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Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney

4.3
#1 of 20 in Nature in Sydney
Geologic Formation · Hidden Gem · Nature / Park
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While visiting Sydney Harbour, swing by Mrs Macquarie's Chair for a picture-postcard view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. To get a good spot, you may have to compete with numerous wedding couples, who prefer this exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench to almost any other location in the city for their official wedding photographs. Convicts hand-carved the rock back in 1810, at the request of Governor Macquarie's wife (hence the name). Lore has it that she used to sit on the rock and watch for ships from Great Britain, enjoying the panoramic view of the harbor for hours on end. Two centuries later, you can do the same. Put Mrs Macquarie's Chair on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Sydney online attractions planner.
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Mrs Macquarie's Chair reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,230 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • As a piece of early colonial history fine, but beyond this it is hardly worth the walk to get here. What was the view that the lady enjoyed is now obscured by trees 
    As a piece of early colonial history fine, but beyond this it is hardly worth the walk to get here. What was the view that the lady enjoyed is now obscured by trees  more »
  • Good view of the Chair and of the Harbour. The steps are uneven and worn, so be careful climbing. Make room for others and enjoy the view of Navy ships 
    Good view of the Chair and of the Harbour. The steps are uneven and worn, so be careful climbing. Make room for others and enjoy the view of Navy ships  more »
  • Lady Elizabeth Macquarie was the wife of Major General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales. The chair was built by convicts in sandstone in 1810, so Lady Macquarie could watch the ships... 
    Lady Elizabeth Macquarie was the wife of Major General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales. The chair was built by convicts in sandstone in 1810, so Lady Macquarie could watch the ships...  more »
Google
  • Breath taking view of clear blue ocean and Opera House, Sydney Bridge and Tower in a single horizon. Best place to take pics with such world famous landmarks as backdrop. Spend good time with near n dear ones on the bank.
  • So stunning. It’s an amazing spot for any occasion; visiting, picnic, date night, etc. It is the best spot to take photos of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. On the left hand side you can see back to the city and it’s beautiful.
  • Go to the Westpac Open Air Cinema as a yearly ritual. It never disappoints. It was sunny and beautiful on the day I went. However, in previous year I have gone when it’s been raining and it is still just as fabulous. The Sydney harbour back drop is just something else.
  • Lovely short walk from downtown and the botanic gardens. There’s some pretty decent views of the opera house and the harbor bridge from across the water.
  • @jadeexplores This is probably one of the best sunset spots in Sydney. You're able to get an incredible view of both the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It can get quite busy on a good evening, so make sure to come early and set up a picnic on the grass nearby.

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