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Parliament House New South Wales

Parliament of New South Wales

Parliament House New South Wales

Completed in 1816 Parliament House in Sydney houses the Government of the state of New South Wales Australia. Originally a hospital, the central section of the façade is a two story Georgian building. When built, no funds were available to Governor Macquarie so he arranged funding via the importation of 60,000 gallons of rum licensed to a group of merchants. In return for the license, they built the hospital.

From 1829, the Legislature occupied the building, which had primarily been used as the residence of the chief surgeon. As the size of the colony of New South Wales expanded, so did the number of parliamentary representatives. As a result, north and south extensions were made for the old Legislative Council (now Legislative Assembly) Chamber in 1843 and the current Legislative Council Chamber in 1856.

Since then numerous additions and modifications have been made to the building. Despite many plans over the years, it remains one of the least grand parliament buildings in Australia, primarily due to its original design as a hospital.

Getting There

Situated in the centre of the Sydney CBD means that getting to Parliament House is quite easy. Several buses stop nearby in Macquarie Street, while the closest station is Martin Place.

We visited during Sydney is Open so access to otherwise closed areas was available. In addition, volunteers were stationed throughout the building answering questions and providing invites into the workings of State Government.

Legislative Assembly

Being modelled on the British Westminster System, the Legislative Assembly is the lower house of government and corresponds to the House of Commons, (or the Australian Federal Government House of Representatives). As such, the colour of the carpet and seats is green.

This chamber of parliament debates legislation before it is sent to the Legislative Council and then the Governor for approval. The Governor is the British Monarch’s representative and is appointed by the NSW Parliament.

Legislative Council

The upper house of the NSW Parliament is the Legislative Council, whose primary colour is red, following the tradition of the British House of Lords.

Legislation passed by the lower house is debated here and either retired to the Legislative Assembly or forwarded to the NSW Governor if approved.

The Library – Now the Jubilee Room

Although now used for meetings and functions, the Jubilee Room holds a significant collection of historical records, along with the only state government archive.

In addition to the amazing collection of books on the shelves, the stained glass ceiling is amazing.

Fountain Courtyard

The Fountain Courtyard is one of the most recent additions to Parliament House, having been added in 1983. Located around the fountain on the surrounding walls is part of the parliamentary art collection as well as temporary displays. A significant portion of the display is by indigenous artists, forming the Reconciliation Wall.

What Did We Think?

This was a great visit because it was a good way to learn about the history of government in NSW as well as seeing both Chambers of Parliament. If you want to see how our government works, there is no better place to visit.

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

National Museum of Australia

FJ Holden and Propert Trailaway touring caravan

National Museum of Australia

Dedicated to preserving Australia’s social history, the National Museum of Australia contains many unique and significant artefacts. Located in Canberra on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, its distinctive because of its architecture.

Getting There

We drove and used the large carpark on site, although as with most Canberra parking, there is a fee. Entry to the museum is free, but entrance to any special exhibits incur a fee. During our visit, Ancient Greeks, a large display of ancient Greek artefacts was there, so we paid to visit this too.

National Museum of Australia
Entrance
National Museum of Australia
National Museum of Australia

The Gandel Atrium

This is also the entrance foyer, containing the giftshop and several displays. In the centre is a cast of Australia’s most famous dinosaur, Muttaburrasaurus. Nearby is Australia’s first car, the FJ Holden and a caravan, showing the affluence of the 1950s and the rise of industrialisation.

Situated just off the atrium is the café, where food and drinks can be purchased. We bought morning coffee and snacks here before moving on to other displays.

Landmarks Gallery

The Landmarks Gallery traces the social development of Australia from it’s early colonial farming to the current day. Important features such as the windmill used to pump water, harvesters and stagecoaches give way to mining and the stock market. We thought the most interesting item here was the very first Holden Prototype preserved in excellent condition.

First Australians

The First Australians gallery showcases aboriginal society from pre-colonial times to the present day. Artefacts including a full sized outrigger canoe represent Torres Strait Islander culture.

The post-colonial treatment of aboriginal people shows their disenfranchisement, loss of land and persecution. Although attempts have been made to remedy the wrongs of the past, a lot is still required for true equality. The displays here demonstrate the wrongs, often with personal stories from those who suffered.

Special Exhibition Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes

Open until 1 May 2022, Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes contains many treasures from the British Museum. From statues to tiny coins and jewellery the displays were amazing. If you are in Canberra while this is showing, it is really worth going to. We have been to Greece but still enjoyed this display.

What Did We Think?

We loved the Greek display and would have visited just for that. The rest of the museum has a nationally important collection, which we found interesting. If you want to see the social history of Australia, it’s a great place to visit.

For other places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory click here

Baiame Cave Milbrodale Hunter Valley

Baiame Cave Painting

Baiame Cave Milbrodale Hunter Valley

It’s amazing what you can find close to home that you didn’t know existed! It’s even on the local council website, but we somehow failed to see it. About 25 minutes down the Putty Road from Singleton, the Baiame Cave at Milbrodale contains a significant example of Aboriginal art.

Significance

Connected to other sacred sites in the region, the cave and its artwork are culturally significant to the local Wonnarua people. Baiame is the creator and protector of the local people. In the painting he has widespread, larger than life arms. This signifies his status as protector of the local people. His eyes are also overly large, because he was all seeing and all knowing.

The choice of this particular cave is significant because it allows Baiame to look over the land of the Wonnarua. It also allows the local and visiting people to view the creator.

Getting There

Located on private property, access is via a dirt track just off Welshs Road. Although the property is privately owned, you are allowed access to the cave, but be respectful and remember no camping is allowed here. On our visit, a creek crossing just off the road, had been washed out. This meant we couldn’t drive all the way in, but it was only a short flat walk in. A sign at an intersection points in the direction to go.

The cave is located in the small escarpment to the left of the road, with a small path leading up. In the cave, a raised steel mesh platform provides a nice stable area to stand on and view the painting. Do not step off the platform, so as not to damage the cave. Remember the cave is heritage listed and protected.

The Painting

The painting depicts Baiame with arms outstretched looking over the river valley. Also visible are hand and arm stencils, representing the people who cared for and maintained the cave. There are also axe and boomerang stencil around the main figure.

What Did We Think?

This was a great place to visit, not only was it good to see, but we also learnt something else about the local Wonnarua people. The current access may be difficult for people with mobility issues, because you need to climb over the broken river crossing, but otherwise the track is flat and easy to walk.