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Royal Automobile Club of Australia
Royal Automobile Club of Australia
The grand clubhouse of Australia’s pioneering motoring club
About the building
The Royal Automobile Club of Australia (RACA) was established in 1903, then known as the Automobile Club of Australia, and was the first motoring association in Australia. It was founded for motoring enthusiasts, and while automotive culture is still central to the RACA’s identity, today the Club offers a place for community and connection over shared interests and experiences.
In 1922, the Club purchased the site at 89 Macquarie Street and asked architect club members to submit competitive designs. The job was awarded to architect Ruskin Rowe of H E Ross & Rowe, who designed the new building and supervised its construction as a goodwill gift.
The Governor of NSW opened the clubhouse on 23 March 1928. The new premises included garaging and a service station for the use of members, as well as general accommodation, dining and lounge rooms, a billiard room, racquet courts, a gymnasium and baths. There was also special accommodation for women, although they couldn’t become members of RACA until 1946.
Rowe designed the building in the Interwar Commercial Palazzo style, with a distinctive dark brick and sandstone facade and a wrought-iron colonnade. The heritage-listed interiors showcase the original design and detailing: marble floors and columns, crystal chandeliers, elaborate glasswork and an opulent terrazzo staircase. The dining room has a coffered ceiling and leadlight-glazed dome.
Today, the RACA has a mix of heritage and modern facilities, including its members bar, restaurant, rooftop terrace, function venues, gym and sauna.
Royal Automobile Club of Australia
89 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Entry details
Exclusive access to the rooftop, Members Bar and level 4
10am–5pm
4.45pm
Need to know
Accessible featuresThere is ramp or level (step-free) entry and lift access to all public levels. Wheelchair access is typically through the garage on the ground level at Circular Quay. Assistance animals welcome
Toilets availablePhotography restrictedPhotography not allowed
Food and drink availableMembers Bar and Harbour Dining Room restaurant
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