The Domain
The Domain
4
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Central Business District
The Sydney Central Business District is abuzz with energy. Power brokers run to and from high rise buildings and after-work drink places, high-end shoppers tour venues like the QVB, and fine diners frequent the many celebrity chef restaurants. For a dose of culture, walk to the NSW Art Gallery, or visit the Sydney Museum. To escape the hustle and bustle, reconnect with nature at the Sydney Botanical Gardens or picnic lunch at High Park. No matter your interest, be sure to check the full calendar of events hosted by the city, from the Sydney Festival in January to October’s Good Food Month at Hyde Park.
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5,273 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,064 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
151 reviews
Excellent
42
Very good
73
Average
31
Poor
1
Terrible
4
30 D
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Solo
The views of the Sydney skyline were good and the location is easy to get to. Those are the only good things about it.
I went to see Paramore and the acoustics were TERRIBLE. I could not hear the band AT ALL. The screens were too low and need to be raised by about 1-2 metres because I couldn't see the screens either.
This is not a suitable live music venue and shouldn't ever be used as a music venue. I paid to see and hear the band, not people shouting lyrics poorly. I was in the first half before the walk way so I would've expected better than this.
I will NEVER EVER return to the domain for live music unless the acoustics and screens improve.
I went to see Paramore and the acoustics were TERRIBLE. I could not hear the band AT ALL. The screens were too low and need to be raised by about 1-2 metres because I couldn't see the screens either.
This is not a suitable live music venue and shouldn't ever be used as a music venue. I paid to see and hear the band, not people shouting lyrics poorly. I was in the first half before the walk way so I would've expected better than this.
I will NEVER EVER return to the domain for live music unless the acoustics and screens improve.
Written November 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,433 contributions
Mar 2020
This park is in the center of town and along the Bay. It's a huge area and provides lots of opportunities for recreation. We took a couple of long walks here and very much enjoyed the lush and beautiful vegetation. Lots of interesting trees.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,630 contributions
Dec 2021
The Domain is a large parkland area in the centre of the city, running behind the Botanic Gardens and down to Mrs Macquarie’s Point. Entry is free.
Historically, its been known as an arena for soap-box oratory, rallies, protests and political meetings. Nowadays, it’s filled at lunch time with walkers and runners using the 3km looped running trail.
Most people will visit here when going to the NSW Art Gallery, or attending an outdoor concert or open-air event held in the open grassy space. Opera, jazz and Christmas carols are regular annual events.
Starting at the main gates, it is a nice, easy 15 minute stroll through the middle of The Domain, past the Art Gallery and finishing at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair . This convict cut stone seat is an iconic Sydney landmark. From here, you get a panoramic lookout across the harbour towards the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. At this point, you can either return or continue walking through the Botanic Gardens, along the foreshore promenade and to the Opera House and Circular Quay (about an extra 15 minutes).
One very handy feature is the convenient city parking. The large underground Wilson Domain carpark has a 200m travelator which brings you up at Hyde Park in the city centre. The best thing about it is that on a weekend, you’ll only pay a flat $10 a day (if you book ahead online - $12 if you just turn up). It’s worth noting that this is for weekends only. On weekdays it shoots back up to the normal $12 an hour and you’ll find cheaper metered parking along Hospital Rd and Mrs Macquarie’s Rd inside the park.
Historically, its been known as an arena for soap-box oratory, rallies, protests and political meetings. Nowadays, it’s filled at lunch time with walkers and runners using the 3km looped running trail.
Most people will visit here when going to the NSW Art Gallery, or attending an outdoor concert or open-air event held in the open grassy space. Opera, jazz and Christmas carols are regular annual events.
Starting at the main gates, it is a nice, easy 15 minute stroll through the middle of The Domain, past the Art Gallery and finishing at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair . This convict cut stone seat is an iconic Sydney landmark. From here, you get a panoramic lookout across the harbour towards the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. At this point, you can either return or continue walking through the Botanic Gardens, along the foreshore promenade and to the Opera House and Circular Quay (about an extra 15 minutes).
One very handy feature is the convenient city parking. The large underground Wilson Domain carpark has a 200m travelator which brings you up at Hyde Park in the city centre. The best thing about it is that on a weekend, you’ll only pay a flat $10 a day (if you book ahead online - $12 if you just turn up). It’s worth noting that this is for weekends only. On weekdays it shoots back up to the normal $12 an hour and you’ll find cheaper metered parking along Hospital Rd and Mrs Macquarie’s Rd inside the park.
