Customs House is a heritage-listed sandstone landmark at 31 Alfred Street, Sydney NSW 2000, facing the ferry wharves of Circular Quay. It was first built in 1844–45 to designs by Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis and later enlarged by James Barnet. The building collected the colony’s import duties for well over a century and now houses a free public library, exhibition spaces, a tourist information desk and fine dining with harbour views.
What to Expect at Customs House
Step through the colonnaded Alfred Street entrance into the grand atrium, where a glass floor reveals a large scale model of central Sydney. Look up and you will see a sculptural helix staircase curling through the upper levels. Barnet’s additions gave the facade its arcaded loggia, carved coat of arms and clock, and these features are among the finest Victorian public architecture in the city.
The two-level City of Sydney Library holds a multicultural collection of more than 50,000 items, with relaxed lounges, study desks and international newspapers. The ground floor hosts rotating exhibitions on the city’s history and design. The rooftop is home to Cafe Sydney, a modern Australian restaurant known for seafood and terrace views of the Harbour Bridge.
- City Model Under Glass: A detailed miniature of the CBD set beneath the atrium floor, ideal for orienting first-time visitors.
- Helix Staircase: A spiral stair rising through the atrium and one of the building’s most photographed features.
- Two-Level Library: Over 50,000 multilingual items plus free seating and Wi-Fi.
- Barnet Long Room: An elegant heritage room named for the architect, available for hire for events.
- Rooftop Dining: Modern Australian plates and cocktails overlooking Circular Quay.
Customs House at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 31 Alfred Street, Sydney NSW 2000 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Circular Quay, Sydney CBD |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Fri 8am–midnight; Sat 9am–midnight; Sun 9am–5pm (library hours vary) |
| Admission / Price Range | Free entry; rooftop dining $$$$ |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Circular Quay train station, ferry wharves and light rail (L2/L3); paid CBD car parks nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au · +61 2 9265 9779 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Weekday mornings are calm, which makes them a good time to study the city model and browse the library. Book rooftop dinners ahead, especially for sunset tables on Friday and Saturday. Circular Quay station on the T2, T3 and T8 lines, the ferry wharves and the light rail terminus are all directly across Alfred Street. Driving into the CBD is costly, so public transport is the easiest option.
The building has a step-free entry and lifts to the upper floors, and the atrium is smooth and stroller-friendly. Afterward, you can walk five minutes to the Museum of Contemporary Art or the cobbled lanes of The Rocks. The Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden are about ten minutes away along the harbour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Customs House?
The building is open Monday to Friday from 8am to midnight, Saturday from 9am to midnight, and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Library and tourist desk hours are shorter, so check the official site before you go.
Does it cost anything to enter?
Entry to the atrium, library and exhibitions is free. Dining at the rooftop restaurant is premium-priced and best reserved in advance.
How long should I spend there?
Allow 45 minutes to take in the model, staircase and exhibitions. Plan for two hours or more if you are dining.
Is Customs House accessible and family-friendly?
Yes. Lifts and step-free paths serve the public floors, and children enjoy spotting landmarks on the glass-floor city model.
When planning your Sydney travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Sydney, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Grace Sydney, The Gidley, Federal Park, and Grana (nearby).
