The Labyrinth is a magnificently crafted pathway designed for quiet reflection and exploration. You will find it adjacent to the northern end of Willow Pond (off Dickens Drive) in Centennial Park.
The Centennial Park Labyrinth is an 11 circuit sandstone labyrinth, based on the design of the medieval labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France, which dates from the early 13th century.
What is a labyrinth?
Labyrinths span many cultures and have been used since ancient times as a contemplative tool for reflection or meditation.
The therapeutic benefits of labyrinths have received much attention over the last decade, with evidence suggesting that a labyrinth walk is a 'right brain exercise' which can activate the intuitive, imaginative and creative side of your brain. The evidence of a mentally calming and meditative state post-labyrinth walk has led to more than 200 labyrinths being built in hospitals in the USA as well as locally, at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Furthermore, labyrinths are being built around the world in universities, prisons, rehabilitation clinics, parks and schools (here's an article on the movement).
What is the difference between a maze and a labyrinth?
Unlike a maze, which has many paths that may be taken and involves an element of choice along with some dead ends, a labyrinth has only a single path and one entry and exit point – symbolising a sacred path or gateway – and there are no dead ends.
Important information for visitors to Centennial Park's Labyrinth
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The labyrinth is not available for regular private bookings, however community groups are encouraged to use the labyrinth in an informal manner
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The labyrinth is set within a shared public space. Other activities that may occur from time-to-time within close proximity of the labyrinth (e.g. events, weddings, picnics, education and community programs) may affect the ambience of the site
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Pedestrian access to the labyrinth will be maintained from Grand Drive, however on occasion there may be some vehicle restrictions from Dickens Drive
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The labyrinth is set within a dog on-leash area of the Park
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Skateboarding, scooters and bikes are not permitted on the labyrinth.
All existing Parklands rules and regulations apply to the labyrinth and its surrounds.
To find out more, please email the Parklands Office or call (02) 9339 6699.
Special thanks and acknowledgements
The Centennial Park Labyrinth was made possible by the project's founding benefactor, Emily Simpson, who worked tirelessly and actively, in cooperation with the Centennial Parklands Foundation, to raise the significant funds required to create this unique structure. A list of major donors and supporters can be found here.