Hyde Park

It is bordered on the west by Elizabeth Street, on the east by College Street, on the north by St. James Road and Prince Albert Road and on the south by Liverpool Street. The first time I set foot on Hyde park was to report for duty as a volunteer at the World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.

My memory brings me back to that day. I got there by train.  I got off at St. James station. I reckon this could have been one of the earliest rail stations that was built in Sydney. Stepping out of the train cab brought me back in time.

(FYI, the opening scenes from the 2003 film The Matrix Revolutions where the train station represents purgatory for Neo... they were shot here).

As I emerged from the underground station, the mood was very festive. People come in groups from different parts of Australia and the world. My duty was to direct these people to where events were happening. To make sure they don't get lost. Being there for the first time, I had to acquaint myself with the map and schedule of events. That would be my weapon and my bestfriend for the day and days to come.

After my duty, I took the time to go around. The place was really nice and the people who came and gathered for the World Youth Day festivities made the place even more interesting. I simply had to take photos (with my Fuji point & shoot) to capture the moment...and well, volunteer, to take photos for the hundreds of tourists milling around.

It was just a sight to behold. Best of all, it was also a delight to see my fellow Filipinos.  Here is a group of  students from the University of Asia & The Pacific from the Philippines.

For some time, the Archibald fountain in the middle of Hyde Park was a melting pot of races. And with throngs of devotees and delegates, Hyde Park was just a backdrop. The people were the main thing back then. They "made" the place.

Years after, when I came back with  only memories of World Youth Day, I see the splendour of Hyde Park in all it's naked beauty (now captured in my Canon SX20is).

It is quite refreshing to have a walk in the park now that it is not crowded.

 (That is the St. Mary's Cathedral across the street)

You can easily grab coffee and snacks from Bar Quattro at the north end corner of the park or at Starbucks just across Elizabeth Street. Then chill out and relax under the shade of the trees.

                                                      Or you can enjoy a game of chess.

Whatever you prefer to do, you'll surely appreciate the beauty of Hyde Park. Then of course, if you feel it's time to shop, there's David Jones  just around the corner.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney sits right in front of the Sydney Opera House. Well, most part of it’s 30 hectares of land is actually to the east. It is proximate to the Domain with the Circular Quay and Macquarie Street on one side, the Cahill Express and the Art Gallery Road on the other. It is open to the public whole year round.

If you are coming from the Sydney Opera House, upon your entry you will see The Satyr (aka the Faun). It is a Frank Lynch sculpture cast in bronze . It is life-size and quite mesmerizing that you want to touch it. For a while, you might even think you’ve just met Mr. Tumnus from  The Chronicles of Narnia in person.

From here on, you decide if you want to hike up to Bennelong Lawn or take the trackless train to tour the gardens. I highly recommend you go take the stairway behind The Satyr that leads to the lawn.  If going up the steps make  you catch your breath, wait till you see the panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House up there. It's the best spot for a postcard souvenir photo. No wonder it is also one of the most sought after location for a garden wedding reception in Sydney. Below is a panoramic shot I took one noon.

A short walk will lead you to The Government House. It's design by the English architect Edward Blore has been described as a Gothic revival . This mock castle in sandstone brings you to the 19th and 20th century.

If you come on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can actually go in to inspect the big collection of furnitures and decors of the said era at no cost. (Too bad I didn't come in any of those days)  However, access is denied on the second floor where  the private quarters are. Among the list of occupants to date include the Queen, the Royal family, the Governor General and other visiting heads of State. While the architecture is remarkable, the surrounding gardens are just as splendid. The patio and manicured lawns are enhanced by different colourful blooms. 

Just outside the gates of the Government House is the Conservatorium of Music. It is a part of the University of Sydney established to create a music education facility of outstanding acoustic and architectural quality. It houses some teaching and practice studios and five halls/ performance venues for hire. There are also guided tours from Monday to Friday. Cost: $10. The cafe is also a nice spot for a morning or afternoon tea with the castle structure as a backdrop. (photo to follow)

Further on is the Rose Garden. First week of September is not the best time to go as the roses haven't bloomed yet. So, let me hold you for a while until they do. 

