Located on the corner of Pottinger and Windmill Streets in Millers Point, Sydney, the Parbury Ruins were uncovered during the construction of an apartment block. Once excavated and recorded by archaeologists, the developers modified their design to retain the ruins, preserving them.
Access to the underground area is by appointment only, or during special open days. We booked tickets through Sydney Open, but they are also available from Museums of History New South Wales . If you are unable to book tickets, there are three windows displays showcasing broken ceramics and other items excavated from the ruins.
The ruins consist of the footings of a two-bedroom cottage from the 1820s, as well as the remains of a stone kitchen with a fireplace and a sink. Outside the dwelling are remnants of a verandah and a well. The well had been filled in, but contained the remains of ceramics and other items, many of which are on display.
Originally a dockworker’s home, the cottage was built of sandstone blocks cut by convicts from a local quarry. The cottage was probably demolished by the late 1860s or early 1870s when new wharves and bond stores were developed in the area.
A guide took us through the ruins, explaining the history and likely uses of the different rooms. Access is by stairs, so is not wheelchair accessible. Once you have descended the stairs, you walk over the original floor and get a very close look at the sandstone structure.
This was a fun visit and it’s great that the ruins have been preserved for the future.
Original outside wall area looking over the ruins to the entrance at ground levelKitchen areaFireplace in the kitchen areaHoles for floor beams in the wall for the upper storyFilled in wellArtifacts on Display
Walking through Walsh Bay, we found the Sydney Sculpture Exhibition set among the redeveloped bond stores and wharves. We visited in August 2024, and they should be on display until November 2024, although some appear to be permanent displays.
We walked from Circular Quay which took around 20 minutes, although we did stop several times to take photos.
While you’re here there are some excellent eateries for a snack, refreshment of meal.
Walsh Bay SculpturesSoft Landing by Stephen GlassborowChameleon by Stephen GlassborowUrban Botanica by Mela CookeOn the Edge by Mela CookeThe People – Dear Heart by Clancy WarnerKin by Edison Chen4 High by Rowland MelvilleTogether by Andrew CasperOf Milk and Honey by Clancy Walker
Only intended as a temporary home for the Australian Parliament, Old Parliament House in Canberra actually operated as the seat of government from 1928 until 1988. At this time the government move to the new Parliament House on Capital Hill.
It now houses the Museum of Australian Democracy as well as other temporary exhibitions.
Getting There
Car parking is available on King George Terrace as well as in its own car park.
History
Once the independent Australian colonies joined together to form the Commonwealth of Australia, the Australian Capital Territory was established for the development of the new Capital Canberra. With Federation occurring in 1901, it took until 1928 for the Provisional Parliament House to be built. Until this time, Parliament met in Melbourne.
Outside the building are statues of two women: Dame Dorothy Tagney and Dame Enid Lyons. Dorothy Tagney was the first female Australian senator, while Enid Lyons was the first female in the House of Representatives. Both were elected in 1943.
At the front of the building is a large statue of King George V, the reigning monarch when Australia achieved independence. Another statue of the King is located in the main entrance hall.
The first women of Federal Parliament Dame Dorothy Tagney and Dame Enid LyonsKing George V MemorialKing George V Statue
The House of Representatives
To reflect the inheritance of the Westminster System, the House of Representatives is predominantly green, with the carpet and chairs this colour. The Speaker Seat is a copy of the one in The House of Commons presented to Australia by Empire Parliamentary Association in 1926. Interestingly, the original seat in London was destroyed in an air raid during the Second World War. The one used now is a copy of the Australian copy, gifted to the House of Commons by the Australian Parliament.
Visitors are free to walk around the chamber and view the area as the politicians used to.
Entrance to the House of RepresentativesThe House of RepresentativesChamber of the House of Representatives, with the Mace of the Speaker on display
Prime Ministers Office
Considering the importance of the office, it is remarkably small with small desk and meeting area.
The Prime Minister’s OfficeGovernment Party Room
Speaker of the House Office
Being almost as large as the Prime Minister’s office shows the importance of the Speaker in the running of Parliament.
The Speakers’ Office
The Senate
Predominantly red in colour to reflect its association with the British House of Lords, the Senate Chamber is far less crowded than the House of Representatives. Each senator had their own desk. This was because there were only half the number of senators in the same sized room.
Entrance to the Senate ChamberThe Senate Chamber
President of the Senate
Suite of the President of the SenateSenators’ Meeting Room
Special Exhibitions
A replica set of the British Crown Jewels are on display during our visit. Excellent copies of the originals, great to see and certainly easier to visit than going to London.
Replicas of the crowns of Queens Mary 1911 (left) and Queen Elizabeth 1937 (right)Replicas of the Imperial State Crown (left). Queen Victoria’s crown (centre) and the Imperial Crown of India (right)Replica Crown Jewels
What Did We Think?
A great place to learn about how Australian democracy works. Not only an interesting old building with its own importance, but a showcase of how the Westminster style of government operates.
