Archibald Memorial Fountain

Beautiful fountain and beautiful view .. just an amazing place you have to visit for sure .. specially when you hear the bells from the citadel, unique design and the park is amazing also

Beautiful fountain in Hyde Park that is easy to visit and beautiful/relaxing with lots of benches and water flowing sounds as background noise to help drown out the cityscape around you.

saw this fountain otw to St Mary Cathedral and it looks beautiful

I stumbled upon the Archibald Fountain while wandering through Hyde Park, and let me tell you, it stopped me in my tracks. It wasn't just the grandeur of the whole structure, with its cascading water and intricate carvings, but the energy it held. Maybe it's because I knew it was a memorial, a tribute to the bond between Australia and France during World War I. The central figure, a powerful Apollo, seemed to watch over the park with a stoic gaze, reminding me of the sacrifices made. But there was also a sense of peace that surrounded the fountain. The water trickled melodically, and people sat on the nearby benches, lost in their own thoughts or chatting with friends. It felt like a place to reflect, to appreciate the simple beauty around us, and to remember the past without dwelling on it. I left the fountain feeling strangely lighter, with a renewed appreciation for history, friendship, and the small moments of serenity that life offers. It's definitely a place I would recommend to anyone visiting Sydney, whether you're a history buff or just looking for a quiet escape in the heart of the city.

Archibald Fountain is a wonderful place to relax and take some photos of the fountain and the cathedral behind. In the fountain, there are lots of statues and sculptures, which include heracles (hercules) killing the lion, and Theseus and the Minotaur. There is also St Mary's Cathedral directly behind the fountain, which can appear in any photos you take. There's lots of tourists here too. If you come to the fountain for a stroll, your next best place to go is St Mary's Cathedral. Just cross the street, and you're there! =)

The Archibald Memorial Fountain is probably the most memorable of Sydney's classical fountains, not just for its sculptures, but also for its location. St Mary's Cathedral in the background adds a depth perspective.

The Archibald Fountain is located in Hyde Park North at the centre of ‘Birubi Circle’, and at the intersection of the main avenues crossing Hyde Park. The fountain, by French sculptor Francois Sicard, commemorates the association between Australia and France in World War 1. It draws its themes from Greek antiquity and is an important example in Sydney of the classical revivalist sculpture of the 1920’s and 1930’s, known as Art Deco. The fountain is approximately 18 metres in diameter and is in the shape of a hexagon. A bronze Apollo, the central raised figure standing approximately six metres high on a central pedestal, dominates the other mythical figures of Diana, Pan and the Minotaur. Behind Apollo a large arch of fine spray represents the rising sun and accentuates his dominant position. At Apollo’s feet, water sprays from horses’ heads into a series of three basins. Tortoises in the large hexagonal basin, and dolphins in the middle one, direct jets of water towards the centre.

There is a beautiful fountain with Apollo at the center, surrounded by Diana, Pan, and Theseus.

Beautiful fountain and beautiful view .. just an amazing place you have to visit for sure .. specially when you hear the bells from the citadel, unique design and the park is amazing also

Beautiful fountain in Hyde Park that is easy to visit and beautiful/relaxing with lots of benches and water flowing sounds as background noise to help drown out the cityscape around you.

saw this fountain otw to St Mary Cathedral and it looks beautiful

I stumbled upon the Archibald Fountain while wandering through Hyde Park, and let me tell you, it stopped me in my tracks. It wasn't just the grandeur of the whole structure, with its cascading water and intricate carvings, but the energy it held. Maybe it's because I knew it was a memorial, a tribute to the bond between Australia and France during World War I. The central figure, a powerful Apollo, seemed to watch over the park with a stoic gaze, reminding me of the sacrifices made. But there was also a sense of peace that surrounded the fountain. The water trickled melodically, and people sat on the nearby benches, lost in their own thoughts or chatting with friends. It felt like a place to reflect, to appreciate the simple beauty around us, and to remember the past without dwelling on it. I left the fountain feeling strangely lighter, with a renewed appreciation for history, friendship, and the small moments of serenity that life offers. It's definitely a place I would recommend to anyone visiting Sydney, whether you're a history buff or just looking for a quiet escape in the heart of the city.

