Discover Sydney’s General Post Office
The General Post Office Sydney (GPO), commonly referred to as the Sydney GPO, embodies the evolution of communication and connectivity in Australia. It lies at the intersection of George Street and Martin Place in Sydney, New South Wales. This land traditionally belonged to the Cadigal people, part of the Eora Nation. Unsurprisingly, the General Post Office Sydney has been acknowledged for this cultural significance, with its listing on both the Commonwealth Heritage List and the New South Wales State Heritage Register. Today, the GPO contains restaurants, shops, and a hotel while maintaining its original function.
The Evolution of The General Post Office Sydney
The First Post Office in Sydney
"One of the most important buildings in the colony."
Before the establishment of the GPO, Sydney's postal services were housed in more modest facilities. In 1809 Isaac Nichols—a former convict—operated Sydney’s first post office from his home. Then, the first official post office was built on Bent Street in 1819, a simple structure that marked the beginning of organized mail services in the colony. From here the Postal Act of 1825, standardised mail delivery, and uniformed postmen and street mailboxes were introduced.
A New Location on George Street
By 1830, the postal service relocated to George Street. This new location was initially a repurposed police office designed by Francis Greenway, one of Australia's earliest colonial architects. Enhancements in the 1840s included the addition of a Greek Doric portico by architects Abraham and Mortimer Lewis.
However, by the mid-19th century, with Sydney’s growing population, there was a lot of strain on this small post office. Overcrowding and insufficient facilities led to frequent complaints from staff and the general public.
In 1851, a government Board of Enquiry concluded that the existing building was "very ill-adapted for the business required to be carried out in it." By 1863, the old building was abandoned for a provisional wooden post office at Wynyard Square, while construction began on a new, permanent location.
Constructing the General Post Office Sydney
Construction of the GPO began in 1866 and was executed in two stages over more than two decades. The architect James Barnet’s design was a mixture of the Italian Renaissance Palazzo style and elements inspired by Florentine and Venetian architecture. Sandstone was used for the main structure, while granite was incorporated into its foundations and columns.
The Martin Place facade has a unique marble statue of Queen Victoria flanked by symbolic figures representing Britannia and New South Wales. Beneath them, a series of keystone heads represent continents, countries, and states, celebrating the GPO’s connection to a global network of communication.
On Pitt Street however, the alto-relief spandrel carvings by Italian sculptor Tommaso Sani, became highly debated aspects of the GPO's design. These carvings are depictions of everyday scenes from colonial life, but their realistic style sparked public controversy. Critics labeled the carvings as caricatures. Over time, however, the carvings gained recognition as a landmark moment in Australian art, embodying a turning point in the colony’s cultural identity.
Stage One
The Duke of Edinburgh ceremonially laid the keystone of the George Street entrance, the first stage of design, in 1869. However, due to labor shortages and other factors, it wasn’t until 1874 that the George Street façade was completed.
This first accomplishment was celebrated on September 1, 1874, with an elaborate ceremony hosted by Governor Hercules Robinson and his wife. The event was attended by approximately 1,500 prominent guests who were met with a display of art, flowers, plants, and statues.
During the ceremony, Postmaster-General Sir Saul Samuel delivered a speech praising the vision of James Barnet, the building's architect. Barnet himself took the stage to express his hope that with its immense size (35,247 square feet) the GPO could double the colony's capacity for managing postage.
Stage Two
By May 1887, the second stage was complete, extending the building along Pitt Street. Crowds marveled at the expanded structure, which had become the tallest civic building in Sydney.
A clock tower, powered by manual mechanisms, had also been added during this stage of development, in 1881. From here colored flags were used to signal weather conditions—a feature that became an integral part of Sydney's daily life. During World War II, the clock tower was dismantled to prevent it becoming a navigation point for potential air raids. However, it was reconstructed in 1964 and was modernized with an electric motor in 1989.
Calls for a Public Square
Once built, the General Post Office Sydney came to house not only postal and telegraph services but also information on shipping schedules and, later, telephone services. But the grandeur of the building and its existence as a hub in a strategic location prompted widespread calls for the creation of a public square.
In response to this demand, the government purchased nearby land to create the now-iconic Martin Place. Today, the Cenotaph in Martin Place, which was installed in 1929 to honor those who served in war, and the pedestrianisation of Martin Place, which occurred in the 1970s, has allowed the area to become a venue for public events, from Anzac Day ceremonies to festive celebrations. While over 4,000 post offices operate across the nation today, few can rival the significance of the GPO.
Visiting the General Post Office Sydney
Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD on Martin Place, the GPO is easily accessible by public transport. It is within walking distance of several train stations, including Martin Place and Wynyard, and numerous bus routes service the area. Its central location also makes it a convenient starting or ending point for exploring Sydney’s nearby attractions.
Tours are available periodically, providing insights into the building's history, construction, and its role in shaping Sydney's communication network. For those who prefer a self-guided experience, informative plaques and exhibits detail the building's fascinating past and its transformation over the years.
Explore Beyond the General Post Office with CityDays
Sydney’s General Post Office is a great starting point to continue your exploration of Sydney’s CBD. To make this exploration easier (and way more exciting) why not join a CityDays' scavenger and treasure hunt adventure?
Our engaging tours make for the ideal team-building event, or are simply a great day out with friends and family. Solve clues, unlock secrets, and experience Sydney from a fresh perspective while creating unforgettable memories.
Our Going for Gold hunt in particular starts on Martin Place allowing you to take in the grandeur of the GPO before continuing on your adventure.
P.S. CityDays' tours are not limited to Sydney; our treasure hunts span cities across the globe, making it easy to explore iconic destinations with a touch of adventure wherever you go.
