St Leonards park

A lovely park quite close to me that I haven't explored before. It was a rather rainy day, but good to be out in the fresh air.

Sydney Park

After a great game of tennis with Rajesh, I explored the park next door to him. It's a wonderful place with quite an extensive wetland.  I might bring my camera here sometime and take some bird photos.

Interesting facts about Sydney Park

• Former brickworks: The park was once the site of major brick-making operations in the 19th and 20th centuries. The historic chimneys near the main entrance are remnants of this industrial past.
• Transformed landfill: After brickworks ceased, the area became a landfill until the 1980s. It was later rehabilitated and turned into one of Sydney’s most beautiful urban parks.
• Largest park in the inner city: Covering over 40 hectares, Sydney Park is one of the largest green spaces in inner Sydney, located near Newtown, Alexandria, and St Peters.
• Sustainability showcase: The park is known for its award-winning water reuse system. It includes wetlands that clean and recycle stormwater for irrigation.
• Biodiversity hotspot: The wetlands and restored landscapes support a wide range of native flora and fauna, including frogs, birds, and dragonflies.
• Cycling heaven: The Sydney Park Cycling Centre is a unique learn-to-ride facility for children, with traffic lights, road signs, and mini roundabouts.
• Popular for dogs: It's one of the most dog-friendly parks in the city, with wide open spaces and off-leash areas.
• Art in the park: Sculptures and public art installations dot the landscape, including works that reflect the park’s industrial heritage.
• Great for hill views: The grassy knolls and high points offer panoramic views of the city skyline, especially stunning at sunset.
• Cultural venue: The park hosts events, festivals, and performances, including music gigs, community fairs, and environmental awareness days.

Arctic farewell picnic

My lovely friends organised a picnic for me to bid me farewell to the Arctic.

Read more

• Our Arctic adventure: A list of posts

Centennial Park with Shushann

Terrible photos but exciting sighting: Powerful Owls!

Milson's Park with Xenia

Hyde Park and War Memorial

I planned to visit The Australian Museum but got sidetracked in Hyde Park and its adjacent war memorial. Several hours later, I arrived at the museum to find it was closed for renovations.  Obviously my enjoyable diversion was meant to be!

The beautiful trees in Hyde Park

The War Memorial

I found this incredibly moving. The museum had letters and cards that the soldiers sent home, with exquisite sentiments expressed, and then very often there was a footnote to say the soldier had died during a later battle.  Heart-wrenching stuff but somehow profound and beautiful too.  So important to express our love, and not just during war.