Archibald Fountain is a wonderful place to relax and take some photos of the fountain and the cathedral behind. In the fountain, there are lots of statues and sculptures, which include heracles (hercules) killing the lion, and Theseus and the Minotaur. There is also St Mary's Cathedral directly behind the fountain, which can appear in any photos you take. There's lots of tourists here too. If you come to the fountain for a stroll, your next best place to go is St Mary's Cathedral. Just cross the street, and you're there! =)

The Archibald Memorial Fountain is probably the most memorable of Sydney's classical fountains, not just for its sculptures, but also for its location. St Mary's Cathedral in the background adds a depth perspective.

The Archibald Fountain is located in Hyde Park North at the centre of ‘Birubi Circle’, and at the intersection of the main avenues crossing Hyde Park. The fountain, by French sculptor Francois Sicard, commemorates the association between Australia and France in World War 1. It draws its themes from Greek antiquity and is an important example in Sydney of the classical revivalist sculpture of the 1920’s and 1930’s, known as Art Deco. The fountain is approximately 18 metres in diameter and is in the shape of a hexagon. A bronze Apollo, the central raised figure standing approximately six metres high on a central pedestal, dominates the other mythical figures of Diana, Pan and the Minotaur. Behind Apollo a large arch of fine spray represents the rising sun and accentuates his dominant position. At Apollo’s feet, water sprays from horses’ heads into a series of three basins. Tortoises in the large hexagonal basin, and dolphins in the middle one, direct jets of water towards the centre.

There is a beautiful fountain with Apollo at the center, surrounded by Diana, Pan, and Theseus.

What a great park for an early morning stroll. It is the oldest public park in Australia and has served various functions over time. When the Europeans settled in 1788, the marshy land where the park now stands was used by the local Aboriginal people for duck hunting. It was also an important contest ground for settling disputes. It was a racecourse and a site for cricket matches. It was the colony's first sports centre. It was named after Hyde Park in London. So nice to be able to see the rows of huge, old fig trees lining the avenues in the park. Go up to the Sydney Tower Eye to get a bird's eye view of Hyde Park.

Australia's oldest park with 16 hectares. Quality/Quantity - Cool park, especially like the beautiful Anzac Memorial. See pictures, which still do NOT do it justice. Also there was an art gallery, museum, and a small library. Art pieces, fountains, monuments, statues, small gardens, etc in the park also. We have spent a few days hanging out and revisiting this park. Centrally located to many tourist attractions. Atmosphere - Small beautiful park. Perfect for a short walk. Different business hours, see pictures. Also close to public transportation. Event spaces available, community centers, indoor, outdoor, sports, etc; see website. Service - Park = self service. Library, museum, etc. Everything was excellent, everyone was welcoming and inviting. Price - Free, thank you! Owner Comment - Thanks for a great park. :)

Hyde Park is the oldest public park in Australia. This 40 acres of green space is conveniently located in CBD. We ended up coming here for an early morning stroll. Various monuments scattered around the park. Worth coming by if you are in the area!

I came across this park on my way back to my Hotel a block away. It's located across the street from St.Mary's Cathedral in the business district, It's the oldest public park in Australia.

Sydney's Central Park! This park is a wonderful focal point for the City of Sydney! This public park has gorgeous fountains depicting Greek literature figures that spit water in front of a giant cathedral on one side of the park. The park is huge! It's the oldest park in Australia. Being a very urban park, there's all kinds of great people watching to do here- people shouting on the street corner, playing guitar and singing for an extra dollar coin, people relaxing in the sun. It's a beautiful park, with lots of local trees, plants, flowers- it's landscaped brilliantly! Around the park you'll find lots of great works of art that make this park a wonderful place to explore right in the heart of the Central Business District. It was a great place to stretch my legs and relax in the shade for a bit. At one end of the park is the ANZAC Memorial, where they had the Rememberance Day ceremonies. It's a giant monument to those who died in service to their country.

