Open Day Nurturing Visions: the Creation of a Victorian Park New Director for Centennial Parklands
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VOLUME 28 • SPRING 2004
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F C E N T E N N I A L PA R K L A N D S
Open Day
Nurturing Visions:
the Creation
of a Victorian Park
New Director
for Centennial
Parklands
Directions
Managing the Parklands requires the team to Sadly, there was the death of Neil Barker,
balance a busy schedule of daily tasks while who was a well-known and likeable man, as
dealing with the many challenges that arise the many articles following his death testified.
and still find time to explore fresh ideas. For We extend our sympathies to his family.
example, presently we are planting
It is a great honour to hold the position of
macrophytes (aquatic plants) around
Director of Centennial Parklands and to be
Randwick and Busby’s Ponds, cleaning the
involved with the Parklands that I have long
statues from the Column and Rose Gardens,
admired. I look forward to growing with
undertaking annual tree maintenance,
Centennial Parklands over the coming years
completing the refurbishment of the
and enjoying the many challenges to come.
Paddington Gates playground and designing
the spring bedding.
We have also been seeking community
consultation on the five yearly Regulation
Review for the Parklands, which has received a
strong response from the community. We are Steve Corbett
Director and Chief Executive
Welcome to the Spring edition of Parklands, organising the upcoming spring events such as Centennial Parklands
with its new fresh look. As you are probably Centennial Parklands Open Day, which will be
aware, I joined Centennial Parklands at the held in conjunction with the Healthy Parks
start of July, and it’s great to be part of such a Healthy People initiative and looks like it will be
professional and motivated team. a great day out for everyone.
Contents
3 Parkbench
4 Pedalling Around the Park
4 Guriwal Bushtucker Trail
5 A New Director for
Centennial Parklands
6 Twitcher’s Corner - Superb Fairy-wren
6 Person in the Park - James O’Loghlin
Parklands Magazine is published quarterly by the
7 Just What the Doctor Ordered 14 6
Centennial Park & Moore Park Trust:
Locked Bag 15, Paddington NSW 2021
Centennial Parklands is managed by the 7 Statue Restoration
Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust.
Trustees: Professor John Niland AC (Chairman)
8 Nurturing Visions: the Creation of a
Annabelle Bennett
David Leckie
Grand Victorian Park
Michael Marx AM
Yvette Pietsch 11 Flower of the Season - Kangaroo Paw
John Walker
Sarah Whyte
Margaret Varady 11 Recipe
Editor: Anouchka Inglis
anouchka.inglis@cp.nsw.gov.au
12 Friends of Centennial Parklands
Photography: Ian Lever and Michael Wee
13 Highlights of the Season’s Events
Printed on recycled paper
Cover: Paperbark Grove, which forms part of 13 Map of Centennial Parklands
Joseph Maiden’s living legacy to Centennial Park.
14 Spring Events
ISSN: 1447-7645
16 User’s Guide 8
2 Parklands Spring 2004
Parkbench
Winner of Art Competition Spaces Between – Last Chance!
Lots of hard work and imagination went into the Make sure you see this free exhibition at Centennial Parklands which explores the
entries that were received for Centennial Parklands history, diversity and benefits of our city’s myriad public parks. These are the spaces
Art Competition. The entries were very creative between the workplace and home, between the past, present and future.
combining colour with glitter, ribbons and feathers, Superintendent’s Residence, Paddington Gates. Open Wednesdays and weekends
making the decision for first prize extremely difficult. 10 am – 3 pm until end of October 2004.
The results are:
Winner (pictured below):
Clementine Ferrier, aged 6 years.
Runner-up: Nicola Kwong, aged 14 years.
New Merchandise
Finalists: Diama Hanouka, aged 15 years; Centennial Parklands has just extended its range of
India Leonard, aged 5 years; and products for sale at the Administration Building and
Jack Ringler, aged 4 years. at the Superintendent’s Residence. It now includes
a range of sporty ‘I love Centennial Parklands’
Congratulations to everyone who entered. t-shirts in all sizes and bucket hats. There are also
umbrellas, hats, pens, postcards, t-shirts, a picnic
rug and walking guides. So on your next visit to
Centennial Park, come in and take a look and
perhaps pick up one of these Park collectibles.
The Administration Building is open 8.30 am to
5 pm Monday to Friday and the Superintendent’s
Residence is open 10 am – 3 pm Wednesdays and on weekends. We can also be
contacted by telephone on (02) 9339 6699, by email on info@cp.nsw.gov.au or visit
our website at www.cp.nsw.gov.au.
Car Free Day and Bicycle Brunch Tour Aquatic Plantings
What better way to see the sights Centennial Parklands is currently
of Centennial Park than on your establishing aquatic plants in Busby’s and
bike on Car Free Day? Enjoy a Randwick Ponds. The planting is part of
leisurely Sunday ride around the restoration program for the ponds
Centennial Park’s tree-lined which will improve water quality, provide
avenues while the Rangers guide habitat and increase the amenity of the
you through some of the Parklands. The new plantings are netted to
wonderful features of this much- prevent birds from eating them.
loved place. Pass by century-old
structures, colourful garden beds, The netting will be removed once the
ponds filled with birdlife and hear stories and experiences from the people that know the Park plants have established after the
so well. This activity is for adults. You can bring your own bicycle and helmet along, or hire spring/summer growing period. These
them on-site near corner of Hamilton and Grand Drives. 9 am – 11 am. $15 per person. plants will provide improved habitat and
Includes brunch. Meet Superintendent’s Residence, Paddington Gates. Finishes at Shelter filter dissolved pollutants such as
Pavilion. Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699. phosphorus in the water. They also keep
the aquatic benches (bank areas under
If a bicycle tour doesn’t appeal, walk, cycle or catch public transport and enjoy the last Sunday water) stabilised which reduces the
of spring in the peaceful surroundings of Centennial Park. Accessible entry via Musgrave amount of sediment that can move around
Avenue Gates (adjacent to toilets, barbecues and picnic facilities) 9 am – 5 pm. the pond and create blue green algae.
Parklands Spring 2004 3
Guriwal
Bushtucker Trail
Randwick School’s Pathways Class for gifted and talented children has
been hard at work on a project to help with the design and
implementation of the soon-to-be-relocated Guriwal Bushtucker Trail.
Julia Tritsch, their project teacher, was inspired by the innovative
activities developed and run by Centennial Parklands Education and
Interpretation Rangers. Julia thought it would be great for the
children in her class to become involved in a year-long project that
Pedalling Around could contribute to the Parklands and tie in with the Year of the Built
Environment. As the children are regular visitors to the Parklands,
the Park she felt the project would create a better understanding of the
Parklands environment and a sense of contribution for the children.
