Art enthusiast. Loves painting, bushwalking and travels. Writing what I love sparks my passion. Sydney, Australia.
Published October 20th 2012
Located in the heart of the city of Sydney, you will find a number of notable buildings designed in old architectural styles. While I enjoy the beauty of their splendid design, I am particularly fascinated by one of the common features found in these buildings - the amazing clocks, which are beautiful and captivating.
1. Two Large Mechanical Clocks, the Queen Victoria Building
First on my list is undoubtedly the Queen Victoria Building where you can discover a lot of interesting features in the building. Commonly known as QVB, this building is well-renowned for its interesting heritage and architectural design. Featuring in the building, you will find two large mechanical clocks - the Royal Clock and the Great Australian Clock. Designed by Neil Glasser in 1982, the Royal Clock shows scenes of English royalty from King John signing the Magna Carta to the execution of King Charles I.
The other one is the Great Australian Clock, which includes 33 scenes from Australian history seen from both Aboriginal and European perspectives. This amazing clock was designed and made by Chris Cook.
Where: QVB, 455 George Street, Sydney
2. The Town Hall Clock Tower
Established opposite the Oueen Victoria Building and alongside St Andrew's Cathedral, you'll find a beautiful sandstone building - the Sydney Town Hall. Built between 1868 and 1889, Sydney Town Hall is on the site of the former Old Sydney Burial Ground. It is a landmark which houses the Sydney City Council Chamber, reception rooms, the Centennial Hall and offices for the Lord Mayor and elected councillors.
Not to be missed is its tall clock tower, which dominates the city skyline when you view it at a distance.
3. The Clock Tower, The Sydney General Post Office
Located at the heart of Martin Place, the Sydney General Post Office was constructed in stages from 1866 to 1891, by colonial architect James Barnet. Designed in the Victorian Italian Renaissance style, it is the finest example in NSW.
The clock tower is above the centre of the 100-metre Martin Place facade. View the video below to find out more interesting aspects about the clock tower, including how the striking is done on the bell.
The Clock Tower, the GPO building, No.1 Martin Place