Think you knew everything about the land down under? You are probably mistaken. Sydney is home to some of the most interesting sculptures and monuments in the world, and we’re not just talking the Opera House. From the top viewpoint of Sydney Harbour to ins and outs of Sydney’s grizzly underbelly, we give you the Top 10 Things you most certainly did not know!
The UNSW’s Museum of Human Disease contains over 3,000 specimens of diseased organs
One of the most comprehensive public collections of human pathology anywhere in the world. Boasting more than 2,500 real human specimens of diseased tissues, the Museum allows visitors to see the graphic effects of diseases and ailments first-hand from the most common to the most bizarre. Be advised however, this is not for the faint-hearted.
For more information visit Museum of Human Diseases
The Paddington Reservoir is one of the top urban escapes in the world
Built over 12 years, Paddington Reservoir was once an integral part of the Botany Swamps scheme and abandoned after a structural collapse in 1990. In 2003, Sydney Council took on a project to maintain the sense of a ruin while ensuring it was safe for the public to enjoy. All material from the historic structure has been retained conserving the energy and the urban memory instilled in it.
Every second saturday people come together to play Mahjong and have lunch
MahJong PlayLunch is a unique way to learn to play mahjong while enjoying delicious dim sum in a fun environment. A MahJong play set is provided and beginners receive an instruction booklet and personal lessons from staff. The Chinese game is the foundation of MahJong Room’s philosophy, to celebrate family, tradition, culture and combine these essential elements of life while enjoying good food.
The Sydney Tank Stream Tour only runs twice a year
The Tank Stream served as colonial Sydney’s first and main source of fresh water for almost 40 years. It is also a place of cultural significance to the Gadigal, the traditional owners of the Sydney Cove area. The Tank Stream tours offer a rare link with this nationally important location. Taking visitors under the city along a 60 metre length of the stream and tunnel dating back to 1789, the tours are so exclusive they are only held twice a year.
The MAY Lane Art Project invites artists to contribute every month
This groundbreaking exhibition of large scale street art created at May Lane, St Peters in Sydney is contributed to on a monthly basis by international graffiti artists. Documenting a range of street art styles ranging from New York Graffiti to spray paint and stencil, the exhibition attracts visitors from all over the world every year.
Burlesque dancers pose for still life drawers at the ArtHouse Hotel
Dr Sketchy started in April 2007 and is a fun-filled evening drawing Australia’s most beautiful burlesque performers, cabaret singers and vintage models. The night consists of flamboyant costumes, music and creative entertainment where viewers can engage by drawing performers while enjoying a drink or even pre-performance dinner.
Mrs Macquarie’s chair offers the best view of the harbour
Mrs Macquarie’s chair offers one of the bet views and vantage points in Sydney. The historic chair was carved out of a large rock ledge for Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth as she was known to come and visit the area and enjoy the panoramic views of the harbour. It is placed directly east of the Opera House on the eastern edge of the Royal Botanic Gardens providing excellent views west across the Harbour and the Bridge.
It is home to Australia’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibit
The Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in Sydney is Australia’s largest annual outdoor sculpture exhibition. Initiated in 1996 on Bondi Beach, it features sculptures which were made by both Australian and overseas artists. Sculpture by the Sea is held annually during summer in the Southern Hemisphere with over 50 local interstate and international artists participating in the exhibition every year.
Sydney used to have a train especially for transporting bodies
Regent Street was a railway station in Sydney which used to see funeral trains depart from the station that were bound for Rookwood Cemetery. The ornate station building still stands on the western side of Sydney Yard in close proximity to Central Railway Station. Sculptors worked on the elaborate carvings that were a feature of the stations, including angels, cherubs and gargoyles, even though designed to look like churches, they were never used as places of worship.
The Crime and Passion Tour of Kings Cross explores both the dark and the light side of Sydney
A tour that explores Sydney’s red light district learning about the notorious figures and big-timers that made ‘The Cross’ as infamous as it is today. Immersed in the history of Kings Cross, visitors are guided through stories of fame and fortune, murder and drugs and tales of mystery and romance.
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Written by Sofia Kluge on Google+