In Centennial Park you can do as much or as little as you like, just
as the mood takes you. If you happen to come to the Park for a
leisurely stroll and then decide you would like to join in the fun of
cycling around the Park’s many different routes, now you can! An
exciting new option is available to all visitors of Centennial Park.
You can now explore the beauty of the Parklands on a bike which
you can hire from the bike hire facility located near the corner of
Hamilton and Grand Drives. Nothing could be easier than hiring
your own bike and helmet on-site then cycling around the Park to
your heart’s content and when you’ve completed your activity,
The project involved the class being divided into groups with one
simply drop the bike back off at this conveniently located hire facility.
group looking at signage, one at plant selection, another at security
You can hire a bike for as short a period as one hour or up to eight and the last at materials for a boardwalk.
hours for more energetic visitors.
Each group within the class carried out different tasks such as
Director, Steve Corbett said, ‘this is an excellent service for visitors researching the soil in the area and identifying different plants that
to Centennial Parklands. As part of our Healthy Parks Healthy People may be suitable for the soil, light and weather conditions. Then the
initiative we encourage Sydneysiders to discover the many health children collected samples of the proposed plants and pressed
benefits of visiting parks, and this is another way of making these them to display them as part of the project. They also met with
benefits accessible to our Park users.’ local elders within the Indigenous community to discuss the
proposed plans. Another group designed the layout of a new
Healthy Parks Healthy People is a new program which promotes the boardwalk and suggested materials that may be suitable for it.
mental and physical benefits of spending time in parks. Research has
shown that visiting a park can lower your blood pressure and The students meet for the class once a week, and have even
improve your mental wellbeing. managed to organise several trips to gather on-the-ground
information at the proposed new site of the Guriwal Bushtucker
Prices for bike hire start from as little as $10 for children’s bikes and Trail. Most of the tasks have been carried out as homework which
$12 for adults. Hire includes a safety helmet and water bottle holder. demonstrates the students’ discipline and commitment to their
involvement in the project.
It’s a perfect way to have fun in the Parklands, and as the longer,
warmer days of spring are creeping up on us, what better time is Taking up the challenge of designing a project that works with the
there to give it a try? environment and getting it off-the-ground has given the students a
great sense of achievement, which has been their favourite part of
For more details, contact Centennial Parklands on 9339 6699 or
the exercise to date.
visit www.cp.nsw.gov.au
Projects such as this provide Centennial Parklands with an
opportunity to foster strong relationships with local schools and
students. Students learn not only about the environment of the
Parklands but also it allows them insight into the challenges and the
complexity of managing such places.
4 Parklands Spring 2004
A New Director for Centennial Parklands
Steve Corbett took up the role of Director Steve believes, ‘there should be a balance
of Centennial Parklands in July 2004, and is maintained between passive and active
thriving in the role of managing ‘one of the Park users and that quiet places need to be
most vibrant and important cultural preserved within the Parklands. As parks
landscapes in Australia,’ as he describes it. are one of the few places where society
comes together equally, we need to
Steve was previously CEO of the Royal ensure that this special value is recognised
Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and has and protected.’
nearly 30 years’ industry experience in
the management of parks, botanic gardens Like many of the visionary directors who
and open space areas. Sydney-born Steve have gone before him, Steve Corbett
and his wife Helen, enjoyed their two and would like to leave his mark on Centennial
a half-year stay in Tasmania with its relaxed Parklands. ‘I see my role as that of a
lifestyle and friendly people – but admits custodian. I would like to be remembered
that Sydney’s balmy winter temperature for supporting and implementing the
was the first thing they enjoyed on Centennial Parklands Park Improvement
their return. Plan in such a way that the Parklands is
managed sustainably in every sense and
Steve inherited his love for horticulture we meet the changing demands of the
from his grandfather, ‘I spent a lot of time community.’ He goes on to say that it is
learning the tricks of the trade from him. important to, ‘look after the Parklands’
My grandfather inspired a lifelong love of financial capacity to ensure stability and to
plants in me,’ he remarked. Fortunate to be able to balance the social needs of Park
have been able to combine his passion users with the environmental needs of
with his career, after studying horticulture the Parklands.’
in Sydney, Steve spent a number of years
at Australian National Botanic Gardens. It Steve believes that, ‘while Centennial
Steve Corbett was during this time that his interest in Parklands is already recognised
Australian plants grew, ‘One of my more internationally, I envisage the Parklands will
enjoyable tasks was to collect native plants become an important cultural tourism
‘ Centennial Parklands is throughout Australia, from deserts to destination. Centennial Parklands is an
rainforests.’ This experience continues to Australian icon and its importance to future
an Australian icon and its influence his work, ‘In an urban context I generations cannot be underestimated.’
tend to look at plants and how they affect
importance to future
the people using that landscape.’
generations cannot be
Steve held positions at Mount Annan
underestimated.’ Botanic Garden and at the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Sydney, before taking up an
appointment to work on the Sydney
Olympic Games. The Olympics he said,
‘Opened up a whole new set of
challenges. Being responsible for the estate
areas at the Regatta, Shooting, Archery and
Equestrian Centres gave me a better
understanding of the needs of sports users.
While at Sydney Olympic Park I also gained
experience in the complexities of the
operations of major events and the
immense enjoyment well-managed events
provide for the community.’
Parklands Spring 2004 5Twitcher’s Corner Person in the Park
James O’Loghlin has become one of Australia’s
leading comedians and media personalities and appears regularly on
both radio and television – although he started his career as a
criminal lawyer.
James is also a regular visitor to the Parklands, and has enjoyed its
benefits for many years but these days tends to use it less for
exercise. He said, ‘years ago I used to cycle around the Park and
jog sometimes too, but I guess I use it less vigorously as time
has passed’.
However these days it is not just James who comes on his visits to
Centennial Park. Now his trips have become a family affair, and on
Superb Fairy-wren his frequent outings to Centennial Park and brings with him
By Trevor Waller 21-month old daughter, Bibi.
