Sydney Archives - Page 8 of 47 - Destination's Journey

4 January 202423 December 2023

Oatley Park and Castle Australia

Oatley Park, Sydney Australia

Overlooking the Georges River, Oatley Park is a sprawling 112-acre reserve offering activities from swimming and walking to picnics and a children’s playground.

Dating back to the early European settlement of Australia the land was granted to Thomas Oatley in 1831, who established an extensive vineyard and orchard. However, it wasn’t until 1887 that the area was dedicated for public recreation, and transformed into a park.

The Great Depression, from 1929 to 1939, left a significant mark on Oatley Park. To provide relief and employment during this challenging period, the NSW Government undertook several projects, including the construction of the sandstone kiosk and lookout now known as the “Castle.” This iconic landmark, with its crenellations and towers, has become a defining feature of the park and a symbol of resilience.

Getting There

Located throughout the park, dedicated parking bays make it easy to access the reserve. We were interested in the kiosk “castle”, so parked near it. Be careful when driving through the park as most roadways are shared with pedestrians.

The Castle

Built during the Great Depression, the Castle kiosk is an interesting structure, with crenellations making it look like a real castle. It not only provides great views over the river, but provides shelter from the weather with a barbeque area and seating underneath.

Swimming Baths

Not far from the castle is a small sandy beach on the river bank. this is one of the few suspended netted baths in Sydney. The 320m net keeps the sharks out and the swimmers safe. Changeroom and showers are conveniently located next to the baths.

Picnic and Barbeque Areas

Scattered throughout the park, barbecue and picnic areas offered great places to relax. The area we saw near the castle looked like a great place to relax near the river.

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

28 December 202313 December 2023

Nightingale Wing Sydney Hospital

Located in the Sydney CBD, the Nightingale Wing, Sydney Hospital, is a historical building of both medical and architectural significance. Completed in 1869, this sandstone and polychrome-brick Gothic Revival structure is the site of the first nursing school in Australia.

History

The Nightingale Wing owes its name to the iconic pioneer of nursing, Florence Nightingale. In 1868, under the request of colonial politician Henry Parkes, Nightingale sent six nurses, led by Lucy Osburn, to New South Wales to establish a nursing school. This marked a turning point in Australian healthcare, ushering in a new era of professional nursing education.

Designed by architect Thomas Rowe with input from Nightingale, the building embodied her vision for a modern and hygienic hospital environment. Featuring large windows for ample natural light, high ceilings for ventilation, and separate wards for different types of patients, the Nightingale Wing was a revolutionary design for its time.

Current Use

The Nightingale Wing is not just a historical landmark; it’s a living testament to the dedication and compassion of generations of nurses. Today, the wing houses the Lucy Osburn-Nightingale Museum, consisting of medical equipment, records, and artifacts that tell the story of nursing in Australia.

The museum’s collection includes everything from vintage uniforms and surgical instruments to patient records and photographs, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of healthcare practices. Visitors can also explore the historic wards and classrooms where generations of nurses learned their skills.

While no longer serving as an active hospital wing, the Nightingale Wing remains an integral part of Sydney Hospital. The collection of medical specimens is significant and are an important teaching tool. The museum itself is a popular tourist attraction, celebrating the history of nursing in Australia.

Getting There

Only a three-minute walk from Martin Place Railway Station, it’s easy to get to. Bus stops on Macquarie Street are even closer although car parks are further away and being Sydney, very expensive.

View over the courtyard — Nightingale Wing Sydney Hospital

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

19 December 20239 December 2023

NSW Masonic Club

Located in the heart of Sydney, the NSW Masonic Club was built in 1927 incorporating Gothic Revival and Art Deco styles. Meticulously restored, the building is heritage listed ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy.

As a functioning hotel, access to the many rooms is not always possible. However, during the Sydney Open Museums Weekend, access was permitted along with staff available who explained the use and features of each room.

The Rooms

Featuring marble floors and a magnificent staircase, the interior is as impressive as the exterior. Containing several function rooms, each with their own unique character, exploring the building is fascinating. The largest room, Cellos Grand Dining Room can seat up to 600 guests and like the other rooms is available for hire.

Although an elevator (lift) is available, the grand staircase is a more fun way to explore. Alternately, take the elevator up and walk back down the stairs.

Probably the most interesting room was the boardroom, with it’s huge mahogany table and chairs. This is where the Board of Directors meet and is the same as when it was first built.

It was wonderful that Sydney Open Museums could arrange for this amazing building to be open to the public.