The ANZAC Memorial was built to commemorate the Australian Imperial Force of World War I. It is the focal point of the southern section of Hyde Park, along with the Pool of Reflection. On ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, the memorial is the central focus of the ceremonies, so it can be extremely busy.
120,000 gold stars covered the domed ceiling, representing all those from New South Wales who served in World War One. The centre piece of the interior is a bronze statue of a deceased youth, representing a soldier, held aloft on his shield.
On the ground floor, a gallery has exhibits from military conflicts NSW citizens have been involved with. These range from the Sudan (1885) to Afghanistan, with an emphasis on the First World War.
To the north is the pool of reflection and a long tree-lined pathway. It is very shady and cool in the Australian summer. It is a great place to sit quietly and relax.
Pathway to ANZAC Memorial ANZAC MemorialInside the MemorialBronze statue of a deceased youthLower Floor GalleryAIF FlagTail Section of a Japanese Midget Submarine
Located on the banks of the Parramatta River, Old Government House is the oldest surviving public building in Australia. Additionally it is an important UNESCO World Heritage listed site, and one of 11 recognised convict sites that tell the story of Australia’s forced convict migration.
History of Old Government House
Built between 1799 and 1818 by convict labour, the house and Barracks buildings are the oldest surviving public buildings in Australia.
The Georgian house was the country residence for the first ten governors of New South Wales. The ten Governors used Old Government House as either their primary or secondary residence.
Governor Denison officially handed over the house to the care of the Parramatta Park Trust in 1855. Parramatta Park Trust leased the building for private use, and over the next 100 years it was run variously as a boarding house, school and private home.
In 1967 the House transferred to the National Trust by an act of Parliament. The house features a collection of Australian colonial furniture, displayed as it would have been when Governor Macquarie was in residence.
Current Use of Old Government House
Today, Old Government House is operated as a museum and managed by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Only open Thursday to Sunday
Government HouseGovernment House
Parramatta Park
Covering 85 hectares, the surrounding grounds of Old Government House, known as Parramatta Park, provide a picturesque setting for walks and recreational activities.
Originally used for farming and grazing by the early settlers in the late 19th century, it was transformed into a public park by Frederick Law Olmsted, renowned for his work on New York City’s Central Park.
Main Entrance
Historical Landmarks and Memorials
Parramatta Park is home to several historical landmarks and memorials that pay tribute to significant events, influential figures, and important moments in Australian history.
Boer War Memorial
Erected in 1904, this memorial commemorates the soldiers from New South Wales who served in the Boer War (1899-1902) in South Africa.
Boer War Memorial
Governor Brisbane’s Bathhouse
Built in the early 19h century for Governor Brisbane, the Trustees converted it to a pavilion in 1886.
Bath House
Observatory
Governor Brisbane built an observatory in the Park in 1821, in keeping with the spirit of discovery of the time. Used by explorer Thomas Mitchell’s first trigonometric survey of Australia in 1828, the transit stones, which originally supported a transit telescope, are all that remains of the observatory.
Site of the observatoryTransit stones from the observatory
For more information about Parramatta Park and its memorials, you can visit the official website: Parramatta Park.
Opened in September 2023, the Torpedo Factory at Sub Base Platypus is an excellent addition to this heritage site. Managed by the Harbour Trust, the old factory was partially demolished and revitalised as an open public space.
Getting There
We used public transport, getting the train to Milsons Point Station and then walking for 10 minutes. If you prefer to drive, there is parking available on site.
History of the Site
Opened in 1942 during World War Two the factory produced torpedoes for Allied forces. Many of the employees were women, due to many men being in the armed forces. Commemorated at the site with murals, it’s a great reminder of their contribution during the war. Post war, the torpedo workshops continued to service the British Navy submarine fleet based at HMAS Penguin and the Royal Australian Navy’s destroyer fleet.
The entire base was closed in 1999 when the Royal Australian Navy moved its Collins-class submarines to Western Australia.
The Site Now
The old factory features several interesting display that explain the site’s history. These range from a Torpedo Mark VIII, information boards and murals with photos and signs from the factory. There is also a car park with electric charging stations.
Our previous blog, which covers the rest of Sub Base Platypus can be found here.
Entrance to the Torpedo Factory at Sub Base PlatypusTorpedo Mark VIII Mod 4 on displayRear underside view of the Mark VIII TorpedoOld SignsOld Signs
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
