|
As you stroll from Circular Quay to the open space of Martin Place, the cramped streets of the CBD, overshadowed by high-rise office buildings, have little to offer. However, for some impression of the commerce going on here, stroll past the Australian Stock Exchange , opposite Australia Square at 20 Bond St , and join the throng gazing intently at the computerized display of stocks and shares through the glass of the ground floor. For an idea of how all this wealth might be spent, check out one of Sydney's most exclusive shopping centres, Chifley Plaza , on the corner of Hunter and Phillip streets; a huge stencil-like sculpture of former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley, by artist Simeon Nelson, looms over the pleasant palm-filled square outside. Martin Place , a pedestrian mall stretching five blocks between George and Macquarie streets, with its own underground rail station, is lined with imposing banks and investment companies; check out the splendid marbled interior of the National Australia Bank. The mall has its less serious moments in summer lunchtimes, when street performances are held at the little amphitheatre, and all year round stalls of flower-and fruit-sellers add some colour. The vast General Post Office , built between 1865 and 1887 with its landmark clock tower added in 1900, broods over the George Street end of Martin Place in all its Victorian-era pomp. The upper floors have been incorporated into part of a five-star luxury hotel, the Westin Sydney , which opened in late 1999; the rest of the hotel resides in the 31-storey tower behind. The old building and the new tower meet in the grand Atrium Courtyard , with its restaurants, bars, classy designer stores and the GPO Store , a gastronome's delight featuring a butcher, fish shop, deli, cheese room, wine merchant and greengrocer. The other end of Martin Place emerges opposite the old civic buildings on lower Macquarie Street .
Your Tip for Sydney CBD
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Sydney CBD - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Sydney CBD - visit the main Sydney CBD forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Sydney CBD webguide section below! Thanks.
|