Nowadays, ‘the only running I do is after my daughter, and even
The longer, warmer days of spring are signalling to birds that it is time
then I tend to dawdle behind her’. His outings to the Park often
to start breeding and one such species which is very easy to spot at
revolve about doing activities that please Bibi. She loves watching
the moment is the Superb Fairy-wren, especially the males as their
with the wildlife near the ponds especially the birds – ducks, swans,
plumage changes colour during the breeding season. They are
geese and ibis are her favourites.
frequently spotted in bushes and grassy areas, often in small family
groups made up of a dominant male, a female and young birds. James and his family live locally and enjoy being so close to such a
beautiful, spacious Park that always has a new secret to share or
Superb Fairy-wrens are extroverted little birds with long brown
reveal to him. James remarked, ‘Centennial Park is a lovely place.
tails, which they usually hold cocked-up. There can be quite a mix
The best part is that there’s so much room and always a part to
of different plumages within a group. The females and young males
explore that you haven’t seen before.’ He went to say that, ‘you
are mousey-brown colour with a whitish throat and breast, while
feel like you can get lost in there.’
their bill and area around their eyes is red-brown. When the male
is not breeding his plumage is much like the female’s except his bill His commented that his favourite spot is ‘really anywhere that Bibi
is black and his face is grey-brown. likes to be, and at the moment that seems to be anywhere with
ducks and the water, she especially likes the area around Duck
By contrast, when the adult male moults into his breeding plumage
Pond,’ he quipped.
there is quite a change in his appearance. His upper body and
breast transform into bright, deep blues with black banding and his As Bibi grows, James expects that and he and his family will share
tail becomes blue too. To call to each other they use a series of many happy memories in Centennial Park.
trilling notes, which strengthen into a strong downward cascade of
more musical notes.
When they nest, they make a nest in a small sphere with a side
entrance, built using grass stems, rootlets and lined with feathers. It
is usually well hidden in a clump of grass or low, dense shrub. They
will lay 3 – 4 small eggs, which are white with brown speckles. The
female will incubate the eggs, and once they hatch the rest of the
family group helps to feed the young chicks.
They are quite gregarious and active and can often be seen out in
the open, moving briskly through bushes and over short grass
looking for insects and other invertebrates, as well as earthworms
and seeds to eat. However when they feel threatened will
disappear quickly into nearby bushes. Once in the bushes they can
be quite difficult to see.
Look out for Superb Fairy-wrens throughout the Parklands
wherever there are bushes and open grassy areas. See the events
calendar for details of the Birdwatcher’s Breakfasts.
6 Parklands Spring 2004Just What the
Doctor Ordered
Research has proven that visiting a park can lower your
blood pressure and improve your mental wellbeing, so
what could be better for you than spending a Sunday in
Centennial Park?
This October, Centennial Parklands Open Day hosts the annual This year the Healthy Parks Healthy People event coincides with World
Healthy Parks Healthy People event for the second year. For those who Mental Health Day and will host the launch of Mental Health Week,
didn’t catch the big day last year, this event brings Sydney’s favourite with an awards ceremony featuring a free performance by Jimmy Little.
parks together to spread the word about the health benefits of
Friends of Centennial Visitors are invited to discover the diverse
spending time in parks. Everyone is invited to join in this free great
Parklands are invited to a range of activities available in our parks and
day out on Sunday 10 October in the Brazilian Fields.
special Friends-only pre- join in a range of great free entertainment
The event is an opportunity to discover what’s going on in NSW event breakfast at Healthy on the day. Try your hand at Frisbee
National Parks, Royal Botanic Gardens, Parramatta Park, Sydney Parks Healthy People on lessons or relax with a free massage or
Olympic Park, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and Centennial Sunday 10 October. Look yoga class. Kids can take advantage of free
Parklands. Other partners include the Mental Health Association of out for your invitation – Ranger activities or discover a new sport.
NSW, NSW Department of Tourism and Sport & Recreation, NSW arriving soon.
For those of us who prefer to eat our way
Department of Health, Department of Infrastructure, Planning &
to good health, there will be gourmet food stalls selling mouth
Natural Resources and The Asthma Foundation of NSW.
watering (and healthy!) treats. Stretch out on the grass and enjoy some
Sarah Dinning, Manager Marketing and Community Relations at free musical entertainment while you picnic.
Centennial Parklands said, ‘Healthy Parks Healthy People is a dynamic
Healthy Parks Healthy People is FREE from 11am – 3pm, Sunday
celebration of the many ways parks improve our quality of life. From
10 October in the Brazilian Fields at Centennial Park. For more
quiet reflection to vigorous team sports, parks provide the perfect
information, call 9339 6699 or go to healthyparkshealthypeople.com.au.
setting for maintaining good health.’
Statue Restoration
As part of the Stone Maintenance Program featured in Parklands Winter edition, the statues
Sunrise and Sunset have been repaired. These photographs highlight the conservation work
carried out by Centennial Parklands in conjunction with the Government Architects Office at
the Department of Commerce.
This was the first time the statues had been removed from their proud positions on top of the
sandstone columns in the Rose and Column Gardens, and it was confirmed that both statues
bear the illustrious manufacturer’s mark of Villeroy and Boch.
The hand of Sunrise is shown, with its broken fingers, before the restoration work. Her
fingers were re-sculptured and she was cleaned. In early August she was returned to her lofty
position on top of the magnificent Corinthian column in the Rose Garden. The conservation
works also included re-carving the deteriorated sandstone units of the Corinthian columns.
Sunset is pictured after she has been cleaned with stonemasons hard at work as they carefully
removed her from her weathered plinth and replaced it with a new one they had carved.
Also pictured is the baby boy who has sat patiently at the feet of Sunrise since 1888, shading
his eyes from the dawn sun. Nearly all the dirt from around the baby boy and from Sunrise
was removed during this process, as shown. Everyone has been very impressed with the
finished result of the spruced up statues. Why not take a look for yourself when you are out
and about in Centennial Park this spring?
Parklands Spring 2004 7Nurturing Visions:
the Creation of a Grand Victorian Park
In the early 1800s Centennial Park was a swamps. Pollution worsened considerably in serenity and beauty. As finances were
catchment area of swamps, sand dunes and 1874 after a spate of large floods, and even restricted, it was decided that revenue for the
springs fed by underground waterways. In though seven new dams were built to resolve project could be raised through the sale of
1811 Governor Lachlan Macquarie the problems, they continued. housing land surrounding the Park. The
designated the area as the Second Sydney proposal to convert the Lachlan Swamps
Common. Nine years later he set aside part A grand proposal into a park was accepted in parliament on
of the Common as the Lachlan Water By 1887 almost 65 per cent of Sydney’s 18 July 1887.