Hyde Park is a lush community park in the heart of Sydney's central business district. I've been here a few times over the course of my stay in the city. Parks are somewhat the quintessential lifeblood of any city. You see a lot of people visiting the park for any number of reasons. Hyde Park is no exception. It was nice to be here during my stay in Sydney, often a focus point of finding my way back to my hotel, as it was nearby when I went discovering and exploring. During my time here at Hyde Park, the lush botanical vegetation highlighted this park along with the Anazi memorial structure and the sculpture that looked like military missiles on Elizabeth Street. Hyde Park itself is very much maintained by the good folks of the city of Sydney, I assume. Very beautifully orchestrated to highlight to visitors - like myself, and residents that the city is amazing and life is definitely beautiful - in more ways than one. I found myself spending time here a few times, just because I wanted to get out of the hotel and be out. I spent the time playing Pokémon Go here, people watching, enjoying the beauty that is Hyde Park, and of course, the city of Sydney. I also sat near the Anzai memorial structure to draft a few yelp reviews to pass the time. Sometimes, inspiration strikes when you least expect it. The overall experience here at Hyde Park Sydney is pretty much good and amazing. Any green space within a city is definitely an oasis and an escape from the world around us. Nature and the vegetation always seems to have a calming effect on the human psyche and that what makes me come to Hyde Park, among other reasons I had during the course of this visit to Sydney Australia. Hyde Park is centrally located in Sydney's central business district and in striking distance of Sydney's chinatown and the famed Opera House. It's souther border is on Liverpool Street and Wentworth Avenue. As this is a community park for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, there is no admission fee required! Yay! That's awesome and fun for anyone who wants to do something without having to pay a fee for its use. There are multiple benches to sit and relax. The shade that provides relief from the heat was great, considering the Sydney in the spring time doesn't get too hot, but it helps to keep cool. For the most part though, Parking options can be tough, since there really isn't any parking lots to know about. Street parking is a premium here in the city though, but at the same time, it's worth coming here - if you have the time during the work day or even popping here during the weekend. It's nice to see many people from all walks of Sydney life to come here to Hyde Park. Just the inclusive ambiance that the park provides becomes and intrinsic part of the city's welcoming vibe. Also, many events are held here throughout the year. I even saw walking tours being conducted too while I was writing reviews on yelp on one occasion. For the most part though, Hyde Park makes any trip to Sydney a pleasurable one. While it may not be on most travel or tourism's top 10 list, it was one of my stops during my stay in Sydney's urban core. The best part was that the park itself was basically a block away from my hotel. The benches were nice to sit on and always nice to people watch when you have nothing better to do. If you find yourself in Sydney and love nature, consider coming here to Hyde Park. It's one of the things I've come to love about Sydney. I would recommend it. It makes you feel like a local rather than a resident. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Quiet ambiance with sometimes hearing kids playing makes me smile. Families together on any given day helps society for the better. Support local! A

Hyde Park is Sydney's city park, it's the central connecting point of the best parts of the city... Take a stroll through to get to Oxford Street or if you're having to get from the business northern district to the southern entertainment precinct go for a nice leisurely stroll through the park. If you're really smelling the roses grab some lunch at nearby Pitt St food court, find yourself a nice patch of green or congregate at the water fountain & people watch. No judgements on selfies here with the amount of tourists... But really can u blame them. It's picture perfect.

Beautiful park that is nice to walk through, even if it is a bit dreary out. Can relax on the grass or benches and check out the historical sights around.

A nice green space in the heart of Sydney. A water fountain lies smack dab in the middle, benches are scattered throughout, and there is a giant chess set off the side of the main walkway! One can get nice photos of the Sydney tower eye and St. Mary's from here. One thing though-- where were the restrooms? Otherwise, this is worth a stop.

