Town Hall Steps

The Town Hall Steps in Sydney are a popular meeting spot in the city center, located directly in front of the historic town hall building. This 19th-century structure was built in the Victorian style from yellow Hawkesbury sandstone and stands on the site of an old cemetery. The architecture recalls French châteaux and grand buildings, while the interior houses more than a hundred rooms across two floors, including city government offices and ceremonial reception rooms. A particular highlight for visitors is the Centennial Hall, which served as the city's most important event venue before the Opera House was built. It contains a historic concert organ that was built in London and shipped to Australia. It has one of the largest organ pipes in the world, whose lowest notes are barely perceptible to the human ear. The building is now listed as a heritage landmark and was modernized in the 2000s. The steps in front of the entrance invite you to linger, though the city government monitors the area at night to prevent damage and graffiti.