Spend the night inside Sydney’s gorgeous heritage-listed former General Post Office.

An impressive 150 years ago, Sydney’s General Post Office (GPO) had its grand opening at No.1 Martin Place. Crafted from Sydney sandstone, the heritage-listed building no longer has the main function of sending letters; instead, its Victorian Italian grandeur is carefully preserved by The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

The GPO’s history

On 1 September 1874, the GPO opened to much fanfare as Sydney’s answer to communicating with the rest of the world, both by mail and telegraph. The GPO was the beating heart of the city’s communication network and helped Sydney connect with the nation – and the rest of the globe – at a time when correspondence by ink still ruled.

Designed by the Colonial Architect for NSW, James Barnett, the architectural undertaking to build the GPO was an ambitious one. It was designed to include many intricate sculptures – one featuring Queen Victoria – with an overall look that blended heritage and Victorian Italian Renaissance style in an ode to the new post office’s international practicality and unique aesthetics. In the 1990s the building was refurbished and refreshed, and it’s now home to The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, which preserves its Victorian grandeur.

What to expect during a stay

Luxurious high-rise or a classical offering in the post office building itself? Either way, guests can enjoy a part of Australia’s history while experiencing the hotel’s modern luxury.

The high-rise rooms and suites showcase gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below. Right next to the buzzing Martin Place, guests will be energised and excited by vistas of the modern city.

For a step back to the city that once was, there’s nothing better than The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s heritage options. Based in the former GPO itself, some of suites and rooms are still home to original fittings, like marble fireplaces and the postmaster’s writing desk from the 1870s. These have been preserved as a memory of the classical elegance of the Australian Victorian era.

Each suite or room has sophisticated touches like a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

Outside of the guest rooms, the Heritage Ballroom is a marvel. It’s found in what was once the Sydney Telegraphic Centre, with its 11-metre-high domed ceiling soaring over the sunlit room.

With all this, it’s understandable that guests might be tempted to relax inside all day. But just a few minutes away, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s resident guide is at hand to run a tour of the GPO, explaining its history as a post office, its curious myths and its outstanding architecture. These run from Tuesday to Saturday, with various sessions throughout the day.

Fantastic dining

Modern Australian meets contemporary Southeast Asian at onsite restaurant The Place. In an atrium overlooking the former GPO, dishes here include the best of Australia’s fresh and homegrown seafood, vegetables and meats. These can be tried as their own dishes or as one of their signature tasting platters.

Over at The Bar, the signature afternoon tea remains the jewel in the hotel’s crown. Served each day from 12–4pm, sweet delights are complemented with savoury mouthfuls, changing with the seasons and championing local produce. Celebratory cocktails, sparkling wines and hot drinks are also on standby to add the perfect touch to a few hours spent with good friends.

Five-star service

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests. As well as this dedication to visitors, importance is placed on the hotel’s responsibility to preserve the heritage of this extraordinary building. In the year of the hotel’s opening in 2019, the team engaged in a restoration project to protect the beloved GPO for Sydneysiders and incoming guests.

Hit the stores and see the sights

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is in a prime location as it overlooks Martin Place, the civic and financial centre of the city, which is crowded with throngs of Sydneysiders rushing between important meetings, long lunches and everything in between. A few minutes north and guests will find themselves next to the Sydney Opera House; in the other direction they’ll come across the Queen Victoria Building, a historic marketplace turned shopping centre.

Inside the GPO itself, guests will find plenty of luxury brands to get acquainted with. Suit makers M.J. Bale, diamond jewellery specialists Calleija and Billich Gallery are all in residence – not to mention Australian-made endota spa for your pampering needs.

And if guests pick up a postcard, they can even post it in the GPO – at the modern, post shop that remains inside this authentic slice of Sydney history.

Celebrating 150 years

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the former GPO, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney has arranged a series of activities to celebrate this milestone with the community. Head to the hotel’s website for details and dates.