Nice looking park in the middle of the city. It's a pretty wide open space with historical landmarks all around. The cathedral there is beautiful and there's a water fountain there that is really nice. There's all kinds of green space here and a lot of seating. I came through a few times and no regrets.

This little oasis is getting a face lift so a tad less Zen visually than normal, but still does the trick. If youre in the city and need a moment, it is still very coming even without pool of reflection. Maybe I should have knocked off a star for POSSUMS as nothing will scorch your tattered and torn nerves quite like a fancy rat that's confused you for Mary Poppins

No matter what city I travel to, I make it a must do to stop in that city's major green space. It just makes me feel good that cities dedicate such valuable land to keeping it natural. I noticed a lot of locals just coming here and sitting down to get away from all of the hustle of the city. There are a few pieces of local art and the trees are HUGE!

I'd say this is our version of New York's Central Park but pretty sure nobody ever got killed in Hyde Park. Now I'm no economist, but as far as I'm aware you cannot put a price on safety, which means that, scientifically speaking, Sydney is far superior to New York. I'm in the city almost every day yet whenever I make the time to stroll through the park I always feel invigorated, imbued with the energy of this city I love so much that I would marry her of Abbott and his band of cronies would only let me. One of the 9 to 5's great pleasures is falling asleep under a tree in your lunch break. Just, y'know, set an alarm.

Do not trust anyone in this park! I've been so stressed lately, between running my anti capitalist business (Diane's Crystals on George St) and making time for my lovely Miriam, I decided Miriam and I deserved a quiet night. We went for a stroll through the park and met a couple of impressionable young lads. They kept telling us how absolutely radiant and beautiful Miriam and I looked, and offered to give us some cannabis to help us relax. On my many ventures to Byron Bay, I do engage in such an activity quite often due to the mystical healing properties it carries! They insisted, and Miriam and I thought why not. Well turns out it was laced! Those lads had us smoking Crystal Meth! I know I'm the Crystal Maiden but even I have my limits! My memory of the night isn't great but I've woken up to a letter from McDonalds banning me for life! Apparently Miriam and I wreaked havoc in store. Can't say I regret it, that's what you get for contributing to the beast that is capitalism. Will not be unwinding in Hyde Park ever again. Love & Light - The Crystal Maiden P.S. I do remember yelling at the staff members for emitting such a foul swampy green aura. Nobody needs to see that!

Gorgeous. While I always thought it was illegal to walk in parks after sunset, Hyde Park was still alive with people strolling throughout the park the entire time. But, it is winter and the sun sets around 5pm these days. Hyde Park has pathways that led to all different exits (Elizabeth St., College St., Liverpool St., St. James and Prince Albert Rd.) and scattered throughout are monuments. The most impressive monument would be the Archibald Fountain which is to the north of the magnificently lined fig trees. Right across the street is St. Mary's Cathedral so it is quite a sight to be seen at night when all the lights are illuminated on the cathedral. The best part of Hyde Park are the fig trees. They are enormous and give the entire park a surreal feeling that takes you away from the city. I recommend going there at night as all the lights along the pathways seem mystical and mysterious. Visit if you want a breather from the city or to take a seat on the many benches available. I go for the trees. A must-see!!

A really nice, quiet park stroll through. This is a great spot to walk through and admire the serenity inside a city. It's not packed with a lot people and you'll usually see others taking a leisurely stroll or going for a light jog. If you're looking for a spot to relax and enjoy a bit of nature in the city, this is a good spot to visit.

A long tree line pathway, leads to an open courtyard. Police on horses, a historic church as a backdrop, meticulous landscaping and impromptu live performances. What is not to love? Charming and beautiful. I love how it is laid out in a circle. There are plenty of benches to chill, which makes great people watching.

Would definitely recommend to stop by during your busy/crazy day to slow down relax and enjoy the view of the Saint Mary Cathedral, bird singing, beautiful fountain, Sky tower and city views.