Reserve, as it was considered suitable for population lived within a five mile radius of
harnessing a reliable water source. In 1827 Sir Charles Moore, director of the Sydney
the Lachlan Swamps and a new vision for the
construction began on an subterranean Botanical Gardens from 1848 until 1896,
area was born.
aqueduct to gravity feed water to the reputedly turned the first sod to announce
township of Sydney. The 3.5 kilometre The Governor, Lord Carrington, and Premier, the commencement of work on the park.
aqueduct was bored using convict labour Sir Henry Parkes,
from Hyde Park, under Oxford Street and proposed turning the
across to the Lachlan Reserve. Completed in reserve, which had now
1837 this aqueduct is now known as Busby’s become an eyesore,
Bore, one of Sydney’s most important pieces into a grand public park
of early industrial development. that would also be the
focus for the centenary
Lachlan Swamps, as it became known, served of European settlement
as Sydney’s main water supply from 1837 to celebrations on 26
1859 when a combination of the growth of January 1888. Such a
industry, poor maintenance, livestock grazing, park would transform
and garbage dumping gradually polluted the the area into a place of
8 Parklands Spring 2004Moore, who trained at two of the world’s Maiden concentrated much of his work
great parks – Regent’s Park and Kew Gardens, The water in Lily Pond is on avenue and grove plantings. In
London – was given the task of developing usually clearer than other 1896, he planted a row of Melaleuca
Centennial Park, and made good use of his ponds in the Parklands for quinquenervia, or broadleaf Paperbark
English parks’ experience on his new project. two reasons: iron pyrite trees which was considered an avant-
present in the soil oxidises garde step as they were natives.
Creating Centennial Park proved no easy task. releasing sulfur dioxide However it was not to break with
Moore and his staff were hindered by winds, which causes the spring tradition that Maiden choose these
drought, floods, sandy soil, damage from water to be slightly acidic trees, rather it was a decision based on
straying livestock and vandalism. Despite and therefore clearer; and the conditions of the site.
these hindrances, Moore was instrumental the water is filtered up to
in turning the coastal scrubland into the the surface through sand, The Paperbarks were originally
beginnings of what was to become a great which contributes to its intended to act as windbreaks to shield
Victorian park and one now recognised for clearer appearance. more sensitive and exotic plantings
best practice in many areas. from the ravaging southerly winds.
into the ornamental ponds with islands that Today these stand as one of the most
When Australia Day, 26 January 1888, exist today. photographed sites in the Parklands, and
arrived, the opening ceremony included the represent important change in thinking on
planting of the first trees in what is now The ponds form the upper catchment of the
plantings here – not only that natives should
known as Cannons Triangle. Surprisingly, the Botany Wetlands. These water bodies,
be used, but that plants raised in Centennial
ceremonial site was a last minute choice – it covering an area of approximately 26
Park were the most suited to its conditions
was still rocky, lacking in soil and the surface hectares, provide an important habitat for
and should be used where at all possible.
unregulated – and the rocks had to be quickly water birds and aquatic wildlife and are a
blasted and good soil brought in to fill in the significant feature of the formal design of Other areas where Maiden planted broadleaf
holes to prepare the site for the opening. Centennial Park. paperbarks include the semi-formal plantings
The tree planting ceremony took place after They also play an important role in flood
the official speeches which dedicated the mitigation, acting as a retention basin. Ten of
Centennial Park to the people to the New the eleven interconnected ponds in
South Wales in front of a reported ‘tens of Centennial Park, and a single pond in Moore
thousands’ of people. The first tree was planted Park, are fed by stormwater run-off from the
by Lady Carrington, wife of the Governor. surrounding catchment area. Only one pond,
Symbolically, it was a Cook’s pine – named Lily Pond, is fed by a natural artesian spring in
after Captain Cook. In total, 13 trees were Lachlan Swamp.
In 1896 trees were planted around Grand Drive in a special
sequence of two Port Jackson Figs, a Holm Oak, followed by
a Port Jackson Fig, Norfolk Island Pine and Holm Oak. This
design cleverly overcame the problem of arranging an avenue
of trees around a circular road and meant visitors could stand
anywhere on Grand Drive and see three tree species.
planted during the ceremony. Sadly, poor soil around Lily Pond, and windbreaks between
and the exposed windy condition of the area Putting down roots Snakebank and McKay Oval.
has meant these trees have not survived. Charles Moore planted trees in the avenues
Maiden also planted various species including
including elms, poplars and pines. However it
Norfolk Island pines, hoop pines, coral trees,
Liquid assets was his successor, the energetic and
cork oaks, weeping willows and Port Jackson
Although officially open, Centennial Park was progressive Joseph Maiden, director from
and Moreton Bay figs.
far from finished. More than 450 men worked 1896 and 1924, who re-instigated the
determinedly on fencing, soil preparation, plantings after the demise of many of the Keen to introduce a tropical quality to the
footpaths, asphalting roads and rock blasting to originals. It had become clear that much of Park, Maiden also planted many palms. In
bring the Park to completion. After a couple of the Park was not suitable for planting trees at 1908, he planted Canary Island Date Palms
months they were able to concentrate their all due to the very sandy soil, rocky outcrops along Parkes Drive, as a trial to see whether
efforts on transforming swamps and dams and exposure to harsh southern winds. they could be used elsewhere in Sydney.
Parklands Spring 2004 9These palms formed a magnificent colonnade rows. Maiden introduced a prodigious
that was admired for decades by visitors. number of water lilies into the ponds, a sight
However the Canary Island Date Palms and, never before seen in Sydney.
more recently, Cotton Palms which replaced
them, both succumbed to a destructive fungus. Living legacy
Maiden’s innovative use of native species
Between 1888 and 1914 over 11,000 trees
extended to nurturing local indigenous
were planted. However, roughly half of these
vegetation growing in the Parklands. He
either died or were removed as they did not
protected the remaining original landscape
tolerate the harsh conditions. Today, more
following the conversion into a Park, because
than 10,000 trees grow in the Parklands and
he understood that the hillocks and low-lying
about 60 per cent comprise seven hardy
areas provided a suitable habitat to encourage
survivors: Norfolk Island Pine, Cluster Pine,
the growth of indigenous plants.
Moreton Bay Fig, Port Jackson Fig, Eucalypts,
Holm Oak and the Broad Leaf Paperbark. Centennial Park provides a living monument
to the birth of our nation, and a landscape for
Formal allure the use and enjoyment of the community.
Another integral part of Centennial Park’s Today it is an integral part of many people’s
design are the formal gardens, the lives, and remains a haven for thousands of
foundations for which were laid by Charles visitors daily.
Moore. However the failure of his plantings
led Joseph Maiden to later experiment with
native plantings. He combined this with his
strong belief in the Park’s educational value
and early in his
tenure he declared
While climatic conditions were
that he wanted ‘an
continually challenging for Maiden and his
artificial plantation
men when establishing plantings, the
exclusively devoted
greatest threat came from people who
to Australian plants,
were partial to stealing popular plants
duly labelled.’
including the roses and chrysanthemums.
