Fly Ted Down Under Journeys through the land of Oz

Sydney Day 2: Hyde Park Barracks, ANZAC, Pylon, Olympic Park AND Luna Park

AUSTRALIA | Friday, 4 March 2011 | Views [1105]

The Sydney ANZAC Memorial is also in Hyde Park, at the south end opposite the fountain. You can enter for free on the right side at ground level and climb up a few steps to the floor of the dome. There is a free small gallery on the ground floor as well with various displays on Australia's war participation.

A typical dormitory in the Barracks consisted of parallel rows of 20 to 30 hammocks strung out, with perhaps 6 inches in between when occupied. Men and boys would have slept in a room like this for years. Some convicts were released before their sentence was finished, through good behaviour or currying the favour of the guards or Governor. There were various types of passes that one could gain before absolute freedom. Some men would have been transferred from the Barracks to a boarding house in the city if they were well behaved. But most convicts were housed here and in other Barracks when they first arrived off the ship.

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The highlight of the interior is the dramatic sculpture of a dead youth covering a sword, supported by figures representing his mother, sister and wife. It is a very provocative and striking sight upon entering the memorial.

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Fly Ted Down Under Journeys through the land of Oz

Sydney Day 2: Hyde Park Barracks, ANZAC, Pylon, Olympic Park AND Luna Park

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