L'un des plus grands parcs de Sydney, et certainement le plus incontournable. Hyde Park abrite de nombreux évènements, tel que le Sydney Festival par exemple. Vous pouvez passer des heures et des heures à contempler différentes espèces de plantes et d'arbres. Dès que je suis en ville et que je souhaite me poser quelque part, direction Hyde Park sans hésiter ! Quoi de mieux que de profiter des grandes étendues d'herbe, de ses nombreux bancs, d'observer et de prendre une bonne bouffée de VERT. Hyde Park ne dort jamais, il y aura toujours quelque chose pour vous surprendre. Comme la plupart des parcs de la ville, celui-ci est entretenu comme jamais. Agréable, propre, surprenant, , grand, allez voir par vous-même ;) ----------------------------------- The biggest park in Sydney, and the most practical for a lot of events in the city. You can spend hours and hours in this beautiful park which allows you to discover and watch a lot of flowers and trees species. When I'm in the CBD and when I want to relax, I go to Hyde Park. Sometimes, I'm pleasantly surprised by some events I didn't know and I spend good times here. Every time. You have a lot of seatings but you can just relax on the grass. Every part of the park is maintained ! Just... go by yourself and have a look ;)

Few things to point out. 1. Not crowded? Check 2. Wide, spacious, clean and free? Check x4 3. Historical landmarks with lots of things to sight see and explore. Double checkeroo! Honestly, compared to Parks in the SF Bay Area and SoCal parks, this one trumps them because of how uncrowded it is even on "busy" days. Also, can't beat the weather in Sydney!

Plenty of other reviews around this staple Sydney park, so let me share with you an experience from sometime back. Many years ago there was a young man called Den, he happened through Hyde Park on one glorious summers eve with his acquaintance, Alan. It was dusk, and the city was slowly turning its mind to thoughts of beer and what it would have for a feed. Suddenly Den glanced his eye to the left, "Look Alan" Den Exclaimed "Its a possum" "Cor Blimey Cobber" Alan effused "I'm going to see if I can stroke that bugger" So anyway my mate Alan and I approach the possum and Alan gets down on his knees and crawls in closer, the possum is just staring at us quite blasé. Alan reaches out and goes to stroke the possum and the possum quick as a flash bites his hand and legs it. So if you happen to be in Hyde Park at dusk and you see a Possum who looks blasé, shake that possums hand cos that Alan guy was a real possum stroking douche bag.

Love this park! Hyde park is centrally located with large walkways through it at many different angles. Twice I've stayed at hotels on the edge of the park and walked through the park often. I love the birds that are walking around during the day. There are some great views of the Sydney tower and other large buildings. The park always feels very safe. At night there are huge fruit bats that fly around the park. They are very high up in the trees, so don't be worried, they won't be close to you. Their silhouette against the night sky is pretty darn cool. Make sure to stroll the park when you are Sydney. There are some great memorials in the park as well.

I like this park a lot. I am sure there are others who have a lot more to say about this place than I do :-)

This is a charming park with so many great views and lots of space to take a stroll or sit and relax with a picnic lunch. It includes the ANZAC Memorial, beautiful fountains and buildings, as well as a giant chess set! Good luck trying to play though, as the entire time we were there, these two old guys were locked in a pretty intense game ;) The grounds are well-maintained and although it's right in the middle of the hectic business district, it's a totally different world when you walk into the park. It's so big that it never feels crowded. Very serene and relaxing! :D

Just beautiful and magic. This awesome oasis in Sydney also comes to life for certain art and cultural festivals in the city. A great hub to commence the City 2 Surf every year, and also to host the Crave International Food Festival to name. And attracts young kids on skateboards during the weekends sometimes. Don't know why; however I also feel like I am walking through one of London's parks, and it is also great to walk through at night with an abundance of lighting available. You would be forgiven for feeling like your in heaven. The waterfall near St Mary's Cathedral is just stunning, and it is so easy to make a wish (or two) while your there as your heading towards Circular Quay or Pitt Street Mall. A stunning locale. Great to just take it all in and let the day pass, especially during the sun (just remember the sunscreen though) as you can easily get sunburnt prone here. Great for picnics and to have your lunch at any given moment; even just to walk through and immerse yourself in nature right in the centre of Sydney City. And a beautiful thing is that you have the domain nearby.