Maiden used the
In 1916 it was reported that within one
promontories
fortnight period rose thieves had taken
Moore had
one entire bed of roses containing 90
established around
different varieties. Chrysanthemum
Busby’s Pond as the
thieves also regularly took entire plants
main sites for his
complete with their labels.
horticultural
experimentation.
Nature was not kind to his creativity, and a
dry spell which began in 1896, was declared a
drought in 1902. To combat this ravaging,
many plants and young trees were hand
watered, however, Maiden instructed that the
native garden was not to receive any special
treatment, and much to his surprise they
survived. By 1910 the native garden
contained 661 labelled species.
In 1909 Maiden planted the Rose Garden,
and it has been a favourite of Park visitors,
and especially for weddings, ever since. On
one Sunday in 1917 an estimated 20,000
people passed through its sweet-smelling
10 Parklands Spring 2004Flower of the Season
Kangaroo Paw
Other variations to the species include the
Kangaroo Paw, also known by its development of dwarf varieties. Kangaroo
botanical name Anigozanthos flavidus is Paw flowers consistently from late spring
a popular landscape plant which until mid-summer with spot flowering at
originates in Western Australia. other times of the year.
It is a soft-wooded perennial which Kangaroo Paw perform best in positions
forms clumps of shiny green, long with a sunny aspect, including those with
strap-like foliage which can grow to western sun. They are best suited to well-
600mm in length. The flowers are drained, sandy or gravelly soils, although
tubular and encased in a furry they will tolerate clay soils if they are
covering. The stems which hold these reasonably well-drained.
flowers aloft, are also furry and branch
to form clusters of predominantly Not considered to be long-lived plants, they
yellow flowers in the species. Including give their best growth and floral displays in
the flower stems, some Kangaroo Paw the first three to five years of their life. After
can grow to a height of 1.8m, although modern specimens are this time, their growth will diminish and flowering will be reduced.
generally much smaller with plants reaching around one metre
in height. Attractive to birds and useful as a plant in hot locations, Kangaroo Paw
can provide a striking flower and foliage contrast in your garden.
Predominantly yellow in the species, many specimens have been Within Centennial Parklands they have been planted at Centennial
developed in Australia including red, yellow, orange and burgundy. Square near Fly-casting Pond, and are flowering now.
Recipe
Centennial Parklands Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch. So soak up the sun,
enjoy the view and choose from an assortment of seasonal dishes.
Chicken and Pistachio Terrine with Avocado and Parsnip Salad
For the terrine: Terrine: Salad:
500g chicken breast Puree chicken breast in food processor adding Peel parsnip and cut into wedges, place on roasting
750mL thickened cream salt and pepper, nutmeg, egg whites and the zest tray and coat with honey and roast for 20 minutes
100g pistachios of lemons. at 220C.
1 bunch of marjoram, chopped
3 egg whites Add cream in a steady stream to the chicken Take the cherry tomatoes and chop them in halves,
Zest of 2 Lemons mixture while processor is still on. add them to the parsnips for the last three minutes
of roasting.
Remove mixture from the processor into a
For the salad:
mixing bowl, and add chopped marjoram and Remove the cherry tomatoes and parsnips from the
1kg of parsnips
pistachio nuts. oven and place in a bowl.
3 avocadoes, sliced
250g rocket Place the mixture into a greased terrine. Add the rocket and avocadoes and toss gently.
1/ 2 punnet of cherry tomatoes
5mL olive oil Place the terrine into a baking dish and fill the dish To serve, arrange the salad on plates and drizzle
5mL honey with water until the water reaches halfway up the with olive oil. Add a one-inch slice of the chicken
Pinch of salt and pepper terrine. Bake for 40 minutes at 180C. and pistachio terrine per person.
Pinch of nutmeg
Leave terrine to cool overnight in refrigerator.
Parklands Spring 2004 11Friends of Centennial Parklands
✁
JOIN THE FRIENDS OF
CENTENNIAL PARKLANDS
and help support Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queens Park.
Friends membership fees are used to support environmental projects
within Centennial Parklands.
As a Friend you’ll enjoy great discounts on a wide variety of events and
activities – excellent value for families. Look for the symbol for activities
attracting discounts and present your membership card to obtain the
special Friends’ rate.
The benefits include:
" 10% discount at Centennial Parklands Restaurant & Café
Sneak Peek for Friends!
" 10% discount on Ranger-guided walks Getting a look at the inside of a jail cell is not everyone’s idea of a
" 10% discount on Centennial Parklands merchandise good time. But a number of Friends got to see what it was like for
" Discounts on selected events
" Parklands magazine posted quarterly
convicts and unruly soldiers of old when they stepped up for the
" Membership certificate ‘behind-the-scenes’ Victoria Barracks Walking Tours in June and July.
" Exclusive Friends events, including annual Christmas party
The tours started off with a delightful morning tea in the Victoria
To JOIN, simply complete and mail or fax the form below. Barracks Officers’ Mess. The Friends were then escorted around the
Title First Name Surname Barracks grounds by the wonderfully knowledgeable volunteer guides
Address – all ex-serving members of the Defence Force. Each guide helped
Postcode Date of birth
bring to life the daily activities of the officers and soldiers living and
Telephone (BH) (AH)
working within the Barracks walls. The highlights of the tour were
many and varied, however the two Busby’s Bore viewing shafts were
Email
of particular interest and sparked some interesting discussions about
Tick boxes:
the links between Victoria Barracks and Centennial Parklands.
" Single: One year $55 " Family: One year $99
Please list family members Friends Beverley and John Melick praised the event saying ‘Our time
Partner there was most enjoyable and our tour guide exceptional.’
Children
Tours are open to the public every Thursday at 10 am (subject to
change) so if you missed out and would like to go along, choose a
" I would like to make a donation to Centennial Parklands Foundation date that suits you and call the Main Gate on 9339 3170 to book.
" $45 " $75 " $100 " $ Please note that the Officers’ Mess is not open to the public during
" I require a tax receipt these tours.
" I am interested in becoming a volunteer
" I would like to find out how a bequest could help Centennial Parklands
Payment details
Special Honour
We would like to pay a special tribute to one of our Friends who
" Cash " Cheque - payable to Centennial Parklands Foundation was recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. Mrs
" Bankcard " Mastercard " Visa Rowena Danziger was awarded the Member of the Order of
" I would like my membership renewed automatically via my credit card Australia (AM) for her service to education as Headmistress of
Card No """" """" """" """" Ascham School and through professional organisations, and to
the community particularly through Opera Australia.
Expiry date
Card holder’s name Mrs Danziger has also shown her commitment to Centennial
Parklands through encouraging students from Ascham School to
Card holder’s signature participate in the Clean Up Australia Day activities held within the
Parklands. This year, students made up one third of the total
Send to (no stamp required): Friends of Centennial Parklands
Reply Paid 58 volunteer numbers.
