Customs House (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Customs House?
What makes it 70% Baby-Friendly: Lifts, library baby-change tables, soft seating and optional café highchairs help carers, but no listed private nursing room or pram-parking makes a visit mildly less convenient for infants.
Positives:
- Free Baby Facilities: Baby-change tables and a family corner in the library are free to use.
- Stroller-Friendly Access: Level floors and lifts connect all main areas for easy stroller movement.
Challenges:
- No Dedicated Nursing Room: There is no official nursing room; use quiet library lounges or ask staff.
- Limited Highchairs: Rooftop café has few highchairs; book ahead and confirm availability.
What is Customs House?
- A landmark sandstone building, erected in 1885, that originally housed Sydney’s customs operations and government offices
- An exemplar of Victorian Italianate architecture showcasing a grand colonnade, clock tower and ornate detailing
- A civic centre that houses the City of Sydney library, a visitor information centre and rotating exhibition galleries
What is so special about Customs House for with baby?
- Free baby-friendly library area with books, toys, and nappy-change stations.
- Interactive glass-floor city model viewable with a baby carrier.
- Stroller-accessible floors and lifts throughout the venue.
- Rooftop café offers high chairs and harbour views (reservation recommended).
- Seasonal baby storytimes in the library during school holidays.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to explore exhibits and the library at a relaxed pace with your baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Customs House
Customs House Library Family Corner:
Browse baby board books and play with soft toys in the library's family area.
Tip: Plan a quiet break here; feeding and nappy-change rooms are nearby.
Glass-Floor Sydney City Model:
Look down at the 4.2 × 9.5 m scale city model through the atrium floor.
Tip: Use a baby carrier to keep hands free and let your baby see the view safely.
Helix Staircase Lookout:
Climb the spiral staircase for a bird's-eye view of the model and atrium.
Tip: Hold your baby securely or use a front carrier for stability on the stairs.
Café Sydney Rooftop Dining:
Relax with harbour views and Australian cuisine at the rooftop café.
Tip: Reserve a table and request a high chair when booking; check for shade.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Customs House
- Visit on Weekdays: Morning visits Monday–Friday are quieter in the library and plaza.
- Check Event Schedule: Look online for baby storytime slots and library workshops before you go.
Reviews of Customs House
Le Hoang Giap
Customs House is the kind of place that surprises you even if you have walked past it a hundred times on the way to Circular Quay. The sandstone façade looks suitably grand from outside, but step through the doors and the foyer opens into a bright atrium with a glass floor that reveals a detailed scale model of Sydney. You can spend ten minutes just tracing familiar streets with your eyes while fe...
bohg9999
“Customs House in Sydney is a historical building located in Circular Quay, now a vibrant public space and visitor information center. The building has a rich history, originally serving as a customs house where import duties were collected. It became the head office for customs operations in New South Wales in 1887 and continued in that role until 1990. Now, Customs House is a multi-faceted publi...
Anusha M
The building is lit up during vivid Sydney. There's continuous music and animation going on during vivid Sydney. We couldn't go inside this building, not much sure about this place.
Ankur Mehta
Nice calm place to relax. There is library for you to enjoy
H E
Amazing building with amazing staffs. I’ve been here almost every weekend, visiting Circular Quay and enjoying leisure activities. This place welcomes tourists from all backgrounds and cultures, and I wondered if there could be a quiet room for visitors to pause for a short prayer. I asked around but couldn’t find one. My suggestion is to provide a small space for this purpose. Thank you.
When is the best time to visit Customs House (Sydney, Australia)?
During NSW school holidays, the library hosts extra Rhymetime and baby story sessions. Verify times online before your visit.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Library & exhibitions | AUD 0 |
| Café snack & drink | AUD 40 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 40 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Customs House
Address: 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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About Customs House
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 2 9265 977910 BEST nearby Activities
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