General Post Office, Sydney

The General Post Office on Martin Place is one of the city's most distinguished heritage buildings, symbolising the city’s growth during the 19th century. Constructed in stages between 1866 and 1891, the building was designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet in the Victorian Italian Renaissance style. Its sandstone façade stretches along George Street, marked by colonnades, arched windows, and sculptural details that celebrate progress and communication. The GPO once served as the administrative heart of Australia’s postal network and a central meeting point in the city.

The building’s clock tower, completed in 1891, quickly became a landmark on Sydney’s skyline. Beneath it, the façade’s carved figures—originally controversial for their realistic portrayals of colonial life—add character and narrative to the otherwise classical composition. The interior was built around a grand arcade that allowed light to reach the postal hall, an innovative design that reflected both function and civic pride.

In the late 20th century, the GPO underwent extensive restoration and adaptive reuse, transforming it into a mixed-use precinct of offices, restaurants, and the Fullerton Hotel Sydney, while retaining key heritage features. The original postal hall has been carefully preserved, with marble floors, iron columns, and decorative ceilings that evoke the grandeur of its public purpose. Set at the heart of Martin Place, surrounded by financial and cultural institutions, the General Post Office continues to anchor the city’s architectural and civic landscape as one of its most recognisable 19th-century landmarks.