Locked Bag 15
PADDINGTON NSW 2021
We would like to join with the Friends of Centennial Parklands in
For more information phone (02) 9339 6699 or email info@cp.nsw.gov.au
extending our congratulations to Mrs Danziger on being awarded
this most prestigious and well-deserved honour.
12 Parklands Spring 2004Highlights
Art Competition Junior Rangers Open Day Good Food
Celebrate World Wildlife Week by Why do ducks float and This exciting day out is packed Month Spring
participating in the exciting cormorants sink? Junior Rangers with fun activities and
Centennial Parklands Art will uncover the answer to this opportunities, come along and Picnic
Competition. Entry is open to and other secrets in nature find out why visiting parks and The Sydney Morning Herald’s
anyone under 18 years of age. through some fun experiments gardens has such great health Good Food Month turns seven
Simply design a poster-style and hands-on activities. Bring hat benefits. The Centennial Parklands this year, and this year’s Spring
artwork up to A3 in size. Posters and drink. 10 am – 12 pm. Open Day incorporates a Healthy Picnic held in Centennial Park
must include a picture of your $12.50 per child (6 – 12 years). Parks Healthy People event, with a looks set to be bigger and better
favourite Australian animal in a Meet Shelter Pavilion. diverse range of FREE activities than last year’s event. Small food
scene set in Centennial Parklands. including presentations, activities, and wine producers from around
Prizes will be awarded. Please Bookings essential entertainment and information New South Wales will gather to
write your name, age and contact (02) 9339 6699. supporting HPHP messages about showcase their extensive array of
phone number on the back of wellbeing. The day will feature a goods. Products include cheeses,
Tuesday 28 September
your poster. All posters are to be variety of sporting, artistic and pasta, bread, olives, chutneys and
Wednesday 6 October
completed by children under the cultural events and activities for all preserves, ice cream and a variety
age of 18. Address your entry to the family. It will also see the of small goods all accompanied
Centennial Parklands Art launch of Mental Health Week, as by superb regional wines.
Competition, Locked Bag 15, 10 October is World Mental Admission free. Brazilian Fields,
PADDINGTON NSW 2021, or Heath Day, as well as the launch Centennial Park.
deliver to the Administration of Centennial Parklands
Sunday 24 October
Building, behind Centennial Foundation.
Parklands Café. Competition
closes 5 pm Friday, 8 October. Find out more about how you can
Posters will be judged on Open benefit from a park visit, as the
Day, Sunday, 10 October, 2 pm in physical, mental and social health
the Superintendent’s Residence benefits to individuals and the
and displayed until Sunday, 24 community from visits to parks
October, Wednesdays and and gardens will be promoted.
weekends. 10 am – 4 pm, Parade Grounds,
Enquiries (02) 9339 6699. Centennial Park.
Wednesday, 1 September Sunday 10 October
Barbeque
Bus Stop
Map of Centennial Parklands
Café/Restaurant
Accessible Parking
Entry Gate
Phone
Recycle Bins
Toilets
Accessible Toilets
Kiosk
Parklands Spring 2004 13all
season
24 Friday
SPOTLIGHT PROWL
A chance to see the wild nightlife of
Centennial Park. Join Rangers
spotlighting possums, flying foxes and
29 Wednesday
KRAZY KITES
Come along to this
kite-flying
workshop to fly
4 Monday
SPOTLIGHT PROWL
6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
See 24 September
other night creatures. All ages. Bring kites of all shapes FIVE-DAY TENNIS CAMP
The Spaces Between torch. 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm. $9.50 per and sizes. See 27 September.
This exhibition at Centennial person. Meet Robertson Road Gates. Construct and
Parklands explores the history,
diversity and benefits of our
Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699. decorate your very own kite to take
home, and practice flying your kite
5 Tuesday
ENCHANTED FOREST
city’s myriad public parks. These
are the spaces between the
25 Saturday under the guidance of kite expert
Michael Richards.
See 30 September
PONY RIDES
workplace and home, between The only place where kids can jump All materials included. Bring hat.
the past, present and future. MODEL YACHT
into the saddle so close to the city! 1 pm – 3 pm. $12.50 per child (7 – 12
Superintendent’s Residence, years). Meet Administration Building, WORKSHOP
Hand-led, 10 minute rides for children. See 30 September
Paddington Gates. Open Limited tickets. 10 am – 4 pm or until behind the Centennial Parklands Café.
Wednesdays and weekends Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699.
10 am – 3 pm until end of
sold out. $9.50 per ride. Tickets at
Mobile Ranger Station, Centennial
6 Wednesday
October 2004. Parklands Café. Weather permitting. 30 Thursday JUNIOR RANGERS
See 28 September
Bookings not required. ENCHANTED FOREST
Dress up as a
26 Sunday goblin, fairy or elf 7 Thursday
PONY RIDES and venture into NESTLINGS &
the Enchanted HATCHLINGS
september See 25 September
27 Monday
Forest! Cast a spell
with your magic
See 29 September
1 Wednesday AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE
SHOW
wand to reveal the amazing creatures in
this secret realm. Bring hat and wear
KRAZY KITES
See 29 September
ART COMPETITION fancy dress. 10 am – 11 am.
See Highlights for details. Get really close to live Australian
$9 per child (2 – 5 years). 8 Friday
animals such as possums, bats and birds
Meet Shelter Pavilion.
12 September during this amazing show with wildlife
experts Julie and Anthony.
Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699.
AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE
SHOW
BLACKMORE’S SYDNEY
All ages. 1 pm – 2 pm. $9 per child. See 27 September
MARATHON FESTIVAL MODEL YACHT
Children five years and under must be
The festival run incorporates famous WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT PROWL
accompanied by an adult. Meet
landmarks including the Sydney Opera Build a simple 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Superintendent’s Residence, Paddington
House, Royal Botanical Gardens and model yacht in this See 24 September
Gates, cnr Oxford Street and Lang Road.
Centennial Park. Phone (02) 8235 9425 unique workshop
Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699.
or visit www.sydneymarathon.org and learn the age- 9 Saturday
old technique of PONY RIDES
13 Monday FIVE-DAY TENNIS CAMP
Chance to win a racquet! Bring tennis sailing models on See 25 September
BUSBY’S BORE WALK Kippax Lake. All materials included.
racquet, water bottle, hat and cold/wet
Walk the route of Busby’s Bore, the
underground supply of early Sydney’s
weather clothing. BBQ and presentation Bring hat. 1 pm – 2.30 pm. $18 per
child (6 – 12 years). Meet Kippax Lake,
10 Sunday
on last day. 9 am – 3 pm and PONY RIDES
drinking water, with retired Sydney Driver Avenue, Moore Park. See 25 September
supervision available 8.30 am – 4 pm.
