79 Lower Fort Street, Millers Point

79 Lower Fort Street is a two-story sandstone corner building with stone walls, a slate roof, and painted timber joinery characteristic of early Victorian Regency design. The structure retains original features including timber details on the east facade and early commercial signage still visible on its walls.

The building was constructed in 1842 as the Young Princess Hotel, initially serving as a public house. It transitioned between different commercial uses through the 19th century before becoming exclusively a retail space from 1870 onward.

The building reflects how early 19th-century Sydney used its harborside spaces for commerce and gathering, with hospitality and retail trades shaping daily activity. The visible stonework and timber elements show how people built structures meant to serve both practical business needs and social functions over many decades.

Visitors can view the exterior architecture and facade details from the street, where the full design of the building is visible. The best vantage point is from Lower Fort Street itself, which allows you to see how the corner structure is positioned within its harborside setting.

The building originally stood alone on the west side of Lower Fort Street for decades before surrounding development occurred. This isolation makes it a rare example of an early structure that predates the densification of the harborside area.

Location: New South Wales

GPS coordinates: -33.85740,151.20600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:04