Mrs Macquarie's Chair

Mrs Macquarie's Chair 2013

Mrs Macquarie's Chair is an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench, located on a peninsula in the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Lady Macquarie's Chair and offers one of the best vantage points to view the Sydney Harbour including the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

History

Mrs Macquarie's Chair was carved out of the rock for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821. Elizabeth Macquarie was known for her interest in the colony's development and is credited with having a significant influence on her husband's vision for Sydney. The chair was hand-carved by convicts in 1810, as a place for her to sit and enjoy the panoramic views of the harbour.

Location and Description

The chair is situated at the end of Mrs Macquaries Road within the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. This location is part of the Mrs Macquarie's Point, which is a peninsula that juts out into Sydney Harbour, offering expansive views that include the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the harbour itself.

The chair itself is a simple, rustic piece of craftsmanship, reflecting the early colonial period's utilitarian approach. Despite its simplicity, the chair has become a significant historical landmark and a popular tourist attraction, symbolizing the early European settlement and development of Sydney.

Cultural Significance

Mrs Macquarie's Chair is not only a physical reminder of the early colonial days but also a symbol of the role that women played in the development of the colony. Elizabeth Macquarie's contributions, along with her husband's, to the planning and development of early Sydney are commemorated by this landmark.

Tourism

Today, Mrs Macquarie's Chair is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Its location offers one of the most iconic views of Sydney, making it a favoured location for photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset. The site is accessible to the public year-round and is often included in walking tours of the Royal Botanic Garden and the surrounding areas.

Preservation

As a significant historical site, efforts have been made to preserve Mrs Macquarie's Chair and its surroundings. The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney and other governmental bodies manage the preservation and maintenance of this landmark to ensure that it remains a part of Sydney's heritage for future generations.