A wonderful stroll through Centennial Park with my photography meetup group.
Interesting facts about Centennial Park
- Spanning approximately 189 hectares, Centennial Park is one of Australia’s largest inner-city parks, featuring gardens, wetlands, sports fields, and wide avenues.
- It was officially opened on 26 January 1888 to commemorate 100 years since the First Fleet arrived.
- Originally a swamp known as Lachlan Swamp, it once served as a key water source for Sydney. The initial trees planted in 1887 by unemployed workers didn’t survive, prompting experimentation with different species.
- The official inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia took place here on 1 January 1901, marked by the Commonwealth Stone under the Federation Pavilion.
- Centennial Park was listed on the Australian National Heritage List in 2018 for its important role in Australia’s nation-building.
- It is home to over 150 species of birds, including pelicans, swans, cormorants, kingfishers, and powerful owls, as well as turtles, flying foxes, and giant carp.
- The park supports over 35 sports, with facilities for cycling, horse riding, rugby, and cricket, along with cycle hire and outdoor fitness stations.
- The 3.8 km Grand Drive loops through the park with designated paths for walking, cycling, horse riding, driving, and parking. It was part of Sydney’s 2000 Olympic marathon route.
- In 2014, Sydney’s first public stone labyrinth opened here, modeled after the 11-circuit labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral.
- Sir Henry Parkes envisioned it as “The People’s Park” – a grand Victorian-style garden for public enjoyment and escape from city life.
