Centennial Parklands Dining has announced its autumn trading hours for the Easter weekend and the rest of the season. 
See the fantastic 52 weekly winners from our 2011 Park Visitor photo competition! 
If you love Centennial Parklands, have questions or concerns, you can have your say through the Parklands' Community Consultative Committee 
Gate times have changed as of Sunday 1 April due to the end of daylight savings in NSW. 
Our new blog is live, so why not check out the latest blog post now. A great read for all who love these Parklands. 
History of the Parklands
- Article from the "Town and Country Journal" on the Federation of Australia
celebrations in Centennial Park, 1 January 1901
The story of Centennial Parklands is - in part - the story of Sydney, indeed Australia.
From a swampy uninviting beginning, the place we know today was borne of a vision to create a grand park. This vision, once realised, then led to the daily struggle to survive through drought, environmental degradation, and the strains of surviving a modern urban environment.
The story involves extraordinary characters, bold and challenging thinking, leaders who pushed through adversity to succeed or despaired as a result of drought and failure.
Once referred to as one of the most 'highly politicised patches of grass in the country', Centennial Parklands is a much-loved and vibrant part of Sydney - having provided generations of Australians with a space to play, relax or be entertained.
Further information
You can read a detailed historical timeline here, or explore the following information to understand more of the context and history of the Parklands:
- A Pre-Colonial History
- Sydney Common
- A Water Source for Sydney
- Creation of Moore Park
- A grand new park
- A word on Sir Henry Parkes
- Opening of the People's Park
- Growing Centennial Park
- Birthplace of the Nation
- Planting the Parklands
- Threats to the Parklands
- Establishment of the Trust
- Centenary of Federation
Above is just a brief snapshot of the Parklands' history - a condensed version of over 120 years work and toil. For more information on the Parklands, contact the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust on (02) 9339 6699 or info@centennialparklands.com.au.
Further reading
For the serious researcher, the book Centennial Park - A History (1988) by Paul Ashton and Kate Blackmore (UNSW Press) provides detailed information on the historical context and creation of the Parklands.
