Sirius Cannon is a free, open-air First Fleet relic at 36 Bridge Street in Macquarie Place, Sydney CBD, beside Circular Quay. Displayed with the anchor from HMS Sirius, flagship of the fleet that reached Sydney Cove in 1788, the iron cannon gives visitors a direct encounter with the early colonial maritime story, framed by one of central Sydney’s oldest public spaces.
What to Expect at Sirius Cannon
The cannon stands in compact Macquarie Place Park, a triangular pocket of lawn, mature trees and paved paths just off Bridge Street. Look for it alongside the substantial wrought-iron Sirius Anchor, another relic associated with HMS Sirius. The ship was the First Fleet’s flagship under Captain Arthur Phillip, arriving at Sydney Cove in January 1788 before being wrecked at Norfolk Island in 1790. The anchor was recovered from the wreck site in 1905 and installed here in 1907, making the pair particularly resonant rather than simply decorative naval objects.
This is a short, self-guided stop rather than a staffed museum: there is no admission desk, gallery circuit, guided tour programme or bag check. Allow time to read the interpretive material, examine the cannon’s weathered iron form and photograph the anchor, then take in the park’s 1818 Macquarie Place Obelisk. Commissioned under Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the sandstone obelisk marks measured road distances from Sydney and predates most surviving civic monuments in the city centre. Outdoor photography is welcome; please avoid climbing on either historic object.
- Sirius Cannon: An 18th-century iron naval gun associated with HMS Sirius, the First Fleet flagship.
- Sirius Anchor: The large wrought-iron anchor recovered from the Norfolk Island wreck in 1905 and placed in the park in 1907.
- Macquarie Place Obelisk: An 1818 sandstone distance marker, among Sydney’s earliest surviving public monuments.
- First Fleet context: A useful place to connect the 1788 arrival at Sydney Cove with the practical naval challenges of the new colony.
- CBD pause point: Shaded seating and a calm green setting a few blocks from Circular Quay, George Street and The Rocks.
Sirius Cannon at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 36 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Macquarie Place, east end of Sydney CBD, near Circular Quay |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours daily as part of Macquarie Place public park |
| Admission / Price Range | Free; no ticket or reservation required |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 15 to 30 minutes; allow longer when pairing it with Circular Quay and The Rocks |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Circular Quay train, light rail and ferry hub is about a 7-minute walk; Wynyard Station is about 8 minutes away. Paid commercial parking is available in the CBD, with no dedicated on-site parking. |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Sydney: Sirius Cannon | +61 2 9265 9333 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Come in the morning for cleaner photographs and a quieter pause before the CBD weekday rush, or stop by after a Circular Quay ferry arrival. There are no timed entries and no gates, so the site works well between larger bookings. From Circular Quay, walk south-west along Alfred Street and Loftus Street toward Bridge Street; from Wynyard, follow George Street north-east, then turn toward Macquarie Place. Drivers should use nearby paid CBD garages rather than expecting curbside parking.
Macquarie Place is a small outdoor park with paved approaches suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though paths and surrounding footpaths can be busy at commuting hours and may have minor changes in level. There is no indoor visitor facility, café or public bag storage at the monument. Pair the stop with the Museum of Sydney on Phillip Street, roughly five minutes away, Circular Quay and the Overseas Passenger Terminal in around 10 minutes, or The Rocks’ historic lanes in about 12 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Sirius Cannon open, and what is the best time to visit?
The cannon is outdoors in Macquarie Place and accessible 24 hours a day, every day. Visit early morning for softer light and fewer office workers, or include it during a daytime walk between Circular Quay and the CBD.
Is there an entry fee or a need to book?
There is no admission charge and no reservation system. It is a public monument in a city park, so visitors can view the cannon, anchor and obelisk independently at any time.
How long should I allow for Sirius Cannon?
Budget 15 to 30 minutes to examine the cannon and anchor, read the site information and see the 1818 obelisk. Allow one to two hours if continuing to the Museum of Sydney, Circular Quay or The Rocks.
Is Sirius Cannon suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Yes. The site is free, brief and outdoors, making it easy for families to add to a harbour walk; children should be supervised around the heavy heritage objects. Paved park paths offer step-free access, although this is a compact public space without dedicated visitor amenities or toilets.
When planning your Sydney travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Sydney, pair this stop with standout local spots including Queens Square, Sydney CBD, Central Park Mall, and Obelisk of Distances (nearby).
