Macquarie Place

Macquarie Place is a triangular park in Sydney's business district featuring monuments, mature trees, and open green spaces. The site preserves early colonial structures including an Obelisk built in 1818 and provides a green break amid surrounding commercial buildings.

Governor Lachlan Macquarie established this location around 1810 as Australia's first formally designed public space, transforming it from swampy mangrove land. This creation marked a turning point in the urban development of the early colonial settlement.

The Obelisk stands as a historical marker from 1818 that once served as the reference point for measuring distances across New South Wales. Visitors can observe how this early colonial structure reflects the practical methods used to map and navigate the territory.

The park is easily accessible in the city center with benches for resting and pathways to explore its layout. Visitors find it practical to visit during daytime hours since surrounding buildings provide shade and it serves as a convenient starting point for the Great North Walk.

Two Plane trees in the park were planted in 1954 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their first visit to Australia. These trees remain visible today and mark an important royal visit to the nation.

Location: City of Sydney

Inception: October 1810

GPS coordinates: -33.86330,151.21000

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48