Centennial Park is popular park, in a group of three parks called Centennial Parklands. Visitors can enjoy the ancient trees and lush green spaces from many entrances in the inner-eastern suburbs of Sydney. Centennial Park is located near both Randwick, Paddington and East Redfern. It is possible to walk from the central business district, but a short bus ride along Oxford Street would be more convenient.
flickr image by
CarlosSilvestre62
Centennial Park was established in its current state for the people of Sydney, to celebrate one hundred years of English settlement, in the year 1888. Later, in 1988 the State and Federal Governments constructed Bicentennial Park, to mark two hundred years of settlement. The difference between both parks is immense, as they are located in geographically contrasting areas of the city, and the older Centennial Park is much greener and shadier than its later established sister park. The old trees grow with Victorian-style elegance, and when you walk through Centennial Park, you almost feel transported into another time.
Centennial Park features a winding loop road, that can be accessed by both cars and pedestrians. Cycling is a popular pastime here, and you will often find local families with their young children, learning how to ride bikes. An immaculate playground has recently been established for very young children and features a surprisingly pristine public sandpit. On a sunny morning you will find an unofficial mother's group gathering in this area, and a larger playground for older children is located near the Paddington entrance.
Feeding the ducks used to be a popular pastime in Centennial Park, and although they certainly still get fed and chased by enthusiastic toddlers, this act is frowned upon as continuous meals of white bread aren't great for their health and digestive system. Centennial Park is a major attraction for local Sydney residents, and it is hard not to love the benefits it brings to the inner-city community.
