April 5, 2012

Sydney, A City in Another Hemisphere - Back to the 19th Century @ Macquarie Street


Macquarie Street is the best destination to check out the historical buildings in Sydney. Because of the Macquarie projects, many public buildings were built over 100 years ago. Luckily these buildings are well persevered, thus, we can appreciate the architecture techniques in 19th century.

Heading to the Macquarie Street direction from Australian Museum, the first historical building was St Mary's Cathedral. It is the largest church in Australia was established in 1882, ie. 130 years ago. . Yet it is located on St Mary's Road instead of Macquarie Street.

















See the details of the exterior decorations. How could people establish such a beautiful and large church more than 100 years ago.

The Hyde Park Barracks was one of the public buildings on Macquarie Street. It was built to convict men and boys in the 1800's. This brick barracks is in simple and neat style which matched the building function. The barracks is a museum now.

















Sydney Mint is the oldest public building in Sydney CBD.

















It firstly served as part of Sydney Hospital until the set up of Mint. The Rum Hospital was another name of the Mint.


















This machine was responsible for producing coin.

















Some coins produced by the Mint. The chauffeur said the Mint is the only one can produce banknote with plastic. For my own knowledge, both Australia and HK issue plastic banknote.

















The 100 something years old Sydney Hospital is still in provision of medical services and training for students of the Sydney University.

















A marking of Macquarie projects.

















Existence of Parliament House proves the area is the political centre of the city.

















State Library of New South Wales is at a quite corner of the street. The library provides a wide range  of books. It also hosts free exhibitions. 

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