General Post Office Tower

BOOKINGS OPEN AT 12 PM ON FRIDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2024

Architect: Alan C Walker (1906)

Based on the design of London’s Big Ben, Hobart’s GPO was one of the first public buildings to open in Tasmania after Federation. The building’s foundation stone was laid in 1901 by the Duke of Cornwall and York (the future King George V), with construction completed in 1905. After the Commonwealth took over the project and refused to pay for bells for the clock tower, a public subscription raised £1,465 to complete the building’s tower before it opened in 1906. This two storey Post Office with corner towner and five-bay arcaded entry features ashlar facades on Macquarie and Elizabeth Streets, with the remainder brick on a stone foundation. There are interesting roof lanterns, chimneys and balustered parapets. It is a key landmark of the city.

Explore the four-storey tower and rooftop of this landmark building and see the impressive inner workings of the city’s official clock.

Tours: Saturday 9 November 2024, 9.45am, 10.05am, 10.25am, 10.45am, 11.05m, 11.25pm, 12.05pm, 1.45pm, 2.05pm, 2.25pm, 2.45pm and 3.05pm

Duration: 45 Minutes

Access: This tour is NOT suitable for children. Steep stair access only, please wear closed toe sturdy shoes.