Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Mrs Macquarie's Chair
4.5
About
Located by the Royal Botanic Gardens, the bench known as Mrs. Macquarie's Chair was carved out of sandstone in the early 1800s for Govenor Lachlan Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth. It became her favorite spot to look upon the harbour and serves that same purpose today for visitors who take a moment to rest there.
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Neighbourhood: Central Business District
The Sydney Central Business District is abuzz with energy. Power brokers run to and from high rise buildings and after-work drink places, high-end shoppers tour venues like the QVB, and fine diners frequent the many celebrity chef restaurants. For a dose of culture, walk to the NSW Art Gallery, or visit the Sydney Museum. To escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature at the Sydney Botanical Gardens or picnic lunch at High Park. No matter your interest, be sure to check the full calendar of events hosted by the city, from the Sydney Festival in January to October’s Good Food Month at Hyde Park.
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4.5
1,242 reviews
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192
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5
Brian T
London, UK8,046 contributions
Feb 2020
For some obscure reason this historic marker draws in the crowds, for the inevitable group or family snap of everyone sitting on a historic bench (or ‘chair’) carved out of sandstone. The bench was carved from an exposed rock by the convicts around 1810. Mrs Macquarie was the wife of the Governor General at the time, and it is said that she would come to this spot to sit and watch and wait for ships from Great Britain. Don’t expect a grand royal throne, and don’t expect to see that iconic view of modern Sydney with the bridge and opera house as you sit there (if you get the opportunity to do so); it actually faces the other way, in the general direction of the harbour entrance. It’s not particularly beautiful; nor in the grand scheme of things for Sydney sightseeing is it one of those ‘must see’ things. Essentially it’s a historic marker, and there are many better things to see in Sydney.
What I think is more remarkable, and totally recommended, is the walk along the waterfront from the Sydney Opera House to Mrs Macquarie’s Point where the chair is located. This will give you some of the finest views of Sydney’s two most iconic landmarks in one shot. We lingered long in the changing light of a stormy afternoon to take in those views. You’ll need to round the point and follow the sign to the chair, hidden a bit by the trees. We gave the chair a passing glance... not that you could really see it because of the crowd milling around.
If time is limited, don’t put it high on your tourist agenda.
What I think is more remarkable, and totally recommended, is the walk along the waterfront from the Sydney Opera House to Mrs Macquarie’s Point where the chair is located. This will give you some of the finest views of Sydney’s two most iconic landmarks in one shot. We lingered long in the changing light of a stormy afternoon to take in those views. You’ll need to round the point and follow the sign to the chair, hidden a bit by the trees. We gave the chair a passing glance... not that you could really see it because of the crowd milling around.
If time is limited, don’t put it high on your tourist agenda.
Written 2 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert W
Elberta, AL86 contributions
Feb 2020
Our private tour guide took us to this place. It is not right on the Hop on Hop off bus site and was barely mentioned. This view may have been one of the best in Sydney, because you could get a picture of both the Opera House and The bridge in the same picture. The stone chair was interesting and the history was good. The fig trees are amazing and beautiful. At dusk the Fruit Bats come in and are cool. This is a place not to miss in Sydney.The park was great and we had adequate places to park.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg F
Auckland Central, New Zealand1,167 contributions
June 2021
Been here twice, once at sunrise and once at sunset on to separate visits to Sydney.
Either time does NOT disappoint.
At Sunset; get there early for the best spot as there are sometimes heaps of photographers about. Sun sets just behind the opera house.
At Sunrise; check the opening times of the Royal Botanic Gardens, as you can only enter if the gates are open. The opened at just before 7am in June, so just in time for sunrise.
Beautiful views of the city and harbor. Must-do if it's your first time in Sydney. It will take you about 20-25 minutes to walk from Circular Quay station.
Either time does NOT disappoint.
At Sunset; get there early for the best spot as there are sometimes heaps of photographers about. Sun sets just behind the opera house.
At Sunrise; check the opening times of the Royal Botanic Gardens, as you can only enter if the gates are open. The opened at just before 7am in June, so just in time for sunrise.
Beautiful views of the city and harbor. Must-do if it's your first time in Sydney. It will take you about 20-25 minutes to walk from Circular Quay station.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ITRT
Virginia44,656 contributions
Nov 2022
Who is Mrs. Macquarie and why does she have a chair in the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens? During a recent visit to the botanic gardens, we were told a “must see” was the chair carved out sandstone rock by convicts in 1810 for the then governor’s wife Elizabeth. It is believed she would sit here to view the sights of the Sydney Harbor and while the time away watching the boats. I’m sure you will agree this is a good vantage point to soak in the views of the harbor.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenM1_10
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan1,043 contributions
Feb 2020
We stopped here with our tour group to take our group photo. It is a lovely park area with great views. The “chair” is actually made of sandstone that was cut in the shape of a bench. There were a number of people walking and jogging in this area. It is located on a peninsula in Sydney Harbor and definitely off the beaten path. Based on where you are staying this likely would be a distance to travel but definitely not an issue if you have your own vehicle. When we arrived there were also naval vessels in the harbor area. I would not recommend making a special trip unless you have time and your own transportation.
Written 18 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,538 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
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 arriving from England. Her chair is located on a peninsula, overlooking Sydney Harbor. The chair is easy to get to, it's an interesting piece of Australian history. Lachlan Macquarie is acknowledged as a great builder, his name is commemorated in many places.
Written 4 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bevvers67
Worcestershire, UK398 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
With fabulous views across the harbour, a wonderful botanic garden behind it & a million people trying to sit on it for a photo, Mrs Macquarie's Chair is another must visit icon of Sydney.
The story of how it came to be is a wonderful piece of history & the area surrounding it is charming. The trees are bizarre & it's worth a little amble around the immediate vicinity before you rush off.
The story of how it came to be is a wonderful piece of history & the area surrounding it is charming. The trees are bizarre & it's worth a little amble around the immediate vicinity before you rush off.
Written 19 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllanJGJ
Wellington, New Zealand4,211 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We walked from Circular Quay, past the Opera House, and through the Botanic Gardens (lovely at this time of year!) along to Mrs Macquaries Point. A lovely walk with splendid views both back to the Bridge and the Opera House and on the other side to the naval base. Well worth doing. The seat itself is an interesting artifact with a charming story behind it. There are lots of lovely walks in Sydney and this is one of the best. Afterwards we went back through the Gardens to the excellent Sydney Art Gallery and onto the CBD. Excellent way to spend half a day.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DAROHATH
Cairns, Australia1,280 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
I was over shopping and needed a break, so I left everyone in the city and made the round trip walk from Circular Key to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, so glad I did. Been to Sydney many times and walked through the Botanic Gardens, beautiful oasis in the midst of the city. It’s an interesting piece of history and is a great spot to watch all the activity on the harbor. Having the Phantom of the Opera set up along the way was interesting too.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
centralvic
Ballarat, Australia1,408 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We walked up to Mrs Macquarie's Chair from the QVB. It's a nice walk, only about 2.5kms. If you walk along the fence of the Gardens, you will get a stunning, iconic view of the Opera House and the Bridge. Do the loop around the Chair and see the boats in the harbour as well.
Well worth the effort.
Well worth the effort.
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No, all spaces have parking meters, though many are 4P allowing 4 hours limit, between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm weekdays and 6P or 6 hours parking on weekends.
Written 11 April 2017
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