Stress relief- Hyde Park

Hyde Park, located right in the heart of CBD, is the oldest public parkland in Australia. It is named after the Hyde Park in London, and spans across 16 hectares.

The park was originally a racecourse and sporting ground. However, today it has become a place where tourists competes who can take the best pictures of birds and trees early in the morning, a stress relief escape ground for stressed office workers in the afternoon, and in the evening, it becomes a dating spot. The park contains more than 580 mature exotic and native trees.

Attractions at Hyde Park:

The Archibald Fountain:

Archibald Fountain

One of the park’s attraction is the Archibald Fountain. The Fountain was build by a French sculptor, Francois Sicard back in 1930’s to commemorate the association between French and Australia in World War I. The art deco fountain, which depicts a bronze Apollo surrounded by other mythical figures, was a gift to the city of Sydney by J F Archibald (1856-1919), founder of Australia's Bulletin newspaper and later magazine.

Anzac Memorial:

Anzac Memorial

Another attraction Is the ANZAC war memorial and the lake of reflection located at the southern end of the park. It is a memorial that the state New South Wales dedicated for the soldiers who fought in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in World War I, and to the servicemen and women who fought in other wars in which Australia was involved. The building was completed in 1934, and the architect was a Sydney born, Bruce Dellit. The memorial is open everyday 9am to 5pm, except for Good Friday and Christmas day.

Dalley Monument

Dalley Monument:

You will find this monument in the north-east area of the park in a secluded area. Dalley was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly who campaigned for various reforms including the death penalty for rape. This statue is to honor the Sydney-born political figure and reform campaigner William Bede Dalley.

Memorial Cannon

Memorial cannon:

On the North-east side of the park sits a 40punds (19kg) cannon. This cannon is said to have been cast in 1806 in Scotland and bears the Royal Cypher of King George III.

Sandringham Garden

Sandringham Garden:

The Sandringham Garden is located in the southeastern side of Hyde Park North. This garden is a romantic dating spot, where a lot of couples sits In the benches watching the circular shaped garden and water fountain in the middle. The garden was dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II to her predecessors George V and George IV.

Captain Cook Monument

Captain Cook Monument:

The Captain Cook Monument is located in the north-east section of the south part of Hyde Park. It is a memorial to Captain James Cook, who first landed in Australia.

Frazer Fountain:

Frazer Fountain

On the eastern side of the south Hyde park, you will see a gothic looking building. Despites its looks, it actually houses a drinking fountain, for you to drink or refill your water bottle.  The fountain was erected in 1880’s by an Irish business man, and the building was design by by the city architect, Thomas Sapsford, and carved in Pyrmont stone by Lawrence Beveridge. The basins for the fountains were made of Scottish granite.

Obelisk Tower

Obelisk Tower:

on the west side of the park, along Elizabeth street, you will find a needle looking tower pointing to the sky at 22 meters high. It was built in 1857 to serve as a sewerage vent. The tower is said to have been modeled on Cleopatra’s needle in London.

Olmypic Ring

Olympic Ring:

As a remembrance of the year 2000 Olympic which was held in Sydney, the iconic Olympic games ring logo is located along the centre path from Liverpool St.

Emden Naval Gun

Emden Naval Gun:

At south-eastern corner of South Hyde park, is a 104mm naval gun. The Emden Naval Gun which was taken from a German warship, is said to be regarded as a trophy of war.

As you can see, Hyde Park holds a lot of History, and there are plenty of things to see there. Make sure you charge your camera batteries to full overnight before coming here….