I've walked through this park a number of times when I have been in Sydney, and on occasion even sat on one the the benches with a hot cup of tea reading a book (usually killing time waiting for my plane to leave, and sitting in a park is much, much better than sitting in an airport). However I've never taken the opportunity to actually go for a walk around it, which I decided to do the last time I was in Sydney, and I have to say that I was really, really impressed. Most of the time I seem to think that parks are little more than areas for grass with trees scattered about, however it turns out that Hyde Park is much, much more than that. Okay, it does have the War Memorial on the southern half, but if you spend some time walking around here you will discover lots of interesting statues, some beautiful gardens, and this really cool fountain at the northern end. Actually one of the great things about Sydney is the abundance of parks, and this one is almost an oasis in the middle of the city (well, not quite, but I'm sure you know what I mean).

Ever wandered the streets of Sydney looking for a place to escape the CBD however briefly (without going to far away)? Then you must not yet know about Hyde Park. This massive stretch of green in the middle of the city is the perfect spot to take your lunch and chill out. On a sunny day you'll see all sorts of people taking full advantage of the perfect combination of grass, trees and sun. Be sure to check out the fountain on the northern side of the park and the war memorial on the southern side. Or better still, take 30min, find a patch of grass, and recharge. You deserve it... :-)

Recuperate and re-charge your Zen in this beautifully big park right in the centre of Sydney's business district. It's got plenty of lush lawn to picnic or sunbathe on, as well as 580 trees all around you to blot out the sounds of the city. If you're looking for a bit more in terms of landmarks there is also a brilliant fountain that features what appears to be vomiting turtles which make a good photograph, and the well-kept Nagoya gardens. The site is also employed for all sorts of more organised fun like protests (gotta love a good billboard), outdoor exhibitions, the noodle market during the Crave festival and much more.

Living in a city like Sydney can get quite... hectic, for lack of a better term. Immersed in the concrete jungle as we are, it's essential (to me, anyway) to have a relaxing, calm atmosphere to help you 'get back to nature', as it were. Something about communing with nature has a soothing effect on most people. Which is why parks like Hyde Park are great oases to have in the middle of big cities. This sprawling park, stretching from Museum to Town Hall (and possibly further), is such a lovely place to take a stroll through, whether during the day, or at night. Personally, I prefer it at night.. it's a lot quieter, and the possums are more active. The trees are gnarled and green (as trees should be! None of this manicured crap), the grass is kept short, but not short enough to look overly tended to, and best of all, the possums are friendly! (disclaimer: this doesn't mean you can grab their tails and complain if they bite you) There is a lovely square man-made pond in the middle, where you'll sometimes see possums gathering for a drink. There are lots of benches to sit on, unwind, and watch the world go by. If you're ever feeling strung out, I recommend spending some time at Hyde Park. It's the most natural way to de-stress.

It's name may be plagerised from one of London's finest parks, but I'm still a big fan of this inner-city parkland. It's not as big as it's namesake, but it still offers plenty of charm. The ANZAC Memorial at one end and the Archibald Fountain at the other, with a fig tree 'tunnel' lining the walkway that stretches between them, offers an extremely picturesque break from the busy streets of the CBD. It can get busy, but there's always a little space on the grass just for you! Plenty of events are held here as well, including the famed Night Noodle Markets, so you'll have plenty of excuses to visit. Although you don't really need an excuse, you just need a few spare minutes! Oh, and if you're in need of a game of chess, there's a oversized board at the fountain end!

Hyde Park is very central to many activities in Sydney. It is near the Sydney Tower Eye observatory, museums, and cathedrals. It contains a nice fountain and the ANZAC Memorial. The memorial gives a good overview of the situation at the time which allows even the most naive tourists to appreciate it. You can also catch the train from the SW corner of the park. All in all, a nice park with a lot to do and see nearby. 4 stars.

