Macquarie Place Park

A haven of trees and monuments just off Bridge street near circular Quay. This park has a couple of pubs and restaurants adjacent and outdoor seating. There is plants of green space and benches to sit in. There is an obelisk distance marker , some memorials and statuary. The cute little bronze birds are very sweet. A great place to sit and relax in the bustling city.

Sydney's historic landmark even has a little-known, enclosed men's toilet that has been filled in! ! !

Little spot in the heart of Sydney packed with points of interest. One that many people don't know about is the 'Distance of Your Heart' art installation. It's 60 bronze birds perched along Bridge Street. It's quite an adventure to find them! 12 are in the park, as well as the bench with the name of the installation. You'll also find Macquarie's obelisk, the original measuring point for Sydney (notice the measurements are in miles!). And a cannon and anchor from the Sirius, flagship of the First Fleet. There's an original well "keep the pavement dry!" and if you look at the NE corner, you'll see an iron dome. These used to be public toilets, but were long ago filled in. As a park, it's a bit grotty, but if you're looking to sit, just walk a block to Circular Quay for amazing views. And there's a gorgeous little laneway on the northern side for drinks.

A very small park, but it rises above its smaller stature by being jam packed full of monuments, each fairly interesting in its own regard.

(Feb. 2025) I happened to stop by this wonderful triangle-shaped place on my way from Royal Botanic Garden to my hotel. It was a plaque saying the late Queen planted some trees in her historic 1954 visit to Australia that instantly drew my attention. I stepped into the park and found other very interesting historic monuments such as the salvaged anchor that belonged to the flagship of First Fleet, Sirius, and the obelisk that marked the starting point of public roads connecting neighboring towns. I have never seen a park where significant historic monuments are located with this great density. This park is marvelous in a sense that it keeps the history of Sydney from the very beginning to its growth, industrialization, the Royal Visit and the present.