Water historian, Jon Breen. Visit the Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699.
$130 per five days or $35 per day.
source of the bore at Busby’s Pond and
Bookings (02) 9662 7033. OPEN DAY
the memorial cairn in Centennial Park;
See Highlights for details.
and see an exclusive viewing of the shaft
SPOTLIGHT PROWL
into Busby’s Bore within Fox Studios.
For adults. 10 am – 12 pm. $13 per 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm 17 Sunday
person. Meet Robertson Road Gates. See 24 September WALK TO CURE DIABETES
Finishes at Fox Studios.
Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699. 28 Tuesday
JUNIOR RANGERS
october Be part of the fun and help raise funds
for the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation. This popular annual event
17 Friday See Highlights for details. 1 Friday raises awareness of diabetes. There will
be entertainment, food, drink
MY LITTLE PONIES SPOTLIGHT PROWL
A special children’s 29 Wednesday 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm and much more. Join in and walk
the five kilometre circuit. For more
tour of Centennial NESTLINGS See 24 September
& HATCHLINGS information call 1300 363 126 or visit
Parklands Equestrian
Centre. Find out Search for nests 2 Saturday http://www.jdrf.org.au
hidden in the PONY RIDES
where the horses
live, what they eat treetops and pond See 25 September 22 Friday
and how to care for them. Includes a banks and see the SPOTLIGHT PROWL
short pony ride. Wear covered shoes.
10 am – 11 am. $10.50 per child
nests and eggs that
Rangers have
3 Sunday 6.45 pm – 7.45 pm
See 24 September
PONY RIDES
(2 – 5 years), adults free. Meet collected. Build your own mini-nest to
Equestrian Centre Gates, corner take home with you and decorate your
See 25 September
24 Sunday
Lang and Cook Roads. own hatchling to put inside it. FROG MOBILE GOOD FOOD MONTH
Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699. Bring hat. 10 am – 11 am. Visit the free Frog and Tadpole Study SPRING PICNIC
$9 per child (2 – 5 years). Group’s very special Frog Mobile. See Highlights for details.
23 Thursday Meet Shelter Pavilion.
Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699.
11 am – 3 pm. Shelter Pavilion,
MY LITTLE PONIES Parkes Drive.
See 17 September
14 Parklands Spring 200430 Saturday 7 Sunday 18 Thursday 28 Sunday
TWITCHATHON CARING FOR URBAN CITY OF SYDNEY OPEN BICYCLE BRUNCH TOUR
WILDLIFE INTERNATIONAL GOLF
Join Rangers and experienced wildlife TOURNAMENT
Participate in this carers from WIRES Eastern Branch in After an absence of 34 years Sydney’s Enjoy a leisurely Sunday ride around
unique nation-wide this five-hour interactive session about own golf tournament will return this Centennial Park’s tree-lined avenues on
birdwatching the care of urban wildlife. Discover the year to the original venue, Moore Park Car Free Day as the Rangers guide you
contest! Team up best techniques for caring for and Golf Club. First played in 1963 it through some of the wonderful features
with other keen handling injured animals, learn how to became one of the ‘major’ events on of this much-loved place. For adults.
twitchers in the attract wildlife to your garden and find the professional schedule until 1970. Bring own bicycle and helmet or hire
pursuit to spot as many bird species as out how to prevent native species from Tournament from 18 November – 21 them on-site near corner of Grand
possible in a 24 hour period. Dash becoming pests. The workshop will also November. Free entry to all spectators. Drive and Hamilton Drives.
between birdwatching havens such as include a habitat walk and a visit to the Moore Park Golf Course. 9 am – 11 am. $15 per person.
Centennial Parklands, the Royal Botanic Frog Mobile. For adults. Enquiries (02) 9460 8266. Includes brunch. Meet Superintendent’s
Gardens Sydney, Mount Annan Botanic 10 am – 3 pm. $38.50 per person. Residence, Paddington Gates.
Garden, Mount Tomah Botanic Garden,
Parramatta Park and Sydney Olympic
Includes lunch. Meet Administration
Building, behind the Centennial
19 Friday Finishes at Shelter Pavilion.
Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699.
MY LITTLE PONIES
Park. 3 pm Saturday, 30 October to Parklands Café. See 17 September
4 pm Sunday, 31 October. For Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699.
registration contact Frances (02) 9872
4185 or secretarybird@bigpond.com. FROG MOBILE
21 Sunday = 10% discount for Friends of
BIRDWATCHER’S Centennial Parklands.
For site information visit See 3 October BREAKFAST
www.healthyparkshealthypeople.com Please present your Friends
10 Wednesday membership card to secure a
31 Sunday JPMORGAN CHASE See 31 October
discount. Discount is 10% unless
otherwise stated.
BIRDWATCHER’S CORPORATE
BREAKFAST CHALLENGE
This annual Sydney event attracts
26 Friday For various horse riding lessons
SPOTLIGHT PROWL and school holiday pony camps,
competitors from all over the world as 8.15 pm – 9.15 pm
Join this early morning guided tour to one of the most hotly contested contact one of the following
See 24 September stables at Centennial Parklands
spot some of the Parklands’ migratory corporate races. Once again,
and resident land and water birds. A
new meeting point and route will allow
employees of corporations, businesses
and financial institutions will battle it out
27 Saturday
Equestrian Centre:
Centennial Stables:
in this amazing event. Teams will PARKLIFE VI
the chance to visit some different (02) 9360 5650
compete against each other over a 5.6 This popular music event will again be
birdwatching locations. For adults. Bring
km course through the stunning held in Centennial Parklands and will
binoculars. 7.30 am – 9.30 am. Includes Eastside Riding Academy:
backdrop of Centennial Park. The event feature a line up of top national and
breakfast. $18.50 per person. Meet (02) 9360 7521
is one in a series of 17 races held across international DJs. For more information
Musgrave Avenue Gates. Finishes at
four countries and attracts nearly call (02) 9267 5510 or visit Moore Park Stables:
Shelter Pavilion.
197,000 runners from over 6,100 www.fuzzy.com.au (02) 9360 8747
Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699.
companies. The race will commence at
6.30 pm on the Parade Grounds. 28 Sunday Papillon Riding Stables:
0407 224 938
Registration forms and procedures are CAR FREE DAY
available by visiting Walk, cycle or catch public transport
www.jpmorganchasecc.com or and enjoy the last Sunday of
by calling (02) 9439 6060. spring in the peaceful
november 14 Sunday
surroundings of Centennial
Park. Accessible entry via
Musgrave Avenue Gates
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
5 Friday (adjacent to toilets,
barbecues and picnic
MY LITTLE PONIES
See 17 September facilities).
