17 July 2026
The iconic clock above the old North Sydney Post Office is ticking yet again after repairs. However, no clock appears to be ticking on the future of the site, with the now defunct post office remaining vacant indefinitely.
“Australia Post is pleased to confirm the clock on the former North Sydney Post Office has been repaired and is now operating, with lighting programmed to illuminate the clock during the evening and early morning,” a spokesperson from Australia Post told the Sun.
Constructed above the entrance in 1895, the clock tower cost £965 (equivalent to $137,000 Australian Dollars today), though the clock was not set up until July 1900. It is believed that the delay occurred because the Postmaster General recommended that residents pay one-third of the cost if they wanted a clock in the tower.
Since early 2025 the post office building has been vacant, with the service shifting to across the road in Northpoint Tower. No plans are in place for the 137-year-old post office site, with Australia Post maintaining ownership.
A spokesperson from Australia Post said “We recognise the importance of this landmark to the North Sydney community, and this will be considered when determining any future use for the building in line with the Heritage Management Plan.”
The building was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in December 2000. For now, the clock’s hands are the only movement at the site with the adjoining building on the block also vacant.
However, the old North Sydney court house and police stations, which connect to the post office, are currently subject to an Aboriginal land claim.
Last month the North Sydney Sun revealed that the NSW Government confirmed a claim had been made under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, which allows Aboriginal land councils to claim certain Crown land.
EXCLUSIVE: Land claim leaves future of historic North Sydney courthouse unclear – Read here: https://northsydneysun.com.au/community-politics/exclusive-land-claim-leaves-future-of-historic-north-sydney-courthouse-unclear/
On the other side of the post office, council has flagged plans to commence the design of a new 1,675-sqm plaza on Mount St, between Pacific Highway and William Street. The plan was listed in Council’s draft Delivery Program 2025–2029 and Operational Plan 2026–2027, meaning nothing is official. However, it is likely they will pursue the project.
Between the potential new pedestrian plaza, Old Post Office building and the land claims on the old court house and police station, there could be major changes coming to the heart of North Sydney CBD.