This is Sydney’s premier public park. Located alongside the central business district. There are dozens of large trees that provide excellent shade inside the park. There are several public toilets dotted around the park. You’ll find a cafe at the northern end, and the Anzac war memorial at the southern end of the park.

Norman Weekes’ winning design for the remodelling of Hyde Park was submitted in 1926.

His design reflected European traditions and the ‘city beautiful’ ideal.

It emphasised grand plazas and avenues, with vistas framed by impressive monuments.

His design philosophy echoed Governor Macquarie’s original version of the park as an expression of civic benevolence.

Weekes also wanted the park’s open spaces bs plantings to be Australian in character.

He gave areas Aboriginal names that reflected the qualities of each space - such as Boongala, which meant place of green shade. Gwandalan, place of quiet.

At the northern end of the park, where the Archibald Fountain is now, Weekes planned an octagonal-shaped formal ornamental garden and fountain. He called this area Birubi Circle.

Weekes envisaged a library or grand memorial structure at the other end of the park, where the Anzac Memorial now stands.

Council modified the plans extensively for economy and practicality.

Just one year after Weekes’ winning design was accepted, many of his ideas, including Aboriginal place names, were discarded.

A bridge that joined the southern and northern ends of the park, over Park Street, was approved by the city council in 1927, but has never been built.

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