Bradfield Park North Sydney
Located partially beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bradfield Park is a publicly accessible park in North Sydney which provides magnificent vistas of the harbor, Circular Quay, and the Sydney Opera House. The park, named in honor of John Bradfield, the renowned engineer responsible for the bridge’s design, encompasses a playground, picnic facilities, a paved area under the bridge, and a direct pathway leading to the Olympic Pool and Luna Park complex.
Bradfield Park History
Originally conceived as a garden suburb in 1924, the plans for the area took a different turn in 1940 when it was designated as a Royal Australian Air Force station. Throughout World War II, this station served as a training ground for over 200,000 members of the RAAF and the WAAAF. Today, the once military station has transformed into the breathtaking Bradfield Park. This picturesque public space is conveniently accessible by public transportation, located just a short stroll away from Milsons Point railway station and Kirribilli shops.
What to See
Walking to the park from the train station, we noticed this amazing looking door on a house along the way.
Eastern Side
Entering the park, one of the initial sights that strikes you is a peculiar steel sculpture. Presented by the Swiss Government and the Swiss Australian Community in commemoration of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, this remarkable work of art is crafted using components salvaged from an antiquated train, along with rivets sourced from a Swiss bridge and discarded industrial steel.
The foreshore of Bradfield Park is a fantastic spot for taking photos. You can capture many great landmarks and even use the weather shelters to get a unique perspective of the Sydney Opera House across the shore.
Of course, the dominant feature in the area is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Walking through the park will take you past the buttress towers and under the train roadway. From here you get a completely different view of the bridge than when driving over it. You can see the structure and engineering that has gone into its design and the huge amount of steel needed to build it.
Under Sydney Harbour Bridge
Located under the bridge and forming part of the foreshore is the bow of the first HMAS Sydney which served in World War One.
Western Side
Originally situated at the intersection of Berry and Miller Street in North Sydney, ‘Harbour Cycles’ by Richard Byrnes has now found its new home in the western section of Bradfield Park. Made from aluminium, this impressive creation showcases various elements such as the iconic struts of the Harbour Bridge, maritime machinery, and local architectural designs.
The history of the area is explained with a series of information boards. These are great because most people would be unaware of the area’s history.
Sitting atop the Broomfield Memorial Drinking Fountain in Bradfield Park, this bronze fox terrier was crafted in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Harbour Bridge. The fountain serves as a tribute to Jessie Broomfield, a generous benefactor who left funds for the well-being of Sydney’s dogs and specifically requested the installation of trough-equipped fountains in public parks for our furry companions to quench their thirst. Positioned at the northernmost section of the park, adjacent to Lavender Street, the fountain stands as a testament to Broomfield’s philanthropic legacy.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
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