Hyde Park

You are now standing in Australia’s oldest public park, named after the famous Hyde Park in London. It was created in 1827, inspired by the look of English parks, and is now the largest park in Sydney. In the past, locals regularly came here to play cricket, rugby, football, and to watch horse racing. Today, it’s a peaceful place where people can stroll, and have picnics on the large, green lawns. A highlight of the park is the fountain in front of you, designed by the French artist François Sicard and completed in 1932. The project was funded by journalist J.F. Archibald, who commissioned Sicard because of his deep admiration for France. He wanted to commemorate the spirit of cooperation between the two countries during the First World War. This fountain is one of the park’s major works and the park itself has long served as a model for the design of many others across the country.