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.
Civic Park is bordered by council buildings on one side and the art gallery and St Andrews Presbyterian Church on the other, while situated in the centre of the Newcastle CBD. A great place to relax, or take a casual walk around, because it’s quiet with plenty of places to sit.
Newcastle Town Hall From Civic Park
Captain Cook Memorial Fountain
Located as the centrepiece of Civic Park is the James Cook Memorial Fountain, built for the bicentenary of Cook’s voyage and mapping of the east coast of Australia. In 1770, Lieutenant (later captain) James Cook claimed the east coast for the British Crown, naming it New South Wales. This large water feature is a great place in summer, with seats located around it, and impressive at night when illuminated.
Captain Cook Memorial Fountain
War Memorial Grove
Developed from a community desire to honour servicemen and women killed during the world wars, the War Memorial Garden is in a corner of Civic Park, opposite the Art Gallery. Constructed from public and private funds, some of the money with some coming from families with relatives commemorated on each of the 68 plaques featured throughout the garden.
Volunteer members of the New Lambton Heights Garden Club undertook much of the work, a relationship which is continued today.
A quiet area for reflection, it’s worth wandering through to pay your respects.
Royal Australian Air Force Memorial
Vietnam Memorial
Navy Memorial
Memorial Plaques
War Memorial
The war memorial was originally dedicated to World War Two service personnel, but has since been re-dedicated to all wars Australia has been involved in. Ceremonies are held here throughout the year on relevant anniversaries, so there may be one happening when you visit.
Civic Park War Memorial
Vietnam and National Service Memorial
The Vietnam and National Service Memorial commemorates the soldiers killed during the Vietnam War. A brass plaque on the memorial provides a brief description of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. The rear section of the memorial has a separate memorial to Australia’s National Service and Combined Forces personnel.
Vietnam War Memorial
Newcastle Art Gallery
Located above Civic Park on Layman Street, the Art Gallery often hosts exhibitions throughout the year. In addition, the Gallery owns an impressive collection of Australian paintings. To read more about our visit to the Newcastle Art Gallery, click here.
Newcastle Art Gallery Entrance
Baptist Tabernacle
Located above Civic Park the Baptist Tabernacle is an interesting building but is only open to the public during services.
Baptist Tabernacle
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Situated across the road from the Baptist Tabernacle, St Andrews is not always open, so you may have to appreciate this building from the outside. Even if it’s closed, the building is worth admiring for its architectural value.
St Andrews Presbyterian Church
Old Newcastle City Administration Centre The Roundhouse
Currently undergoing a redevelopment to a five star hotel, the old Newcastle Administration Centre originally opened in 1977. The design was a collaborative effort between Architects Romberg & Boyd and Wilson & Suters. The architectural style is Brutalist, for it’s striking design.
Newcastle Council Chambers
Newcastle City Hall
Built in 1929 to house the newly created Newcastle City Council, this beautiful building is now a multi-purpose Function/Conference venue. Located opposite Civic Park on King Street, the building is an example of Inter-War Academic Classical architecture.
Shortland Centenary Fountain
Erected in 1897 by the Mayor David Miller and originally located at Newcastle Beach, this fountain commemorates the centenary (1797-1897) of the European discovery of the area by Lieutenant Shortland. Removed from its original location, it is now located at Christie Park.
Shortland Centenary Fountain
What Did We think?
Newcastle Civic Park is a great place to visit, because of its many memorials and beautiful buildings. It’s a relaxing place to wander around, while enjoying the manicured gardens and visit the Art Gallery. When you have finished, Derby Street with its cafes and restaurants is right next door.
