Chief Secretary's Building, Government building in Sydney, Australia
The Chief Secretary's Building is a five-story government structure in Sydney built from Sydney sandstone, Carrara marble, and Australian Red Cedar on Macquarie Street. The building now houses various state offices and defines the streetscape with its substantial presence.
The structure was designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet between 1873 and 1881 as a centerpiece of government administration. A fifth floor and dome were added between 1894 and 1896, expanding its architectural character.
The building served as the heart of political decision-making during the colonial period and beyond. The grand interior spaces reflect the importance this address held in shaping the region's governance.
The structure sits on Macquarie Street in a central location and is easy to reach on foot from nearby attractions. Check ahead about access to interior spaces, as parts of the building remain active government offices with restricted visitor areas.
The building underwent extensive restoration work between 1988 and 2005 that preserved original architectural details while meeting modern building standards. This careful approach allowed it to remain a working government office without losing its historical character.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