Learn to photograph your favourite
9 am – 5 pm.
wildlife of Centennial Parklands in this
two-hour practical introduction to
photography with renowned local
photographer Ian Lever. For adults.
Bring own camera (SLR preferred) and
2 rolls of 24-exposure film. Includes
breakfast. 7.30 am – 10 am. $18.50
per person. Meet Administration
Building. Finishes at Shelter Pavilion.
Bookings essential (02) 9339 6699.
spring
2 0 0 4 C A L E N D A R
Parklands Spring 2004 15Centennial Parklands User’s Guide
QUICK GUIDE Dog Walking
Under NSW law, dogs must be held on a leash in
First Aid and Emergency all public areas, unless otherwise designated, and no
24 hour Ranger service, 7 days. (02) 9746 2164 more than four dogs can be walked by one person.
or (02) 9746 0444 Dogs with responsible owners are welcome in
Centennial Parklands and can be exercised off-leash
Administration
in certain areas. To find out more about areas in
8.30 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday. Located behind
Centennial Parklands where off-leash dog walking is
Centennial Parklands Café. (02) 9339 6699
permitted, please contact us for a copy of our dog
Fax: 9332 2148
brochure or visit our website: www.cp.nsw.gov.au
Moore Park Golf Course
How to Get Here Public 18-hole golf course in the heart of the Jogging & Walking
BUS: easily accessible by bus. Route 339 from city Eastern Suburbs. Includes Golf Pro Shop and one of A 3.6 km jogging track is available around Grand
stations and 355 from Bondi Junction run regular the largest driving ranges in Australia. Drive. Self-guided walking trails are located at
services to Moore Park. Route 378 from Central (02) 9663 3791 Lachlan Swamp and Duck Pond. Guided walks held
and 380 from Circular Quay run services to
Centennial Parklands Sports Centre regularly each season. Guided walks bookings:
Centennial Park. Phone 131 500 for timetable
Tennis, basketball and netball courts available for (02) 9339 6699
details.
CAR: main gates to Centennial Park open sunrise to casual or regular use. (02) 9662 7033 Horse Riding
sunset. Car Free Days are held on the last Sunday Centennial Park is one of the few remaining parks in
in every season: February, May, August and BOOK A SPACE FOR PLAYING the world offering inner-city horse riding, with a 3.6
November. A 30 km speed limit applies on all roads OR ENTERTAINING km circular horse track and some two hectares of
in Centennial Park. fenced equestrian grounds. Horse hire available
Playing Fields
from:
Friends of Centennial Parklands Playing fields in Centennial, Moore and Queens
• Moore Park Stables
More than a group of park lovers, the Friends are an Parks are available for team sports, including cricket,
(02) 9360 8747
important association of like-minded people soccer, hockey, rugby and touch-football. Also
• Centennial Stables
committed to preserving the Parklands’ history and available is ES Marks Athletics Field featuring an
(02) 9360 5650
culture. (02) 9339 6699 international standard 400 metre running track, shot
• Eastside Riding Academy
put, discus, javelin, long, high and triple jump
Community Consultative Committee (02) 9360 7521
facilities. Bookings: (02) 9339 6699
Meets approximately every six weeks. Committee • Papillon Riding Stables
members can be contacted via Centennial Parklands Centennial Square (02) 8356 9866
administration. (02) 9339 6699 Surrounded by trees and designed for marquees, • Budapest Riding School
email: ccc@cp.nsw.gov.au this site caters for 50 to 1200 people. Located next 0419 231 391
web: www.cp.nsw.gov.au to one of Centennial Park’s historic ponds on the
Picnics & BBQs
eastern side of the Park. Perfect for weddings,
Park Information The Parklands offer unlimited picnic spots, with
launches and events. Bookings: (02) 9339 6699
Information, maps and brochures are available from views of ponds, fields and gardens. There are also
the Administration Building (behind the café) or the Centennial Parklands Restaurant five free BBQ locations in Centennial Park and one
Superintendent’s Residence, Wednesdays and Available for weddings and function hire. Bookings: in Queens Park. Access to picnic areas and BBQs
weekends 10 am – 3 pm. (02) 9360 3355 operates on a first-in basis. Bookings required for
groups of 50 or over. Bookings: (02) 9339 6699
FACILITIES AND AMENITIES Events
Submissions from the public are welcome for Education and Public Programs
Centennial Parklands Restaurant activities and events that support the Parklands’ School excursions, holiday activities, guided tours
Modern Australian à la carte restaurant offering a full cultural policy. Enquiries: (02) 9339 6615 or and workshops, children’s birthday parties, are all on
wine list. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Also (02) 9339 6635. offer at Centennial Parklands.
available for weddings and function hire. Enquiries: (02) 9339 6699
Open 7 days, 8.30 am – 3 pm. (02) 9360 3355 Filming & Photography
Centennial Parklands offers a versatile range of
Centennial Parklands Café
locations for commercial filming and photography at
Specialising in light meals and snacks, the Café offers
competitive rates. Enquiries: (02) 9339 6635
open-air eating in its award-winning forecourt.
Open 7 days, 8 am – 5 pm. (02) 9380 6922
THINGS TO DO
Centennial Parklands Kiosk
Cycling & Roller Blading
Located next to Duck Pond, the Kiosk serves
A four km cycling and roller blading track follows the
sandwiches, light meals, coffee, cold drinks and ice
perimeter of Grand Drive. A Learner’s Cycleway
cream. Open weekends and public holidays,
for children is also available (cycling only). Cyclists
8 am – sunset.
are not permitted to ride in groups of more than
Centennial Parklands Children’s Centre 16. Hire available on-site near corner of Hamilton
Day care centre for babies to pre-schoolers. and Grand drive or from:
(02) 9663 1200 • Centennial Park Cycles:
(02) 9398 5027 (bikes & blades)
Locked Bag 15
Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre • Woolys Wheels: PADDINGTON NSW 2021
Formerly the historic Sydney Showgrounds stables, (02) 9331 2671 (bikes) Tel: (02) 9339 6699 Fax: (02) 9332 2148
now a world-class Equestrian Centre offering • Bondi Boards & Blades: www.cp.nsw.gov.au
270 stables, a lunging yard, arenas, veterinarian, (02) 9369 2212 (blades) email: info@cp.nsw.gov.au
agistment providers and riding schools. • Total Skate:
(02) 9332 2809 (02) 9380 6356 (blades)You can also read
