SYDNEY ULTIMATE TOURIST LOOP – 10K

After a brief meet-and-greet we will make our way through the heart of the city to Hyde Park and around the beautiful Archibald Fountain, designed and constructed in France in 1926 by the renowned classical artist Sicard. We run through the arcade of Moreton Bay Figs to the War Memorial and head over to Sydney Town Hall, built in the late 1800’s over the original burial grounds of the city. Most excavation works these days unearth one of our dearly departed who are then swiftly reunited with their compatriots at Rookwood Cemetery. We continue down to Darling Harbour on the western edge of the city and skirt around to the heritage listed Pyrmont Bridge, a swing bridge designed for vehicle traffic from the city to the west. These days it is a busy pedestrian and cyclist crossing point for tourists and city folk, with panoramic views to the city and the local harbour. We run along the water’s edge past a multitude of fancy restaurants and cafes, through to the recently developed area of Barangaroo. This was a significant hunting and fishing area for the indigenous Australians prior to colonial settlement. Soon after, many wharves were constructed from Barangaroo to Walsh Bay. During the Great Depression of the 1930’s the length of the walk between all wharves was named The Hungry Mile, with hundreds of workers walking wharf to wharf in search of employment. Nowadays these constructions are restored and are home to the wealthy, with plenty of world-class restaurants and home to Bangarra, the indigenous Dance Theatre.

Up and into The Rocks. This area was the convict heart of early Sydney and trade was established here in general goods and shipping. Named by the convicts, The Rocks landscape was built on in a very haphazard and seemingly random manner, with tight zig-zag lanes and houses and buildings of all shapes and sizes. Most of the excitement and action of Sydney in the early days happened here in The Rocks. It was also where most of the sandstone was cut and used for buildings throughout the city area, leaving sheer cliff faces in many areas visible today.

From here we run along the harbour foreshore through the bustling ferry terminal, Circular Quay to the majestic Sydney Opera House. Perennially beautiful from the distance and amazing in detail up close and personal. Designed as part of a competition won by 38 year old Danish architect Jorn Utzon in 1957, the vision and commitment by advocates and government ministers to construct such a unique landmark is truly inspiring. After a photo or ten! we will continue to the Botanical Gardens which showcases tens of thousands of native plants and provides a welcome breathing space for many locals and visitors. Then a short run back to our meeting place to relax or plan the rest of your day!