SYDNEY CITY LOOP – 10K

Description

We’ll start the tour outside Sydney Town Hall, opposite the historic Queen Victoria Building. As with any event in Australia, we’ll begin with a traditional “Welcome to Country”, to pay tribute to the traditional owners of the land we’ll be running on. We’ll then head past the skyscrapers down to Darling Harbour, where we’ll admire the view before running past the Sydney Aquarium, on to the lively Barangaroo district. Once a important hunting and fishing location for the Aboriginal Cadigal people, this area is now one of Sydney’s newest developments, playing host to pubs, clubs and restaurants.

After passing the eye-catching Crown Casino building, we’ll then head along the edge of the peaceful Barangaroo Reserve. Steeped in history, this area is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. We’ll continue along the water, past the historic piers of Walsh Bay, before running under the Sydney Harbour Bridge (an epic photo spot).

We’ll carry on through The Rocks, running through the bustling commuter ferry hub of Circular Quay, before running around the world-famous Sydney Opera House, where you’ll get right up close to this iconic building, with ample opportunity for incredible photos. Built on a site once used to keep cattle, this iconic performing arts venue has now occupied the historic Bennelong Point since 1973.

We’ll then head into the stunning Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens, the oldest scientific institution in Australia, home to 4,000 trees and 8,900 species of plant, for more breath-taking waterside views. Here, we’ll also learn how rangers managed to banish a 20,000-strong colony of flying foxes after they caused significant damage to valuable trees. After a short climb up past Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, we’ll continue alongside the water, enjoying the views over to Woolloomooloo’s iconic “Finger Wharf” before we head past the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and through the Domain Precinct. After enjoying the expanse of paths across the perfect lawns, set to the backdrop of skyline views, we’ll carry on into Hyde Park, with an optional add-on to see the impressive pond and monument of the Anzac Memorial, before slipping back between the skyscrapers, to close our loop at Sydney Town Hall.