Great place for a walk at lunch! Gorgeous trees and lovely fountain, with a view of the church.

This park was conveniently located to where I was staying. Want to take some IG-worthy shots? The fountain and the rows of fig trees are the places to be. It is located super close to the Botanical Garden too - it's good to see cities taking initiative to care for the environment too. You can see how separate it is from the main buildings. Cafes and restaurants are lined right beside it so it's a good spot to just wind down and rest from all the walking that you do.

Not to be missed!! Hyde Park is a whole lota beautiful all in one place. The fountain, the cathedral, and the wonderful symmetry of those tall, tall trees overhead - its a perfect backdrop to any activity on a sunny day. Case in point: One of my favorite spottings so far was watching bartenders practice their bottle juggling one afternoon :) But I think it's the nightlife that I love the most. Stroll through when it's good and dark and you are bound to see the lovely Australian version of possums (very different from the American possum: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXjl1eMczN0 ) and flying foxes passing through the lamp light. Very fun for your inner (and actual) child :)

Imagine any other well manicured park in a big city and this is Hyde Park. It's got lots of old trees, grass, fountains, and statues. There's a huge old church here that is also a museum and the ANZAC war memorial that you can check out. Close by you can see the Australian Museum where you can learn about the history of Sydney and Australia. Next to the museum is one of Sydney's best academic private schools, Sydney Grammar School.

A Beautiful, spacious park in the heart of Sydney, what's not to love? It's easy to sit here with a book and kill a few hours people watching, Take in the sounds and smells from a different perspective when you want to escape the hussle and bustle of the city.

Theres just something I love about this park !!! Great spot to take in a nice nanna nap any time of the day (especially on those spring days where the sun is beaming down on hundreds of like-minded workers who take their lunch outdoors to soak it all in) - nothing better I say. Its surprising how relaxing it is just sitting about in the midst of this crazy city, people watching, city folk eating, sun bathing, tight rope walking (yes you read that right, I remember seeing some guys tie up a rope between a tree and a lamp post and just walk on it !!! IN SUITS !!! Clearly a hot topic of discussion at their workplace !!!). The park also plays host to a number of events, my favourite of course the Night Noodle Markets during October Good Food month - watch the park buzz with the sound and sight of thousands of foodies and the smell of incredible food - not to be missed !! Good lord, I love this city when it starts to warm up.

This is Sydney's Central Park - The break away from the fast paced CBD lifestyle, where you can see people sun baking on their lunch breaks, sprinting for some fitness, or just taking a leisurely lunch break. It's home to some great city events, of which I'd like to be more a part of in the future, it's a the Noodle markets, and many outdoor sculpture and art shows on a regular basis. Although often filled with an equal portion of tourists compared to city folk, the pond and fountain are the monument pieces of the park, and offer up a bit of a photo opportunity. It's actually a very central place to the city, so it's also a really good idea for a place to meet someone, although if it's a blind meeting, you may want to go somewhere less busy.

Centrally located with historic buildings and churches to set as a backdrop. It is a great place to head to for a lazy Sunday avro when it is too chilly for the beach. It is great, but it is no Central Park (NYC) or Grant Park (Chicago). But it is an amazing place. Perhaps why this place is not as high (in my opinion) as the other parks is that Sydney has great nature everywhere and a patch in the middle of the city is nice but by far not the best nature/trees around.

A mini-Central Park-alike in the middle of Sydney concrete jungle, except it does not smell :) A great place for tanning / running/ walking/ people watching . There are events held here from time to time , and that's when it gets really really crowded but other than that, it is manageable ...even the weekends :)

Very beautiful park, and a great spot for residents, workers or tourists (particularly the city hopping or day-tripper type) alike if they wish to see a little green without travelling out of the CBD to see it. This place also has regular themed events held throughout the year which is worth checking the City of Sydney or Destination NSW website for more details.

