Moore Stairs

Welcome to Sydney, Australia! As a tourist guide, I would like to introduce you to one of the most iconic landmarks in the city - the Moore Stairs. The Moore Stairs, also known as Moore Steps, are a NSW heritage listed public access flight of stairs that connect East Circular Quay with Macquarie Street. These stairs were constructed in 1868 using Melbourne bluestone and were named after the city's mayor Charles Moore. They remain in use today and are an important part of Sydney's history. Getting between the Tarpeian Way and the quay was a difficult task in the 1860s, and this had been the subject of loud complaints for a number of years. The first design for the stairs was created by the City Engineer Edward Bell in 1866. It showed a single flight of "bottom block Pyrmont stones" rising to a mid-landing where the stairway divides into two and rises in separate flights to Macquarie Street. The space between the flights held a wrought iron lamp frame and gas lamp. All three flights had a Sydney sandstone balustrade of ashlar blocks and topped with a half-round coping. The whole design was to be supported on sandstone arches and in an area 20 feet wide. A building contract was drawn up and signed in March 1867. However, a land ownership claim was raised by Mr. Talbot, owner of the Talbot Stores buildings on either side. Despite this setback, the stairs were eventually completed in 1868 and have remained an important landmark in Sydney ever since. As a tourist, you can visit the Moore Stairs and take a stroll up or down the steps. The stairs offer a great view of the surrounding area and provide a unique perspective on the city. You can also take some amazing photos from the top of the stairs. In addition to visiting the stairs themselves, you can also explore the surrounding area. East Circular Quay is a bustling hub of activity with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Macquarie Street is home to many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden. Overall, the Moore Stairs are an important part of Sydney's history and offer a unique perspective on the city. As a tourist guide, I highly recommend visiting this iconic landmark during your stay in Sydney.

Location: City of Sydney

Inception: 1868

Material: bluestone

Source: Wikimedia