Mrs Macquaries Chair

Mrs Macquaries Chair, also known as Lady Macquarie’s Chair, is an exposed rock at Sydney’s North-Eastern end of the Royal Botanic Garden. This rock, shaped like a bench, is an iconic landmark within the harbour area, with a history that dates back to 1810.

When it was cut, the rock was hand-carved out of sandstone by convicts and made for the then-wife of Governor Macquarie. It comes as no surprise that the peninsula itself was named Mrs Macquarie’s Point.

Mrs Macquaries Chair, Walk, Point & Parking, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney

The chair was designed because the Governor’s wife would sit atop the rock and look out for ships docking at the harbour. According to folklore, this was one of her favourite places to enjoy the sweeping views of the harbour while looking out into the distance.

A closer look at the chair reveals an inscription that mentions Mrs Macquarie’s Road. This is an essential part of the chair’s history mainly because this road linked Mrs Macquaries Point to the original Government House (which is the present-day Museum of Sydney). It was constructed to benefit the Governor’s wife. Today, there is hardly any remnant of this road, apart from a channel where the road passed above.

Today, Mrs Macquaries Chair is a popular lookout point for excellent views of the Harbour and some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. Since the chair is east of the Opera House, you can expect to get a good vantage point for some excellent photos. Other attractions that you should be able to spot include the Navy Dockyards in the distance, Pinchgut Island, and Kirribilli House.

To get to Mrs Macquaries Chair, take on the Sydney Explorer Route and get off at stop number 5. Anyone using the train services should get off at Circular Quay. With bus services, alight at the Art Gallery and stroll to the rock chair. Paid parking is available nearby for motorists.

Mrs Macquaries Chair is one of Sydney’s perfect locations for postcard-worthy images.