Hyde Park

Hyde Park is the Sydney's central open green space and it was named after the Hyde Park in London. Hyde Park is on the eastern side of the Sydney central business district. It is the southernmost of a chain of parkland that extends north to the shore of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour).

Originally the Hyde Park was a racecourse and sporting ground playing host to all manners of competition. Today the only reminder of its early 19th century competitive heritage is the huge playable chess set that features on the western side of the Park.

Hyde Park contains well-kept gardens and approximately 580 trees; a mixture of Hills Figs, Palms and other varieties. It is famed for its magnificent fig tree lined avenues. Sandringham Gardens sit on the eastern side of the park, close to the intersection of Park Street and College Street. The tranquil setting is popular among office workers who want some fresh air, a quick siesta or some time out from the concrete jungle. The central pathway through the park is an impressive, tiled, fig lined road linking two of the parks other features, the Archibald Fountain and the War Memorial.

The Archibald Fountain was built in 1932 and stands above St James Station in the northern end of the park. The Archibald Memorial Fountain, widely regarded as the finest public fountain in Australia, is located in Hyde Park, in central Sydney, New South Wales. It is named after J.F. Archibald, owner and editor of The Bulletin magazine, who bequeathed funds to have it built. Archibald specified that it must be designed by a French artist, both because of his great love of French culture and to commemorate the association of Australia and France in World War I. He imagined its civic design and ornamentation developing to rival his dream city Paris. The artist chosen was Francois Sicard. The fountain was unveiled on 14 March 1932 by the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Samuel Walder.

The Anzac War Memorial and Pool of Remembrance in the southern end of the park was officially opened on the 24 November 1934 to commemorate World War I soldiers. It is the principal State War Memorial to all Australians who serve their country in war. The Anzac War Memorial was designed by C. Bruce Dellit, with sculptures by Rayner Hoff. The memorial stands 30 metres above the pool of remembrance and there is a photograph exhibition underneath the building. The Memorial is open every day 9.00am - 5.00pm except Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Over the summer months the Park is a hive of activity, particularly during the Festival of Sydney when there is plenty of free entertainment.

There are plenty of train and bus services to Hyde Park Sydney. Limited street parking which requires ticket purchase. St.James and Museum railway stations are both on the Parks boundary. The best Sydney Explorer stop to alight at is stop number 15. Admission to the Park and War Memorial is free.