Martin Place, Sydney

Martin Place is a prominent civic space, running through the central business district between George Street and Macquarie Street. Originally created in 1892 by covering a section of the old General Post Office courtyard, it evolved into a pedestrian mall and public square that serves as the city’s ceremonial and commercial heart. The street’s sandstone architecture and broad, open layout give it a formal grandeur that contrasts with the surrounding towers of glass and steel.

Dominating the western end is the General Post Office (GPO), designed by James Barnet in the late 19th century and long regarded as one of Sydney’s finest public buildings. Around it stand major financial institutions, government offices, and the Reserve Bank of Australia, reinforcing the area’s role as the symbolic centre of national commerce. The Amphitheatre and open forecourts host public events, concerts, and commemorations, including annual ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

During weekdays, Martin Place hums with office workers, street performers, and outdoor cafés that spill across the granite paving. At night, the area transforms under architectural lighting that highlights the ornate façades of its heritage buildings. The plaza is also known for its large-scale public artworks and seasonal displays, such as the towering Christmas tree that fills the square each December.