The register of his birth records his father as Duncan (joiner journeyman) and his mother as Mary.

[2] In 1912 he succeeded Vernon as New South Wales Government Architect and held the position until he died in 1923.

[3] McRae married Katie Prescott in St Mark's Church, Darling Point on 8 May 1895.

[4] George McRae was responsible for the design of many buildings in Sydney and other places, several of which still survive, some of which are listed on various heritage registers.

Works undertaken by McRae during his term as Government Architect included the Department of Education Building 1912; Parcels Post Office 1913; Taronga Zoo lower entrance, top entrance, and Indian elephant house; additions to the Colonial Treasury Building in Bridge Street, and Cessnock Court House.