Archibald Memorial Fountain

Beautiful Fountain in the Heart of Sydney The Archibald Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park is a must-see if you’re visiting Sydney. It’s a stunning fountain with beautiful bronze statues, inspired by Greek mythology. The main figure, Apollo, stands tall in the center, with water flowing gracefully around him. The fountain is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a peaceful spot to relax. It’s a great place to take photos, sit and unwind, or just enjoy the sound of the water. At night, the fountain lights up, making it even more magical. If you’re in the city, take a moment to visit—it’s a lovely piece of history and art right in the middle of Sydney!

I recently went to the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park, and it was really sick. I walked up and I was really impressed because it was really cool. The main guy statue is Apollo, and he was a Greek god. They built it so that water was cascading from various points around him and I think that is cool. The water was really there and I got a bit wet from it so step back a bit I guess. The whole setup was cool, The gardens nearby were sick, with neat little pathways and placed flowers. Good stuff

This is one of the outstanding sculptural fountains in Sydney. As a landmark it’s always worth a walk by when I’m in the city. In recent years the fountain has been fully restored. As a neoclassical piece it’s a great place to share mythology with children and is also beautiful by night. Uplifting and graceful.

The Archibald Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park is one of Sydney’s most stunning and lively landmarks! Designed by French artist François-Léon Sicard, this masterpiece features elegant Greek mythology-inspired sculptures with water cascading beautifully around them. On a sunny day, the sparkling water, lush greenery, and striking architecture create a truly magical atmosphere. It’s a favorite spot for photographers, couples, and anyone looking to take a peaceful break while soaking in the beauty of the city. The fountain is surrounded by shaded benches and walking paths, making it a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the vibrant yet tranquil energy of Hyde Park. What makes this fountain even more special is the lively atmosphere around it. Hyde Park is always buzzing with activity—street performers, artists, and visitors enjoying the open space. Whether you’re taking a stroll, having a picnic, or simply sitting and people-watching, there’s always something to enjoy. Plus, with St. Mary’s Cathedral and Sydney’s bustling city center just a short walk away, it’s an easy and worthwhile stop on any itinerary. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Archibald Fountain offers a perfect mix of history, art, and nature, making it a must-visit spot in Sydney!

Beautiful place but can be a bit hectic with lots of protests taking place. Sometimes there is also food vendors here which is nice

A good place. You can take a walk or sit around here. Enjoy your break time here and you’ll feel refresh.

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.

Of course the park is free. It is hard to find parking near Hyde park. The fountain is pretty popular. You can get a free walking tour of the area if you meet up here at 10:30 am. You can pay $17 for a bus tour if you meet up here at 10:30 am. The fountain is at the northern end of the park.

Located on the northern end of Hyde Park this fountain is really, really cool. As soon as I set eyes on it I literally fell in love with it, namely because of the statues of the Greek demi-gods that covered it. Apparently it was given to Australia by the French to say thankyou for their help in World War I (which seems to be a regular theme of Hyde Park). From what I can remember the gods that they have are Heracles, Diana, and Theseus (though Theseus is actually a hero, but I'm being a bit technical here). Okay, it isn't one of those places where you need to spend ages wandering around, but it is certainly worth checking out if you happen to be in Hyde Park.

I like this fountain, even if I struggle to take it seriously. Not in a giggly-look-they're-naked way, more in a this-might-not-be-out-of-place-in-Rome-but-doesn't-quite-fit-in-with-Sydney way. It's very pretty, but does look like it should be in a more ancient city, steeped in centuries of history, rather than the new and shiny city that Sydney predominantly is! And what's with the tortoises spitting at them?! In my years of doing classical studies at school, I never once had a story that involved tortoises and minotaurs! Or maybe they were there, and just didn't warrant a mention. Either way, it adds a bit of character to the park and presents another photo opportunity for wandering tourists. Plus, it was a present from the deceased JF Archibald, so you can't really turn down a present, especially from a dead guy!

Built at a time when naked men wrestling minotaurs could be viewed without subtext, the Archibald Fountain is one of those casual meeting places in Sydney that everyone uses. It's a landmark easy for anyone to find, right in the middle of Hyde Park. With lots of benches nearby, it's a great spot to peoplewatch as tourists snap away happily, kids runs around on the grass and officeworkers soak up the opportunity for a bit of extra personal space. The fountain itself has quite the story, donated by JF Archibald, founder of The Bulletin, who stipulated in his will in 1932 for a bronze memorial to be built by a French artist to commemorate 'Australia and France having fought side by side for the liberties of the world'. So in a way, it is Australia's Statue of Liberty. But with Minotaurs. And turtles. Check out www.dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/archibald_fountain for the full story.