I've spent a good four hours and I have covered only one third of the whole Royal Botanic Gardens.  I'm either a slow walker or I just love to stop and smell the flowers. You should, too. Smell the flowers, I  mean. See you soon for Part 2.

BiCentennial Park

Bicentennial Park is located right within the Sydney Olympic Park. Although a lot of people find it an inconvenience to go there, I’d say it is worth the trip. If you’ve got a car, know how to get to the rail or bus station, can pedal a bike or would love a stroll, you can definitely find your way there. Entrance is absolutely free. 

The park sits in 40 hectares of land.  An ideal place for picnics (whether you’re two or two hundred). There are electric barbecues, park tables and benches around.

There’s just so much green space, too. There’s place for a game of tag, soccer or badminton. You can even rent a bike and follow the trail. They even have the kind where you can tag your baby in a wheeled trolley attached to your bike.

That or you bring your own bike.  That is how family friendly this park is.

Are you planning a party on a tight budget? Consider this place. I’ve seen a lot of kids' birthday parties held at the park. You just have to come in early to find the perfect spot. You can choose a place near the playground, on top of the hill  or amidst the conclave of pine trees facing Lake Belvedere.

If you want a more formal party, the Waterview pavilion is the place for you. It’s great for wedding receptions, debuts and school formals. Catering is also provided.

What if you are alone in the park? No worries mate, you’ll still feel safe. Rangers rove around the park regularly. You can grab a magazine to browse, lay down a mat and enjoy the shade under the trees. Or you can  enjoy a bite of sandwich and a cup of coffee on one of the benches strategically situated around the park. By that I mean, at a distance from where you can keep your privacy. Coffee and tea by the way is available at Lilies Cafe and Restaurant at the top of the hill. They also serve lunch.

Nature tripping. It is also a living museum of birds. It’s ponds, swamps and lake boasts of a number of bird species from the Silver Gull, Pacific Black Duck, Black Swan, Australian Pelican, Purple Swamphen, Australian White Ibis and more.  

Bird watching is encouraged but bird feeding is restricted. If you are into photography, there are various board walks and platforms provided for your convenience if you want to set up your tripod and snap some shots.

Another thing you should enjoy is the fountain area. It's so much fun weaving in and out of them and keep yourself cool especially on summer days.

So who says it's expensive to have fun in Sydney? Not the Sydney Insider. I hope you'll join me again on my next journey. Cheers!

Chinese Garden of Friendship

The Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney is a reminder of the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila.  Just south of the Darling Harbour, you will find the walled garden as you walk past Tumbalong Park.  It is adjacent to Chinatown and opposite the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

It is a different world inside. Far from the maddening crowd of the CBD, it brings you to ancient China. The elements of earth, water, air and wood all in one place. It’s a sanctuary where you can commune with nature. The place is peaceful and a sight to behold.

Be enthralled with the panoramic view of the Lake of Brightness.

It beams with pride of lotus plants, carps and turtles. Not afar are the Bamboo Forest and the Rock Forest that gets a mystical effect as the sun shines upon them. The landscape is a total splendour. Winding paths will lead you to different pavillions which showcase Chinese architecture.

Flowers bloom beside the stream from the waterfall.



Water dragons blend in and stand guard.

If you are into nature photography or landscape photography, visiting this place is a breeze. You don’t have to plan for a long drive or pack your bags. Just bring your camera and tripod along.  If you simply need a break from officework, drop by with a book or a magazine and find your spot.  If you want to breathe, relax your mind and spirit, you can simply join a class of yoga, tai chi or meditation. There is also a place for you to enjoy tea. 

The Chinese Garden of Friendship in the eyes of the SydneyInsider.
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