Mrs Macquarie's Chair (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Mrs Macquarie's Chair?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: The free harbour lookout, running path and photography angles give solo visitors easy low-cost enjoyment all day, with seats, toilets 200 m away, and no need to co-ordinate anyone else.
Positives:
- Quiet spot: Early mornings are calm, with fewer visitors and clear harbour views.
- Fitness boost: The flat loop path is ideal for a solo run or brisk walk.
Challenges:
- Wind exposure: The bench is exposed to harbour breezes; bring a windbreaker.
- Limited shade: Few shaded areas near the Chair; carry water in summer.
What is Mrs Macquarie's Chair?
- A sandstone seat carved by convict labour in 1810–1811 for Governor Macquarie’s wife, Mrs Elizabeth Macquarie
- Carved directly into the rocky sandstone point at the edge of Sydney Harbour within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- A heritage-listed colonial-era landmark exemplifying early 19th-century craftsmanship
What is so special about Mrs Macquarie's Chair for solo trip?
- Walk the 3 km Opera House-Botanic Garden loop
- Catch sunrise over the Opera House from the Chair
- Join a free volunteer-led guided tour
- Spot rainbow lorikeets in the fig trees
- Book an Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour
Recommended visit duration: 0.5-1 hour
Why 0.5-1 hour visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Half an hour to an hour lets you enjoy the Chair and nearby harbour views without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Opera House → Botanic Garden loop:
Run or walk the 3 km paved loop from the Opera House to the Chair.
Tip: Start early to avoid crowds and carry water in a small daypack.
Volunteer-led guided walk:
Join the free daily walk at 10:30 am from the Garden Shop.
Tip: Arrive 5 minutes early and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Sunrise photography:
Capture soft-light views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Tip: Set up on the Chair 15 minutes before dawn for best angles.
Birdwatch rainbow lorikeets:
Listen and look for lorikeets in the fig trees along Macquarie’s Road.
Tip: Visit at dawn when birds are most active.
When is the best time to visit Mrs Macquarie's Chair (Sydney, Australia)?
In spring the jacarandas bloom in the Gardens. In summer arrive before 7 am to beat the heat. In autumn clear skies give crisp harbour views.
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Reviews of Mrs Macquarie's Chair (Sydney)
Nicole Muñoz Acevedo
ICONIC PLACE What better place to watch the sunset? This of course, close to the city but not so close, is a place surrounded by the water of the Pacific Ocean and the green lung that delivers one of the best spots in Sydney in my opinion. We have nearby toilets, water fountains, a wide coastal street for those who love to walk, run or just lie on the grass.
Ravindu Wattuhewa
A must-visit spot for breathtaking views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The best time to go is at sunset when the colors light up the sky and the landmarks shine in the golden hour glow 🌅
Lou
Best sunset, fireworks view-point in Sydney. Opera house and Harbour bridge will be shot on your footage. if you are planning to visit this place for new year fireworks, you'd better come 4~5hours before the event. if you are a traveler, this is a must visit place : )
Nataliia Semenenko
Probably one of the best views in Sydney is in here. People say that it’s perfect for sunset views of The Opera House - and I totally believe it. On the other hand, I’ve been here in the morning, and it was so incredibly awesome. This is a historical site with its stories and histories. It attracts tourists and can become a little too crowded, but there are still secluded places around - just if ...
Orçun Ortaköylü
This point and the area is probably the best for sunset in Sydney. 🌅 If you are coming from Opera House direction, you need to get through Royal Botanical Gardens. Unfortunately the gardens close before sunset. It is hard to reach here by navigation. I will share my walkthrough to get to here around sunset. 1. Navigate to "State Library of New South Wales" by walking. When you see or get close ...
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Volunteer-led guided walk | AUD 0 |
| Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour | AUD 38 |
| Coffee at Botanic Garden café | AUD 5 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 43 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Mrs Macquarie's Chair
- Arrive early: Get there 30 minutes before sunrise to secure the best spot.
- Travel light: Use a small daypack for water, snacks and a light jacket.
Map of Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Address: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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About Mrs Macquarie's Chair
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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