Anzac Memorial

On Friday morning, the sun was shining and so I nipped out of the office for 30 minutes or so and made my way to Hyde Park. I'd been past the Anzac memorial a few times before, but didn't realize you could actually go inside it (all I'd noticed was a large, locked door and signs warning you to "Keep off the steps"). So it was a pleasant surprise when I did make my way inside....

The Memorial was completed in 1934 as a memorial to the ANZACs (i.e. Australian & New Zealand troops) who had lost their lives in the 1st World War & at Gallipoli in particular.

The inside of the building is particularly impressive with a large domed roof (emblazoned with subtle gold stars), with the names of battles in recesses in the walls, and a hole in the centre through which one looks down onto "The Sacrifice".

'The Sacrifice’ comprises a bronze group of sculptures depicting the recumbent figure of a young warrior who has made the supreme sacrifice; his naked body lies upon a shield which is supported by three womenfolk - his best loved Mother, Wife and Sister and in the arms of one is a child, the future generations for whom the sacrifice has been made.

['The Sacrifice'] illustrates the sacrifice engendered by war, self-sacrifice for duty and the beautiful quality of womanhood which, in the war years, with quiet courage and noble resignation, bore its burdens, the loss of sons, husbands and lovers.

There was also a quiet area for reflection, and a small museum to the fallen soldiers in conflicts from 1900 to the present day. The museum looks underfunded, but it's all the better for it, I think, as too many places have superfluous interactive exhibits. Another place I would definitely recommend visiting if you have 30 mins to spare in Sydney.

The only thing I didn't like was the Lake of Reflection which resembles a poor man's version of the lake outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC (remember Forrest Gump running through it?). However, at night, when the lighting is on - the double meaning of Reflection comes to life and it really can look quite impressive.

It's amazing what you can stumble upon during a morning 'leg-stretch'!