Parliament House

Twin building to the Mint, the puce-coloured Parliament House has been home to the Parliament of New South Wales since 1816 – the world’s oldest continually operating parliament building. And like the Mint, its front section (which now blends into a modern addition on the eastern side) was originally part of the Rum Hospital. You need to pass through a metal detector to access the inner sanctum, where you can check out art exhibitions in the lobby, and the historical display in the wood-panelled Jubilee Room. On nonsitting days both assembly chambers are open, but when Parliament’s sitting, you’re restricted to the Public Gallery. Good wheelchair access.