Located on Mona Vale Road in the Sydney suburb on Ingleside, we found the Sydney Baháʼí Temple by accident as we drove past. Deciding to stop and investigate, we found the gates open and a welcoming sign for visitors. The well sign posted visitors car park is close to the temple for easy access.
Greeted at the door by two volunteers, we went inside and admired its architecture and design. We walked around at our leisure, because no service was taking place. This meant we didn’t have to worry about getting in people’s way. We were also able to take photographs inside and outside the temple, which is great because it allows you to remember how nice the interior is.
Don’t forget to climb the stairs to the upper floor, because it allows a different perspective of the interior.
We only spent half an hour here, but it is a great place to visit.
Sydney Baháʼí TempleInterior From the Lower LevelDome WindowsInterior From the Upper LevelInterior From the Upper LevelThe Baháʼí Faith
Large enough to have its own postcode, Sydney University contains buildings dating from the mid-1800s. Built from Sydney sandstone, these wonderful buildings are Neo-Gothic designs and look magnificent.
Walking through the grounds is relaxing and the atmosphere is casual, with many places to stop, sit down and relax. The Quadrangle and Clock Tower, next to the Great Hall are particularly impressive and we spent an hour walking around.
How to Get There
We walked there from Carriageworks, another great place to visit in the area. We took the train from Central Station to Redfern, after which we walked. There was a ten-minutes to Carriageworks and a further fifteen to Sydney University.
If you are not travelling from Carriageworks, buses run from Central on a regular basis.
The Great Hall and Clock Tower
The most impressive building on campus, the Great Hall and clock tower date to the founding on the university. Built from Sydney Sandstone in a Neo-Gothic style, it is one of the draw cards for visitors.
University of Sydney
Great Hall
Clock Tower and Great Hall
Sydney University Quadrangle
Quadrangle
The Quadrangle
Sydney University Cloisters
Surrounding the Quadrangle, the cloisters, have beautiful sandstone arches which look amazing. The wide, paved walkways also provide a shade if you want to get out of the sun.
The Quadrangle
CCloisters
Cloisters
Anderson Stuart Building
Designed by James Barnet and completed in 1889, the Anderson Stuart Building has many gargoyles, stained glass windows and carvings. Located next to the main quadrangle, this sandstone building is an example of neo-gothic architecture.
Named after Thomas Peter Anderson Stuart who took up office of Professor of Anatomy & Physiology in 1883, the building houses the School of Medicine.
Anderson Stuart Building
What Did We Think?
We thought this was a great place to visit, because of the beautiful buildings. The atmosphere was very relaxed with plenty of places to stop and sit down.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden covers 30 hectares and has over 27,000 plants, right in the middle of Sydney’s CBD. With landmarks like Sydney Harbor and the Opera House as its neighbours, it is in the perfect setting.
Getting there is easy, with Circular Quay only a five-minute walk away with its buses, ferries and trains, making the Gardens are very accessible.
Walking through the gardens, you come across numerous plants and trees, all labelled with their names. Changed seasonally, the gardens are a constantly renewing landscape.
Scattered throughout, are statues and sculptures, all of which add to the fun of the walk. One of the highlights, is the koala sculptures, complete with glasses.
Giant Floral Koala
Giant Floral Bee
The Satyr
Lewis Wolfe Levy Fountain
Don’t miss a visit to the Calyx, as its current display of carnivorous plants is amazing. We spent a long time looking around at all the different species on display. Take a look at their website for opening-times and what the current display is.
The Calyx
Pitcher Plants The Calyx
Pitcher Plants The Calyx
The Royal Botanic Gardens are surrounded by 34 hectares of manicured gardens in the Domain. This encompasses Mrs Macquarie’s Chair with magnificent views over Sydney Harbour.
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair
What Did We Think?
The Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney is a great place to visit and wander through, as its ever changing landscape always has something new to offer. Its amazing location on Sydney Harbour with the Opera House and Bridge nearby, give is a great backdrop. The Garden is worth visiting, for a relaxing walk in the centre of Sydney.
