Home Visit Things to see and do Eat, drink, shop, stay Centennial Park A History
Centennial Park a history
Think you know Centennial Park? Think again! This is the Park's authoritative story. 130 years old and against all odds, still one of the world's best public parks.
From its humble and desolate beginnings to one of our nation's most important public spaces – the story of 'The People's Park' should not be missed, and is guaranteed to surprise!
The People's Park: Centennial Park – A History is a beautifully designed, 192-page book featuring stunning photographs of the Park.
The book was released in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Park and spans the politics, bickering and envy of its early days, its subsequent status as Australia's most important experimental horticultural display venue, its decline and fall into near ruin, and its phoenix-like rise to become the fabulous park the people of Sydney know and love today.
Discover the history of modern Australia and its 'birthplace' – Centennial Park!
The book is a great read for history lovers, as well as those that know and love Centennial Park. It's the perfect gift or souvenir.
Buy your copy today!
The People's Park: Centennial Park – A History is available from:
Your local bookshop
Order at your favourite bookshop (if it is not currently in stock, let the store know that they can order it through Woodslane)
The Daily Telegraph, 26 December 2013
The Sydney Morning Herald, Spectrum, 19 April 2014 (PDF, 400kb)
Channel 9 news (including an interview with Author Professor Paul Ashton), 19 April 2014
Our thanks go to Professor Paul Ashton, Kate Blackmore and Armanda Scorrano, ably assisted by Rosalie Catalano and Christine Shergold for bringing the story of Centennial Park to life. Thanks also to Matthew and Ben at Halstead Press for your very detailed and patient work! We extend our gratitude to the wonderful photographers (too numerous to list here) whose work features in the book, and of course, our thanks to those of you who visit, enjoy and love the People's Park every day. We hope you find this a valuable addition to your bookshelf…and your life!
Meet for a meal in Centennial Park
Enjoy a sit-down meal or grab a quick snack with friends and family at one of Centennial Park's kiosks, cafés or restaurants.
Discover the history of tree plantings
The Parklands' landscape has been dramatically altered by tree plantings, the first of which was an avenue of figs in Moore Park.