| Parks / National Parks / Gardens tips and photos posted by real travelers and Sydney locals. • 231 Photos
• 130 Reviews
See all Sydney Things To Do |
 | Sydney Parks / National Parks / Gardens Reviews | 1 - 10 of 130 |  |
 Archibald Fountain thru' to
ANZAC War Memorial by aussiedoug
It's funny how you see something so often ,yet know so little about it so yesterday I decided to undertake a decent exploration of Hyde Park.
What I've discovered, to your benefit dear reader, is that this is a really worthwhile place to enjoy over a couple of hours.
It has some fascinating history that you have to put your imagination hard to work to envisage as it's not evident at all. It's hard to believe that when Governor Lachlan Macquarie developed this park in 1810(named after its counterpart in London) as a part of his grand plan for Sydney it began as an exercise & recreation area for his 73rd regiment & the officers actually laid out a racetrack that ran for just over 2Km. Apparently there was a grandstand that I believe would be pretty well where Bar Quattro & St James Station is.This was so successful that it continued (except for a 5 year break after the 73rd was transferred out) until around March 1825.
I found it difficult to conjure up images of any of this, but there is plenty to enjoy without having to relive the history. That's why you can allow yourself a couple of hours. You can use it to relax & recharge the batteries after busy sightseeing &/or shopping. You can take a picnic lunch or a simple couple of sandwiches & a drink (as so many of the city workers do) & just relax if you want. There are many ways to enjoy this lovely place. There are a number of statues with different stories & of course there is the not to be missed ANZAC War Memorial which I will add as a stand alone tip because I believe it to be worthy of such. You can start at Bar Quattro with a coffee & a snack or you could finish there for lunch, but be warned it would be best to book your table that morning as I went the other day for lunch & couldn't get a table.
Hyde Park is bounded by Elizabeth St in the west, College St in the east, St James Rd (which turns into Prince Albert Rd at the sthn end of Macquarie St) in the north & Liverpool St in the south. Leave a Comment Address: Elizabeth Street (Directions: If riding a train on the city circle line you can alight at either St James (best spot I think) or Museum (better for the ANZAC War Maemorial) stations. If riding the Sydney Explorer Bus then Stop 15.
|
 | |  |
Visiting Sydney?
Read reviews about Sydney Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 The Calmness of Water by aussiedoug
This marvellous memorial particularly for the memories of our ANZAC heroes fallen in battle also contains displays & information about all conflicts Australian forces have been involved in since the Boer War in the late 1890's up till the first Gulf War.
There are two ways you can access this Memorial. I'd strongly suggest climbing the stairs & entering from the higher top level as there is a striking scuplture that is most dramatic in appearance by looking down on it initially. Also at that level there is a panel in each section of the interior of the wall dedicated (& named for) the different campaigns in the different wars.
The building itself is, I believe & feel, a wonderful piece of architecture. It was designed in what is described as an Art Deco style by Bruce Dellit who was only 29 years of age at the time & apparently caused an uproar amongst his contemporaries by the design he won the competition with & I guess the fact that he was only 2 years into his career. It is beautiful stone & I believe he has really captured the essence of what I feel is important about this Memorial & it is not the glorification of war itself, but the selfless sacrifice of the many young men & women who lost their lives in these different conflicts in the hope that our lives might be better. I must admit I was close to tears on a couple of occasions. I had a Great , Great Uncle in the Light Horse & also my father had been in New Guinea in WWII then in Japan with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces so I could see elements of both of them in certain parts of the displays.
Well worth a visit for some thoughtful contemplation. Leave a Comment Address: Hyde Park South, but read my recommendation belowDirections: I'd recommend approaching it from the nthn end of Hyde Park as you can walk in a straight line, down what amounts to a tree lined avenue that ends at the War Memorial.Website: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/hs_hb_anzac_war_memorial.asp
|
| | |
Located behind the Opera house the Botanic Gardens & Domain was a fantastic treat! With great views of the Opera House and a jogging path this park is a wonderful location to just explore and get lost in.
The gardens are jammed packed with rare and exotic plants and flowers. Some of the more rarer plants can be found behind metal fences to keep individuals from stealing them. The "Wollemi Pine" is one of the most protected and endangered of the trees found here in the garden. In 1994 one Wollemi Pine was discovered in the Blue Mountain range after being thought extint. You can find a few of the Wollemi Pines planted in the garden. The first tree was grown from a seedling.
There is so much to see and do in the Gardens. You can have a picnic on one of the many lawns. Throughtout the gardens you will find signs encouraging you "touch trees and step on the grass". Leave a Comment Address: Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney, NSW 2000, AustraliaPhone: 61-2-9231 8111Directions: The Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens are free except for special events. The Domaini s open 24/7 all year and Royal Botanic Gardens are open every day as well. Check the website for more information.Website: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au
|
| | |
I didn’t come to the Botanical Gardens and Domain until my third trip to Sydney in 2006. Now this has become one of my favorite things to do, especially the walk around the water’s edge from Woolloomooloo to the opera house. This is really one of my favorite Sydney activities. And anyone who goes and stays in Potts Point at least once I think you’ll find yourself doing this.
