The University of Sydney

One place that I enjoy visiting for its beautiful Victorian sandstone architecture, interesting and free museums, serene environment and well-tended parks, lawns and cloisters is the Camperdown/Darlington campus of the University of Sydney. I recommend it for any traveller looking to get away from the bustle and high-rises of the CBD and interested in some of the most beautiful architecture and best museums Sydney has to offer.

The University of Sydney, the oldest and among the most prestigious of Australian Universities, dates from 1850 and has been at its present site in Camperdown since 1859. It is seen as a continuation of the traditions of the great Northern Hemispheric universities in the Southern Hemisphere, with its motto "Sidere mens eadem mutato" loosely translated as "The constellation is changed, the disposition is the same."

In terms of beauty and architecture it takes its inspiration from the ancient universities of Oxford and Cambridge (with which it shares some aspects of the collegiate structure). It's most famous building, the Neo-Gothic Main Quadrangle, dates from 1854 and is stunning to walk around. Here are some photos from two recent trips I made.

The exterior of the Main Quadrangle

The Great Hall

 

 

The Main Quadrangle also contains the Nicholson Museum and University Art Gallery. The Nicholson Museum, open and free to visit Mon-Fri and on the first Saturday of each month, has the largest collection of Greek, Italian, Egyptian, Cypriot and Near Eastern antiquities in the Southern Hemisphere. It is definitely worth a visit. The Macleay Museum, which hosts the scientific and matural history collections of the University, is also free and nearby.

The University Main Quadrangle is fronted by a great staircase leading to the sculpted lawns, lakes and outdoor pool of Victoria Park, on Broadway only about 15 minutes walk from Central Station. It is a great area to chill and relax and also hosts various events throughout the year.

Victoria Park looking towards the University Main Quadrangle

The colleges themselves, slightly away from the Main Quadrangle and not open for the public to walk in, are impressive and reminiscent of Oxbridge colleges. I have taken photos of two, St. John's College and Sancta Sophia College, although a total of six residential colleges exist.

The entrance to St John's College, established in 1858

 

St. John's College (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Sancta Sophia College, which dates from 1925

The University of Sydney, assuming you have time in your trip and the inclination to do so, is well worth a visit for its free exhibits and its architecture, and only minutes walk from the CBD. Definitely a beautiful and enjoyable addition to Sydney's delights.