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.
Located in the Domain, the Art Gallery of New South Wales opened in 1885 with two picture galleries. Over time additional wings and a foyer expanded the building to its current size.
Entry is free to the general collection, although entry to any special events or exhibitions is not.
How to Get to The Art Gallery of New South Wales
If driving, the Domain car park is within easy walking distance and is secure and undercover. The closest train station is Martin Place, only a ten-minute walk from the Gallery. The closest bus stop is Sheraton on the Park, Elizabeth St, followed by a 15 minute walk. Both walks go through the Domain parkland which has landscaped gardens, with shady trees and seats to relax on.
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Entrance Foyer of the Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of New South WalesCollection
15th to 19th Century European Gallery
Filled with classical European paintings and sculptures, this gallery contains beautiful artworks from the 15th to 19th centuries. There is a large silver sculpture (The English Channel by Michael Parekowhai 2015), from the 21st century that clashes with the other works, because of its chrome finish.
The English Channel by Michael Parekowhai 2015
Bronze Sculpture
Bronze Sculptures
The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon by Sir Edward John Poynter 1890
Australian Gallery
One of the reasons for the Galley’s foundation, was to encourage interest in the arts in Australia. To this end it has expanded from simply showing European art, to exhibiting Australian artists.
Represented here are famous Australian artists, such as Sidney Nolan and Russell Drysdale in addition to many others.
First-class Marksman by Sidney Nolan 1946
The Camp by Sidney Nolan 1946
Five in a Row by Richard Larter 1961
Crucifixion by Russell Drysdale 1946
Nocturne No. 3 Commonwealth Lane by Danila Vassilieff 1958
Atlas by Colin Lanceley 1965
Lowy, Gonski Gallery
Busts in the Lowy, Gonski Gallery
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Gallery
Showcased in its own gallery, the unique style of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is a great contrast to classical art in the other galleries. Often colourful and always reflecting the artists culture, this was a great gallery to wander around.
Contemporary Aboriginal Art Work
Aboriginal Art Work
Aboriginal Message Sticks
Contemporary Galleries
The contemporary galleries display art that reflects current culture, covering the 1960s to present in all media types.
Clockwork for Oracles by Ugo Rondinone 2010
Asian Gallery
Following the Sydney International Exhibition in 1879, the Government of Japan gifted a large group of ceramics and bronzes to the Gallery. This initial collection has now expanded to cover two floors, making the gallery a leading centre for Asian art. Today, the wide-ranging Asian collection embraces many countries and cultures of Asia.
Asian Exhibition
Entrance Court and Special Exhibits
Often displaying large murals that reflect the current special exhibits, the Entrance Court is large, bright and open. It leads to most of the other galleries. Pick up a map at the reception desk, to ensure you can find your way around. The internal floor plan of the gallery is complex and it’s easy to miss exhibits.
The Gallery Shop contains an extensive array of books and gifts relating to the gallery. If you need a reference book, or want to learn more about an artist, this could be the pace to find it.
Japanese Supernatural Exhibition
Japanese Supernatural
Art Outside the Gallery
Adorning the walls of the Gallery’s entrance a series of bronze sculptures, representing classical European art. Throughout the Domain, sculptures of Burns, Robertson (a politician) and contemporary themes add to the fun of walking around.
Sir John Robertson Statue
Opposite the Art Gallery
Front of the Art Gallery
The Matchsticks
Burns Statue
Where to Eat
If you get hungry before, during or after you visit, the gallery has a cafe where you can refuel before admiring the art works on display.
If you would rather eat outside, a restaurant and associated bar across the road offer meals snacks and drinks.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
