Customs House (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Customs House?
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 entry: All exhibitions, the city model and library are free to enter.
- Sheltered environment: Indoor spaces protect you and your baby from sun, wind or rain.
Challenges:
- No dedicated nursing room: Use the library lounge or ask staff for a private corner if you need extra privacy.
- Limited pram storage: Staircases can be narrow; a lightweight stroller or baby carrier works best.
- Rooftop space constraints: Prams and extra chairs may not fit when fully booked; reserve ahead.
What is so special about Customs House for with baby?
- Free entry to model exhibits and changing rooms
- Under-glass city model ideal for engagement with baby
- Library family lounge for feeding and play
- Baby-change facilities on two levels
- Rooftop café with high chairs and harbour views
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to view the model, use baby-friendly library facilities, and relax at the rooftop café without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Customs House
View the under-glass city model:
Walk over the 4.2 × 9.5 m scale model of downtown Sydney in the atrium.
Tip: Carry your baby in a carrier to let them lean over the glass safely.
Use the library’s family lounge:
Relax on cushioned seats and feed your baby in a quiet corner.
Tip: Ask staff for a private spot if you need extra privacy to breastfeed.
Change and play in the library:
Use baby-change rooms on levels 1 and 2 and let your baby explore soft toys and board books.
Tip: Bring a small blanket for floor time in the family corner.
Enjoy harbour views at Café Sydney:
Reserve a table on the rooftop and request a high chair when you book.
Tip: Confirm the kids’ menu and high-chair availability 24 hours before your visit.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Café Sydney meal for 2 adults | AUD 180 |
| Public transport to Circular Quay | AUD 10 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 190 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Customs House?
In summer, visit mid-morning to avoid peak heat and use the air-conditioned library. In cooler months, the rooftop is more comfortable. Check the library calendar for storytime events during school holidays.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Customs House
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds and secure the best spot in the library family corner.
- Book café seating in advance: Request a high chair and confirm the kids’ menu when you make your reservation.
- Use lightweight baby gear: A baby carrier or compact stroller makes stairs and narrow paths easier.
- Check event schedules: Look online for storytime or Rhymetime sessions that suit your visit.
Map of Customs House
Address: 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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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.
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 9779See available options
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