1980s.

Protests and public statements of various kinds are often staged at the QVB (c.1898) and nearby Town Hall.

The Edinburgh Castle Hotel (c.1931) at 294 Pitt Street, designed in the Inter War Georgian Style by architects Rudder and Grout. Since the 1860s, there has been a hotel on the site trading under this name.

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Hyde Park Barracks was designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, and completed in 1819. The building is at the southern end of Macquarie Street. There is currently an art installation in the courtyard by Jonathan Jones, which symbolise shared black and white history.

Hopefully, this old signage on Pitt Street will remain at least partially visible.

Somewhat to the east of the CBD is the Sydney Jewish Museum (c.1965) in Darlinghurst, by architect Henry Epstein.

The former ANZ Bank building, c.1887, at 553-555 George Street. Designed in Victorian Italianate style. Architect unknown, according to report by Office of Environment and Heritage. Behind it is Kent House at 88 Liverpool Street, designed by Kent & Budden.

Kiss's building, 698 to 704 George St, Haymarket.

An elaborate facade at 651 George Street, Haymarket, near Chinatown.

A distinctive interwar facade at approximately 354 Pitt Street, Haymarket.

The Sydney Dental Hospital (c.1940). It was designed by the Sydney firm of Stephenson and Turner, and a notable Australian example of the Streamline Moderne style. Located between Elizabeth and Chalmers Streets, Surry Hills.

Explore further:

Sydney GPO on Google Maps
Circular Quay on Google Maps