As you start out you walk along the boardwalk with Woolloomooloo pier on the right. Finally you head up some stairs and onto the path. This goes on past the Swimming club and around to the first corner near Mrs. Macquarie’s chair. Let me tell you, next time I come by here I’m bringing my picnic kit. What a place to kick it for a couple hours and watch the world and harbor traffic go by.
From here you follow it back around the horseshoe all the way to the opera house. A nice pleasant walk, that affords for some fantastic shots. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 by RedEaredPanda
A walkway skirts around the harbourfront at the lower part of the gardens and is popular for lunchtime walks or jogs. The gardens have more than one million specimens and there is even a hop-on hop-off "train" for the less energetic.
The gardens are an excellent place to escape the noise of the city and are situated quite close to some of the major city hotels around Hyde Park. They open daily at 6.30am and close at sunset. Entry to the gardens is free. Leave a Comment Address: Macquarie Street, the Cahill ExpresswayPhone: 02 9231 8111
|
| | |
Visiting Sydney?
Read reviews about Sydney Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
The Chinese Garden offer a rare opportunity here in Australia to experience a century old tradition of Chinese landscaping, garden design and architecture.
The Gardens feature waterfalls, mountains, lakes and forests which make this type of gardening unique. There is a tea house where you can have the opportunity to dress up with ancient Chinese clothing. Leave a Comment Phone: + 61 2 9240 8888Directions: Located at the southern end of Darling Harbour near the Sydney Entertainment Centre and adjacent to Chinatown.Website: http://www.chinesegarden.com.au/
|
 trees, big trees! by willy_wonkaLeave a Comment Directions: macquarie street at the north, liverpool street at the south
|
 Sydney Royal Botanical Garden by ATXtraveler
November-February: 7 am to 8 pm
March and October: 7 am to 6.30 pm
April and September: 7 am to 6 pm
May and August: 7 am to 5.30 pm
June and July: 7 am to 5 pm
Entry is free, except for the Tropical Centre (open daily 10 am to 4 pm) where an entry fee is charged. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
The Gardens are open daily from 9:30am to 5pm (except Christmas). Entry fees are:
Adults: $6, Children under 15: $3, Family of 2 adults & 2 kids: $15, Concession: $3
When we first walked by the gardens and peeked in, I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend $6 to go in, but later we had time, so we came by and went through... plus, my parents got the senior discount, so that was nice. Once we got in, the gardens were much bigger than I was expecting. There was a big lake in the middle and a pathway around it with a couple of waterfalls, bridges, and a pretty temple at the top of the hill. There was also a tea room inside, but we didn't go in. There was even a spot where you could dress up in Chinese clothes and get your picture made (but that was an additional cost)... I personally wouldn't have done it even for free, but some people were dressing up and they looked like they were having fun. :)
If you are in Darling Harbor and like gardens, check these out - they were very serene! Leave a Comment Address: Darling HarbourPhone: +61 2 9281 6863Directions: The garden is located at the southern end of Darling Harbour, near the Sydney Entertainment Centre and adjacent to Chinatown.Website: http://www.chinesegarden.com.au Other Contact: chinesegarden@shfa.nsw.gov.au
|
| | |
 Akuna bay. by laughingsun69Leave a Comment Address: located in kuringai chase national park.Directions: drive north on mona vale road and turn left at the akuna bay turn off.
|
|
Hotels in Sydney
5 Locations to Choose From. Lowest Web Rate Guaranteed. Sydney Australia Hotels
Hotel Photos, Info & Virtual Tours Find the Hotel You Want at Expedia! Hotels in Sydney
Simply relax at Crowne Plaza. Book our best rates direct, 877-270-1395 Sydney Hotel Deals
Great Rates for Sydney Top Hotels. Save Money & Time. Book Online Now! Travel Sydney
Make Informed Decisions. Save Time And Money On Your Trip with Bing ™ Sponsored Links
- Rydges Hotel Bankstown
Cnr Hume Highway & Strickland Street Bass Hill, Sydney - Rydges Hotel Camperdown Sydney
9 Missenden Road Camperdown, Sydney - Billabong Gardens
5 - 11 Egan St Newtown, Sydney - Apartment Hotel East Sydney
150 Liverpool Street East Sydney, Sydney - Manly Guest House
6 Steinton Street, Sydney - Wood Duck Inn
49 William St East Sydney, Sydney - Rydges Cronulla
20-26 The Kingsway, Sydney - BLUE Sydney
6 Cowper Wharf Rd, The Wharf at Woolloomooloo (formerly W Hotel), Sydney - Mercure Hotel Sydney Airport
20 Levey Street, Sydney - Hotel 59 Sydney
59 Bayswater Rd Kings Cross, Sydney - Metro Hotel Sydney (300 Pitt Street.)
300 Pitt St (formerly Pentura on Pitt), Sydney - Quest Castle Hill
8 Gladstone Road, Sydney - Leisure Inns Park Regis
27 Park Street, Sydney - Grantham Executive Apartments Sydney
1 Grantham Street Potts Point, Sydney - Medina On Crown Hotel
359 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney
|
