The Queen Victoria building or the QVB as it is called by the Sydneysiders, is beautiful. It is a huge building that is spread over a whole city block. It was first constructed in 1898 to relocate the old Sydney markets into a centralized building. It has since accommodated a concert hall which later converted into a City Library. It has held municipal offices, and finally in 1984, the building was given a complete makeover and it has been converted int a mall and shopping centre. The restoration of the exterior was done by Ipoh Garden Berhad, a Malaysian company, and they did an excellent job.

The Queen Victoria building is easily recognizable by the huge central dome that comprises of an inner dome made of glass and green tinged copper exterior dome. There are awesome stained glass windows and wood panelling and architecture and grand staircases going through huge balconies which make this building look unique and ornate. There are elegant shops and lots of open spaces along with eateries. A visitor to Queen Victoria building can spend days browsing and not get tired. It has many unique features like a hanging clock that shows all the English Kings and Queens ending with the beheading of Charles 1. There are 32 clocks, 12 of which display times all over the world. Also displayed in the dome are 33 paintings, and over a hundred figurines that are hand.

Another clock tells the history of Australia from the perspective of both Aboriginal and European people. A symbolic Aboriginal elder is displayed in this clock as passing of time and as he passes by the various scenes they light up.

The time shows are very entertaining and are heralded by trumpets every hour. Permanent and temporary exhibitions are held at every level. Replicas of the Crown Jewels are also displayed here which attract a lot of impressed visitors.

QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING is huge and perhaps the only mall that provides guided walking tours with IATG tourist guides who will provide you with all the historical data related to QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING. The guided tours are held twice a day and you can check the time from the information desk. Information Desks are strategically located close to the central dome at all the levels to assist visitors.

There are restaurants in the basement and a railway station. It also has the city’s busiest pedestrian walkways. Though the shops are classy and price tags beyond the reach of most shoppers, the food court at QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING is excellent and reasonable.

Tourists visit the mall more to see the ornate building, the stonework and enjoy the beautiful ambience than to shop at the 200 odd shops in the mall, as the cost of the goods is very pricey.

The QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING is open: on all week days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Thursday from 9am – 9pm;

On Sundays and Public Holidays Queen Victoria Building is open from I am – 5pm.

Some stores, cafes, & restaurants in Queen Victoria Building are open longer.

A visitor to Sydney is really spoilt for choice since there are many places to see and beaches to visit. Sydney is busy and packed. However Sydneysiders love to live outdoors. Many beaches and reserves have been developed to cater to this. Sawmiller’s reserve is off the beaten path.

If you want to take a break from the hustle & bustle of the Sydney concrete jungle, then head for the easy access perfect rejuvenation picnic spot. Sawmillers Reserve is that idyllic locale that boasts of a little water-side park inclusive of a ship-wreck. The good part is that most locals are either not aware of Sawmillers Reserve, or are just not interested in this enchanting spot practically next to Sydney Harbour. This reserve is a less known but lovely place for a person to de-stress and relax.

Over the years, Sawmillers Reserve has become more of a scenic spot for destination weddings. If you would like to get married at a beach, Sawmillers Reserve is a very good choice for you. It is charmingly designed by Harry Howard and Barbara Buchanan. The lovely terraces, the beach front make a romantic venue to exchange vows with your loved one. The terraces lead to a shipwreck and this makes for a wonderful photo for your wedding album.

The view from Sawmillers Reserve is truly enchanting, so do not forget to tote along the camera and even a pair of binoculars. It is a safe bet that most locals do not even know about this enchanting little spot on Sydney Harbour. Situated right next to the waterfront in close proximity to West Crescent Street, French Street and Blue Point, Sawmillers Reserve overlooks the sailboat-filled Berrys Bay and on a clear day one can see upto Balls Head, with views of the city skyline and tree-dappled Harbour Bridge as well as the terraced, hilly streets of Balmain and Birchgrove across the Harbour.
There is a playground and also a tree house for children. The children can also wander around the wood play area. It is a wonderful venue for people to enjoy a quiet holiday with their families and children.

Sawmillers Reserve is open 24 x 7 which eliminates all botheration of adjusting the day and the time to suit your schedule. It is centrally located. One can drive down in their own vehicle, or take a bus from the North Sydney Station, or land up at McMahon’s Point Ferry Wharf and take a short walk to the landmark spot.

Hikes and Cycle Treks around Sydney include Sawmillers Reserve as one of the stops, and even a starting point or ending point since it is centrally located.

Sawmillers Reserve

Munro Street – McMahon’s Point
2320 – The Lower North Shore
NSW

For additional information:

The Rocks Visitors Centre

West Crescent Street
Sydney 2004
Australia

Tel: 61 02 9255 1788