Archibald Memorial Fountain

Beautiful Fountain in the Heart of Sydney The Archibald Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park is a must-see if you’re visiting Sydney. It’s a stunning fountain with beautiful bronze statues, inspired by Greek mythology. The main figure, Apollo, stands tall in the center, with water flowing gracefully around him. The fountain is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a peaceful spot to relax. It’s a great place to take photos, sit and unwind, or just enjoy the sound of the water. At night, the fountain lights up, making it even more magical. If you’re in the city, take a moment to visit—it’s a lovely piece of history and art right in the middle of Sydney!

The Archibald Memorial Fountain is widely celebrated as an iconic and poetic centerpiece in Hyde Park. With praise like “Australia’s most beautiful public fountain artwork” and descriptions of grandeur and mythic drama, it’s a must-see in Sydney—beautiful, free, and emotionally resonant both day and night. Ideal For: History enthusiasts Solo travelers seeking peaceful places Anyone visiting Hyde Park Entry: Free

I recently went to the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park, and it was really sick. I walked up and I was really impressed because it was really cool. The main guy statue is Apollo, and he was a Greek god. They built it so that water was cascading from various points around him and I think that is cool. The water was really there and I got a bit wet from it so step back a bit I guess. The whole setup was cool, The gardens nearby were sick, with neat little pathways and placed flowers. Good stuff

Large fountain located in the middle of Hyde Park, the largest park in the Sydney CBD. It consists of a number of bronze statues representing classical Greek and Roman literature - the figure at the top of fountain is Apollo, while he is surrounded by Theseus and the Minotaur representing sacrifice for the public good; Diana, standing for poetry and harmony; and Pan, symbolising the good things of the Earth. The fountain was funded by JF Archibald who was the publisher of the now-closed Bulletin magazine. Hyde Park is a must-see if you’re in the city.

The Archibald Memorial Fountain is one of Sydney’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks, and it’s a place that truly deserves a moment of your time. Nestled in the beautiful Domain, just a short walk from the Royal Botanic Garden, the fountain combines art, history, and natural beauty in a way that feels timeless and evocative. Built in 1932, the Archibald Memorial Fountain was designed by sculptor Margel Hinder and architect Bruce Dellit, and it commemorates the life and legacy of J.F. Archibald, the long-time editor of The Bulletin. What makes this fountain so striking is its blend of classical and modern design elements, combining intricate sculptures with powerful symbolism. At the centre of the fountain, you’ll find a stunning bronze figure of Apollo, surrounded by allegorical statues representing Australia’s ties to the United Kingdom, as well as figures from Greek mythology. The water flows dramatically around these figures, adding an ethereal quality to the space. The fountain’s design was also inspired by the famous Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, which gives it a sense of grandeur and elegance that feels both regal and peaceful. The surrounding area, with its lush greenery and tree-lined paths, creates a serene space for reflection, and it's easy to see why so many people come here to relax or take a break from the bustle of the city. The craftsmanship of the fountain is truly impressive. The intricate detailing in the sculptures, the movement of the water, and the way everything is arranged to catch the light makes it a photographer’s dream. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cloudy evening, the Archibald Memorial Fountain offers a different perspective and beauty depending on the time of day. For anyone interested in Sydney’s history, the fountain is also a quiet reminder of the city’s colonial past and its connection to European traditions, as well as its deep cultural ties to the arts. It’s a great spot to learn more about both the architectural and artistic heritage of Australia. The Archibald Memorial Fountain is not just a decorative feature; it’s a tribute to a man who helped shape Australia’s literary and cultural identity, and it’s become a beloved part of the city’s public art scene. It’s a peaceful place to stop, take in the beauty of the fountain and the surrounding park, and reflect on the history it represents. If you’re visiting Sydney, this is a spot you definitely shouldn’t miss. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a beautiful place to unwind, the Archibald Memorial Fountain offers something for everyone.

A beautiful fountain set in the park in the midst of Sydney. I like the way the path traces its way to the fountain from across the street in the north side (St James Rd) towards it.

This is one of the outstanding sculptural fountains in Sydney. As a landmark it’s always worth a walk by when I’m in the city. In recent years the fountain has been fully restored. As a neoclassical piece it’s a great place to share mythology with children and is also beautiful by night. Uplifting and graceful.

The Archibald Memorial Fountain is a nice little spot in Hyde Park that often goes unnoticed. It’s elegant without being flashy, fitting well with the park’s overall calm vibe. The water feature adds a gentle background sound that makes the space feel a bit more peaceful. Hyde Park itself is a solid green space right in the middle of the city. It’s a place where people slow down whether they’re on a quick lunch break or just passing through. The trees and open lawns give it a relaxed feel, which balances out the city’s usual rush. It’s a good spot to catch a breath, even if just for a few minutes.

Of course the park is free. It is hard to find parking near Hyde park. The fountain is pretty popular. You can get a free walking tour of the area if you meet up here at 10:30 am. You can pay $17 for a bus tour if you meet up here at 10:30 am. The fountain is at the northern end of the park.

Located on the northern end of Hyde Park this fountain is really, really cool. As soon as I set eyes on it I literally fell in love with it, namely because of the statues of the Greek demi-gods that covered it. Apparently it was given to Australia by the French to say thankyou for their help in World War I (which seems to be a regular theme of Hyde Park). From what I can remember the gods that they have are Heracles, Diana, and Theseus (though Theseus is actually a hero, but I'm being a bit technical here). Okay, it isn't one of those places where you need to spend ages wandering around, but it is certainly worth checking out if you happen to be in Hyde Park.

I like this fountain, even if I struggle to take it seriously. Not in a giggly-look-they're-naked way, more in a this-might-not-be-out-of-place-in-Rome-but-doesn't-quite-fit-in-with-Sydney way. It's very pretty, but does look like it should be in a more ancient city, steeped in centuries of history, rather than the new and shiny city that Sydney predominantly is! And what's with the tortoises spitting at them?! In my years of doing classical studies at school, I never once had a story that involved tortoises and minotaurs! Or maybe they were there, and just didn't warrant a mention. Either way, it adds a bit of character to the park and presents another photo opportunity for wandering tourists. Plus, it was a present from the deceased JF Archibald, so you can't really turn down a present, especially from a dead guy!

Built at a time when naked men wrestling minotaurs could be viewed without subtext, the Archibald Fountain is one of those casual meeting places in Sydney that everyone uses. It's a landmark easy for anyone to find, right in the middle of Hyde Park. With lots of benches nearby, it's a great spot to peoplewatch as tourists snap away happily, kids runs around on the grass and officeworkers soak up the opportunity for a bit of extra personal space. The fountain itself has quite the story, donated by JF Archibald, founder of The Bulletin, who stipulated in his will in 1932 for a bronze memorial to be built by a French artist to commemorate 'Australia and France having fought side by side for the liberties of the world'. So in a way, it is Australia's Statue of Liberty. But with Minotaurs. And turtles. Check out www.dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/archibald_fountain for the full story.