Town Hall Clock Tower tour
Climb the spiral staircase into the clock tower for an up-close view of the large bronze chiming bells and the clock’s working mechanism.
For more than 120 years, Sydney Town Hall has been the seat of the city's administration and the offices of civic officials representing the City of Sydney. Built in stages between 1868 and 1889, it is an enduring icon at the heart of the city. It’s clocktower rises 55 metres above George Street, built by John MacLeod using 'Yellowblock' sandstone quarried in Pyrmont. The tower is embellished with carved ornamentation and surmounted by a circular turret with ten Corinthian columns. Inside the bell chamber, is the original chiming hour bell, which also served as a fire alarm. Four smaller quarter-hour bells were added some time later to ring out the Westminster chimes. The turret clock, made in England by Gillett & Co has kept Sydney on time since 1885.
Please note:
- This tour includes stairs and a reasonable level of fitness is required
- Enclosed shoes must be worn
- The clocktower is a confined space and the bells will be loud
- Backpacks and handbags will need to be cloaked
- The tour is not suitable for children under 15 years
Related
Sydney Open Series
A continuation of the Sydney Open annual program throughout the calendar year and will present talks, workshops, and tours