Judy in the Legislative Assembly chamber.
Why visit Parliament?
Once a part of the Sydney Hospital and funded by a monopoly on the rum trade, Parliament House is the chapel of democracy in New South Wales. It is where laws that affect you are debated and passed. Contrary to colonial architect Francis Greenway’s assertion that it ‘must soon fall to ruin’, Parliament House has stood the test of time. This has been in no small part due to conservation efforts and extensions over the decades.
Parliament House is open on weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
You can visit your Parliament House to view debate or to have a meeting with your Member of Parliament. Even when Parliament isn’t sitting, you can visit to explore the public areas of the building.
Arriving at Parliament House
Parliament House is located at 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney. The State Library of New South Wales is on one side of Parliament House and Sydney Hospital is on the other side.
If travelling via public transport, the nearest train stations are St James and Martin Place.
When visiting Parliament House, you enter via the guardhouse at Macquarie Street. All visitors must go through the security screening at the guardhouse. A helpful tip would be to ensure that all items are placed in your bag prior to entering Parliament House. The NSW Police Special Constables screen all visitors and bags prior to entry.
Once you’re through security, walk up to the Legislative Assembly foyer and let the attendants know that you have a meeting with Judy. One of her staff will come down to the foyer and greet you.
The exterior of Parliament House. (Photo credit: Jeremy Travers)
Inside Parliament House
When Parliament isn’t meeting, you are able to see both the Legislative Assembly (lower house) and the Legislative Council (upper house) chambers. The Legislative Assembly chamber has been in continuous use as a parliamentary debating chamber since 1856, when our system of responsible government was introduced.
On sitting days, when Parliament is meeting, you are able to view debate in both chambers from the public gallery. The attendants will let you into the gallery in either chamber. Be sure to have your phone on silent and remember that you can’t interject in debate or take photos.
The Fountain Court is on level 7 and is worth viewing. The Court connects the historic front of Parliament House with the more recent addition, which contains office accommodation for members and staff. It features a beautiful water structure by Robert Woodward in the centre of Parliament House. The Fountain Court is a vast public space that is often used to host art exhibitions.
The water feature at the Fountain Court. (Photo credit: Jeremy Travers)
Another place to explore is Premier’s Corridor, which is located at the front of Parliament House. When you enter via the Legislative Assembly entrance, turn right. In the corridor, you will find photographs of every Premier of New South Wales from Sir Stuart Donaldson onwards.
If not being used for committee hearings or meetings, the Jubilee Room is also worth a visit. You can find this room at the front of Parliament House, off Premier’s Corridor. The Jubilee Room is a large room that was once the Parliamentary Library. The highlight of the room is the glass-stained window on the ceiling.
Parliament House also has a public cafe. You will find this beyond the Fountain Court. Enjoy a coffee or a snack. Buy a souvenir as well. If you feel like ordering a souvenir from home, the Parliament has an online gift shop.
Members of the public can also visit the Strangers’ Restaurant, which is open between 12 noon and 3:00 pm on weekdays. You can enjoy a three course lunch from Monday to Thursday and enjoy a high tea on Fridays.
Parliament House frequently receives visits from primary and secondary school groups. School tours can be booked through the Parliament’s Education and Engagement team.
Unable to visit Parliament House in person? The Parliament has you covered with a virtual tour.