Sydney University for All

Wesley College

Sydney University has much to interest the urban explorer. It is usually bustling with student vigour, it's pleasant to explore on a Sunday or a sleepy Easter weekend as I did. The campus is open to all and exploring on foot gives you an idea of the beauty of the campus and it's hidden gems.

Wesley College

I entered the campus from Carillon Avenue at the Western Avenue Gate where the Gatekeepers Lodge stands as a sentinel.  The Women's College and next door Wesley College, are surrounded by shady trees, with an understory of camellias and gardenias.  These charming buildings have an air of Edwardian England with a touch of Tudor and Gothic thrown in.  I can hear what sounds like a bunch of lads playing football which becomes apparent on the nearby University Oval Number 1 which is one of 5 ovals on the campus. A vigorous game of AFL was in full swing. Across the road from there is the Arena Sports Centre .

Gilgamesh Statue

This is an intriguing statue of an Assyrian king part God part man from the 3rd millenium BC.  He sets out on a quest to find compassion, friendship, love, peace and courage.  All fine attributes for all of us to aspire to.

From Museum

Nicholson Museum

The museum has some fascinating exhibits from Egypt, Europe and the middle East,  There is even a mummy.  It is free to enter and cameras can be used. Children are most welcome and there were some little eager beavers trailing around with me. The  donation box at the door, is grateful for the bucks I toss in for the upkeep of the collection.

Is that bells I can hear ?

I can hear the sound of the carillion playing as I leave the museum and wander into the nearby quadrangle.  I am surprised to find out that this carillon,  The Sydney War Memorial Carillon commemorates the 197 students, graduates and staff that died in The First World War (1914-1918). 

McClauren Hall with its grassy quadrangle transports you to those hallowed halls of learning in mother England.  Hogwarts also came to mind as I sat and dreamed in the sunlight trying to imagine how one plays a carillion.

Chemistry seating

The Quadrangle

I wander up Manning Road past the Manning Bar, silent and still.  This venue provided by the Sydney University Union is a beacon for student social life. I follow Eastern Avenue past Fisher Library , I urge you to spend some time here, there are small exhibits, and actually searching for a book is quite an experience ! The Chemistry Building with its lush native garden and peaceful landscaping looks functional and sensible.

The Madsen Building

The Madsen Building comes into view, another fine stone building.

Cadigal Green

I cross City Road via the skybridge as the campus  becomes the Darlington Campus. Cadigal Green is another open space  with its Old School Building and groovy seating. 

The Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness centre is in this vicinity, it is open to young and old.

I started for home, knowing that I would be back.  The campus is a place where you could visit often and feel included in student life without actually enrolling.

Destination: Sydney University City Road Camperdown.

Route: From Central most buses go past, Redfern Station and walk.

Suitable: walkers, prams, children, adults, bike riders.

Time: allow at least 2 hours for exploring, depending how long you spend in the museum. Fisher library is an interesting visit. Check out cafes if you want to stay for lunch.