Sydney has plenty of options when it comes to outdoor spaces and world-famous structures. One frequented spot is Hyde Park which gets a lot of love from locals and tourists all year. The heritage-listed park spans over 16 hectares in the very center of Sydney with open grassy areas, sculptures and artworks dotted across the park. But what people may not know is that the popular spot is also Australia’s oldest park. And yes, it is named after its popular counterpart – London’s Hyde Park. It has been listed as a World Heritage site due to its historical importance and is a welcome oasis amidst the din of the CBD.
Hyde Park, Sydney
Located south of Sydney CBD, this serene public area lies in the midst of a concrete jungle. The gorgeous, leafy park is within walking distance from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the stunning St Mary’s Cathedral, the State Library and the Australian Museum so you could spend the day exploring a number of Sydney staples in close proximity to the park.
And don’t miss out on a visit to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hyde Park Barracks to get an insight into Australia’s convict past. If you ever get tired of exploring, there are plenty of shops and cafes at each end of the park where you can grab a drink and snack and enjoy the tranquil views all around.
Things to do at Hyde Park
Showing off numerous interesting and historical features, the highlights at Hyde Park include the iconic Archibald Memorial Fountain which was created by French sculptor François-Léon Sicard to honour the association of Australia and France in the First World War. Here visitors can see the Greek mythological figures of Apollo, Diana, Pan and Theseus along with several animals up close.
Anzac Memorial which opened in 1934 and is the principal war memorial of New South Wales is also located at Hyde Park along with the Pool of Reflection which is positioned right in front of the war memorial, providing visitors a space for past and personal reflection.
Don’t forget to enjoy a moment of pause at the Nagoya Gardens which was established to celebrate the relationship between Sydney and its Japanese-Sister City of Nagoya. Its fig tree-lined avenues are another distinct feature of the park alongside a variety of native trees and pretty flowers.
Although small in size, Hyde Park is filled with a number of striking artworks and monuments. There’s even a giant chess board located at Nagoya Gardens which was installed in 1972 providing a fun community activity for the young and old alike.
The park was established in 1810 as a common and its present layout was designed by Engineer Norman Weekes in 1927. At a 14-minute walk, the nearest train station to Hyde Park is Museum Station. Read all about its history and significance at the City of Sydney website.