Reserve Bank, Central bank headquarters in Martin Place, Sydney, Australia
The Reserve Bank is the headquarters of Australia's central bank, located on Martin Place at Chifley Square in Sydney. The building is made of granite and glass, and it houses both the bank's offices and a small public museum.
The building opened in 1964, when the Reserve Bank of Australia took over monetary policy responsibilities from the Commonwealth Bank. This separation created an independent institution to guide the country's financial direction.
The museum inside shows how Australian money has changed over time, from the colonial period through to today's plastic notes. You can see the different designs and learn why the country switched to decimal currency.
The museum inside is open on weekdays, and security screening is required when entering the building from Martin Place. Arriving earlier in the day tends to make the visit smoother, as the entrance can get busier later on.
The museum holds a collection of Australian coins and banknotes spanning from the colonial period to the present day, including rare pre-decimal pieces. Australia was the first country to introduce polymer banknotes on a wide scale, and examples of the earliest versions are on display here.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
