 The Domain, Sydney
The Domain is a large open parkland in Sydney, Australia. It is located to the east of the Sydney Central Business District, near Woolloomooloo. The Domain adjoins the Royal Botanic Gardens and is managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Trust, a division of the New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change. It is a popular venue for outdoor concerts, open air events and for large gatherings and rallies.
The Sydney Domain was created by Governor Arthur Philip in 1788 as his private reserve. It was truly the "Governor's Domain" back then. It contained the site of the first farm in Australia, established for growing grain. For the next twenty years, the land was leased out for private farming. Due to poor soil condition, however, the farm eventually moved out, but the land continued to be used for cultivation.
Symphony at The Domain
Author: Enoch Lau (GFDL)
In 1808, Governor William Bligh (better known for his overthrow in the mutiny on the Bounty) tried to get the Domain back as part of his town planning efforts. This led to the Rum Rebellion that disposed him as governor, the only successful army takeover of the government in Australia's recorded history. The next governor in charged, Lachlan Macquarie, completed the task started by Bligh. Governor Macquarie extended roads and gardens, enclosing the Government Domain with stone walls and paling fences. 13 June, 1816, the date Mrs Macquaries Road was completed, is taken as the founding date of the Botanic Gardens. The Domain becomes an open space in front of the Gardens.
Over the years, the Gardens grew while the Domain whittled away. The Domain was opened to the public for strolls and picnics in the 1830s. The land of the Domain west of Macquarie Street was then sold off to pay for the construction of Government House and Circular Quay.
In the 1850s the Domain was used for military, sporting, and ceremonial events. There used to be soap box oratory and political meetings there as well. From 1860, it was also opened at night to pedestrians. It became known as "the Park where the Gates Never Close". However, carriages were not allowed after dusk.
Over the years, the continual growth of Sydney applied much pressure on the premium land at the Domain. Construction of the Garden Palace for the Sydney International Exhibition of 1879 encroached on it. Luckily only its gates remained after the fire of 1882. In recent years, the construction of the Cahill Expressway and the Domain Parking Station further encroached on Domain land.
Among the features at the Domain is Mrs Macquaries Point, which provides the best views of Sydney, across the Harbour towards the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Mrs Macquaries Chair was carved out of rock for Governor Lachlan Macquarie's wife, so that she can sit and admire the view of the passing ships. Above the chair is the inscription that Mrs Macquaries Road was completed on 13 June 1816. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is located on the east side of the Domain.
The Domain Location Map
View The Domain in a larger map
Getting there
Location: Art Gallery Road
Buses to take: Sydney Explorer, 111, 141
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