A place to relax in my hectic work schedule, I always try to find some time to come here to have a stroll. On the north side it has large chess set, the fountain and dedicated garden. On the south side it has pool of reflection and Anzac memorial. You will also find city workers having lunch here on the lawn.

While this hardly needs a recommendation for anyone longing for a bit of green space, can I just put a word in for the central walkway and the famed avenues of figs? Walking underneath those magnificent upswept branches is an experience you can't replicate anywhere else in Sydney, and is especially beautiful at night in summer with the fruitbats cackling overhead. The park has quite the history too, in colonial times it was the stage for military parades and bareknuckle convict fights (good gracious), and later saw Australia's first cricket and rugby matches, as well as being the country's first racecourse. If sport is a thing you care about. Suffice to say, it's a lot more sedate these days. A place to treasure.

Right in the centre of the city, Hyde Park offers an oasis of green grass, water fountains and tranquility. The perfect place for a picnic lunch if you're working, shopping or just exploring in the city. Hyde Park frequently hosts large events, such as the Night Noodle Markets which unfortunately have just ended, or sculptures for Art shows and festivals. It is immaculately looked after - trimmed grass, weeded flowerbeds and chewing-gum less paving. I love coming here to read my book - you feel a million miles away from the city, despite having the benefit of the stunning views of the skyscrapers and the buzz of life going on before you.

Once used as a horse racing track for Sydney's colonial pioneers, Hyde Park is now a place of recreation and leisure for the whole community. Situated on the Eastern side of Sydney's CBD and offering 16 hectares of parkland, Hyde Park accommodates for everyone's needs. Whether you want to visit the monumental Archibald Fountain, Or pay your respects at the ANZAC War Memorial, or simply there for a light stroll and picnic lunch, Hyde Park offers enough space and activities to keep the whole family occupied. Avoid the awkwardness of the 'couple lawns' and you're all sweet. And as for the night life? I'd try keep away from the enchanting fairy light-strewn trees if I were you, that is, if you want to avoid running into some of Sydney's 'exotic wildlife' of rats, possums and a whole lot of bats.

Beautiful and serene, Hyde Park is centrally positioned in Sydney's CBD and is a short walk from Wynyard Station. Alternatively, St. James train station is closer in proximity but involves a train change at Town Hall station. In summer, there are plenty of park goes sun bathing in their bikini, or workers trying to catch a ray of sun in their lunch break. There is plenty of vegetation about and there is certainly a buzzing atmosphere from photo shoots to picnics and beyond! Sheraton on the Park is the perfect hotel to book if you want to enjoy beautiful views of Hyde Park- just make sure to ask for a park side view. While the park may be beautiful by day, avoid it like the plague in the evening. It's not exactly the safest place at night, so I wouldn't take any chances wondering around there. The atmosphere transforms from pleasant to pretty rough all in a few hours after dusk.

Hyde Park is a pretty nice place to grab some grass and lie down under the sun or snare a park bench and enjoy the shade. It's massive so you'll always find a spot. The water fountain is a popular feature especially for tourists and kids but there is one thing that I can't get over and it irks me. The ibis. The dirty rotten bird that is the ibis! These buggers have no fear and are on the constant look out for food whether it be in the bins and even some times from the people themselves. If they don't worry you like they do to some it really is a nice place to take five and have a rest on your lunch break or if you're passing by. There's a couple of cafes scattered at each end although it's in the city so you'll find something close anyway. Just watch out for the prying ibis!

Cool little park. It's not too big but I love the scenery here. Very green and lots of benches to sit on if you're tired. Plenty of grassy areas too great for picnics. The main attraction is the large fountain. It's absolutely stunning. 3 Cool statues surround the pond and there's also one statue right in the middle. Magnificent sight to see.

A beautiful park and right next to the train station. Great for a quick short cut to Chinatown or a nice place to take a stroll. If you're a people watcher like me than this is the place!