Sydney Garden Palace In Pictures

If you’ve walked the southwestern edge of the Botanic Garden and wondered why the lawn feels oddly ceremonial, you’re standing near where Sydney briefly had a Crystal Palace of its own. The Garden Palace was the vast exhibition hall Colonial Architect James Barnet designed in the Inner Domain for the Sydney International Exhibition of 1879. Contractor John Young (with Hudson Brothers) drove construction from January 1879 so the cruciform timber, brick and iron palace could open that September. Its great dome dominated the skyline between today’s State Library precinct and the Conservatorium; more than a million visitors came between 17 September 1879 and 20 April 1880.

After the Exhibition closed, the Palace kept busy with events, offices and collections. In the early hours of 22 September 1882 fire completely destroyed the building in about forty minutes. Irreplaceable official records, art works and museum collections went with it. An inquest returned an open verdict; arson was widely suspected but never proved.

Almost nothing of the structure survived above ground. A later garden and fountain mark the former dome site. The photographs here preserve views of a building that reshaped the Domain for only three years — a pictorial memorial, not a standing hall.

Willowgrove - Parramatta - NSW

Willow Grove (often styled Willowgrove) was a Victorian Italianate villa at 34 Phillip Street, Parramatta — a familiar piece of the civic riverfront streetscape for generations, set back behind that cast-iron fence and stone gate posts that locals could pick at a glance. Built as a private house on the Parramatta River foreshore, it later sat squarely in the path of the Powerhouse Museum Parramatta project.

In 2021 the villa was dismantled to clear the site. The former NSW Government had promised relocation and reconstruction elsewhere; sandstone, bricks and architectural elements were catalogued and stored. Heritage advocates, including the National Trust (NSW), argued that dismantling was effectively demolition and that an “authentic” rebuild was not conservation in any meaningful sense.

In 2023 the Minns Government announced it would not proceed with a costly rebuild, citing heritage advice that a replica would be “fake heritage.” Attention shifted to interpreting the Powerhouse site’s layered history (including Willow Grove), advice on reuse of salvaged materials, and other Parramatta priorities such as the Roxy Theatre.

Further reading: Willowgrove Biggest Bungle

 

Bathurst - NSW 

Bathurst is a regional city located in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. It has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early days of European settlement. Here's an overview of the history of Bathurst:

1. Indigenous History: Prior to European arrival, the Bathurst region was inhabited by the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people. They had a deep connection to the land and utilized the area's natural resources for thousands of years.

2. European Exploration: In 1813, surveyor George William Evans led an expedition into the region, exploring the area around Bathurst. He reported back to Governor Lachlan Macquarie about the fertile plains and abundance of water, which prompted further exploration and settlement.

3. Early Settlement: In 1815, Governor Macquarie approved the establishment of a settlement at Bathurst, making it one of the earliest inland European settlements in Australia. The town was initially known as Bathurst Plains and was primarily intended as a center for agriculture and farming.

4. Gold Rush Era: In 1851, gold was discovered in nearby areas, including the iconic Ophir Goldfields near Bathurst. The discovery sparked a gold rush, leading to a significant influx of people seeking their fortune. Bathurst became a vibrant hub for gold mining activities and saw rapid growth and development during this time.

5. Infrastructure Development: As Bathurst expanded, various infrastructure projects were undertaken. In 1837, the first courthouse was built, and in 1847, the town's first hospital was established. Bathurst also became an important transportation hub, with the construction of roads, bridges, and the arrival of the railway in 1876.

6. Education and Culture: Bathurst has a strong educational heritage. In 1874, Charles Sturt University (formerly known as Mitchell College of Advanced Education) was established, making it one of the oldest tertiary institutions in regional Australia. Bathurst is also known for its cultural institutions, including the Bathurst Regional Art Gallery and the annual Bathurst 1000 car race at Mount Panorama Circuit.

7. Contemporary Bathurst: Today, Bathurst is a thriving regional city with a diverse economy. It serves as a major center for education, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing in the region. Bathurst maintains its historic charm, with many heritage-listed buildings and sites preserved and celebrated.

Bathurst's history is interwoven with the stories of early explorers, gold prospectors, settlers, and the indigenous Wiradjuri people. The city's rich past is evident in its architecture, cultural institutions, and ongoing efforts to preserve its heritage.

Proclamation Day 2022

Bathurst In Autumn 2022