THE DOMAIN

Description

Essentials about the The Domain in brief

Covering 34 hectares, The Domain is one of Sydney’s largest green spaces. The park is located in the heart of the city to the east of the Central Business District and, together with the Royal Botanic Gardens to the north and Hyde Park to the southeast, forms a large green belt around the city center. Due to its large lawns, The Domain is mainly used for concerts and other open-air events, but is also very popular among locals for individual activities such as sports, picnics and recreation.

The history of The Domain

The historic beginnings of The Domain date back to the early 19th century, when Gov. Macquarie had the green space separated from neighboring Hyde Park. In subsequent years, the trees on The Domain were cut down and the area was opened to the public in the 1830s, who used it for walks and picnics.

During the 19th century, land on the western edge of The Domain along Macquarie Street was used for the construction of various public institutions, such as Parliament House, Sydney Hospital, and the Hyde Park Barracks. In the 20th century, The Domain was particularly affected by several major transportation projects. Today, the lanes of the Cahill Expressway separate The Domain from the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The sights of The Domain

Those who go to The Domain not only for sports or relaxation will also discover some interesting things in the green area. At the northern tip of The Domain is the so-called Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. This is a bench that was hewn out of the rock for the wife of Governor Macquarie at the beginning of the 19th century, so that the good lady could watch the ships passing by in the harbor. Art lovers will probably head for the Art Gallery of New South Wales, centrally located in The Domain, Australia’s premier art museum. And believers will be drawn to the southern part of the park, where St. Mary’s Cathedral, Australia’s most important Catholic church, is located.