Written February 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia51,625 contributions
Nov 2019
The Domain is a very large green area. It's a park, but not in the normal sense. It dates to the 18th century, the early days of the colony of NSW, and since that time it has seen quite a few changes. It is mostly known for the variety of open-air events that are held there from time to time, and for its huge, underground car park. It is next to the NSW Art Gallery, the Sydney Hospital, the Botanic Gardens and so on. It is a great place to go for a walk or just to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets.
Written December 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,749 contributions
Feb 2021
There is a convenient car park here which offers $12 flat rate weekend parking. The travellator usually whisks you underground into the city but this time it was broken...
Written February 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Star707
Sydney, Australia554 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
This is a piece of ambiguous turf on a hill running down to the flats. It begins around the Art Gallery of NSW and can be accessed either from behind Macquarie Street or Art Gallery Road. This is space for the city to have large events, like: Carols by Candlelight; Easter Concerts; Tropfest Short Film Festival. When it isn't doing duty as a venue, people have picnics here. When the city's office workers aren't exercising or having their lunch in the Botanic Gardens, then they will probably be doing it in the Domain. The area beside the Art Gallery offers great harbour vistas.
You can double up a visit to here with a walk in the Botanic Gardens, or a visit to the Art Gallery of NSW. So wear comfy shoes and take a camera. Suitable for kid things.
You can double up a visit to here with a walk in the Botanic Gardens, or a visit to the Art Gallery of NSW. So wear comfy shoes and take a camera. Suitable for kid things.
Written August 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard H
Ulladulla, Australia346 contributions
Dec 2019
Spent a fortune on tickets to the exclusive area for the GravyTrain concert featuring Paul Kelly. Entry was flawless, but then issues evolved. Instead of a grassed area, we had to stand/sit on plastic flooring. No organised pedestrian pathways through the audience, so lots of jistling. Food and beverage prices absolutely exorbitant. Concert was great
Written December 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nathan
Scarborough, Australia64 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
Went to see Aida on the harbour and walked through on our way. Very beautiful, stunning setting with gorgeous native flora. It’s a very tranquil & peaceful environment, also with lots to see including Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, the Royal Botanic Gardens, as well as the obvious views of the city, Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. Massively popular in both spring and summer with the locals for sunbaking and picnics.
Written April 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
b121
Newcastle, Australia831 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
The Domain is a large grassy open park area is located between Macquarie Street and the NSW Art Gallery. I sent there for the annual carol by candlelight event. Excellent location - right in the middle of the city. You can enter the park if you are walking to it from the city through the grounds of the old Sydney Hospital (next to the NSW Parliament House building). They sometimes have public debates and "soap box" public speaking here.
Written December 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albywon
Sydney, Australia13,618 contributions
I work about 500 meters from The Domain and go to/through it often.
I find it is a very underrated attraction. There is almost always something going on there, lunchtime sports, yoga groups, fitness circuit, school groups relaxing before or after a trip to AGNSW, 'Speakers Corner' Soap Box on a Sunday afternoon or just people strolling. It also forms a green belt link between Hyde Park and the Botanic Gardens.
Relax and enjoy the action. As I said there is always something going on.
I find it is a very underrated attraction. There is almost always something going on there, lunchtime sports, yoga groups, fitness circuit, school groups relaxing before or after a trip to AGNSW, 'Speakers Corner' Soap Box on a Sunday afternoon or just people strolling. It also forms a green belt link between Hyde Park and the Botanic Gardens.
Relax and enjoy the action. As I said there is always something going on.
Written August 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jcaisley1
Sydney, Australia
What are we allowed to bring to the midnight oil concert? Chairs, Blankets, Food drink?
Written November 14, 2017
WHAT TO BRING:
Don’t forget your ticket!
ATMs on site are limited so please bring cash for catering and bars.
Sealed plastic bottled water only
Slip, Slop, Slap during the day and bring a warm jacket as it may get very cold after sunset!
WE PLAY RAIN OR SHINE!
PROHIBITED ITEMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY*:
NO PASS OUTS!
Strictly no BYO alcohol
NO drinks other than sealed plastic bottled water
NO food will be allowed on site. Food will be available for purchase inside the event
NO BAGS bigger than 30cm x 30cm allowed on site. All bags will be subject to search upon entry
NO CHAIRS, umbrellas (even if it’s raining), tables, professional cameras &/or video recording equipment, tents, sun shelters,
glass, cans, metal cutlery, knives or animals (except guide dogs) selfie or go pro sticks.
There will be a security check at the gate and prohibited items will be confiscated. Frontier Touring does not take any
responsibility for confiscated items.
Written November 15, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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