Archibald Fountain

Monument Decorative fountain in Sydney's Hyde Park, classical sculptures

A bronze-and-marble fountain in Sydney’s Hyde Park, installed in the 1930s; people pause here for photos between St Mary’s Cathedral and the ANZAC Memorial.

Main image

The Archibald Fountain is a prominent public fountain in the northern section of Hyde Park, Sydney, gifted to the city by J. F. Archibald and executed by French sculptor François Sicard. It was unveiled in 1932 and is a well-known civic landmark.

The fountain features classical bronze figures set on a raised pool and marble plinths, offering a formal, sculptural centerpiece in the park. It is a regular destination for visitors to Hyde Park and is frequently photographed with St Mary’s Cathedral visible nearby.

Commissioned by J. F. Archibald to commemorate the association between Australia and France in World War I, the work was produced in France and installed in Sydney in the early 1930s. Since its unveiling it has been maintained as a civic artwork and focal point within the park.

Sited in Hyde Park North in central Sydney, the fountain sits near Elizabeth Street and close to St Mary’s Cathedral, within easy walking distance of the central business district.

  • Origins: unveiled in 1932, it was a gift from newspaper proprietor J. F. Archibald and was created by French sculptor François Sicard.
  • Location tip: located in the northern section of Hyde Park, it is close to St Mary's Cathedral and visible from Elizabeth Street.
Archibald Fountain
Between Elizabeth Street and Park Street, Sydney (in Hyde Park)
-33.8710, 151.2118
Public park, open daily
Free (park), fountain on public display

How to Get to Archibald Fountain #

Situated in Hyde Park near the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Park Street, Sydney. Easily reachable on foot from Martin Place or St James train stations; several bus routes run along Elizabeth Street.

Tips for Visiting Archibald Fountain #

  • Visit early morning to see the fountain's bronze figures in soft light and before park joggers multiply.
  • Combine with a walk through Hyde Park and the Australian War Memorial for a fuller city stroll.

Best Time to Visit Archibald Fountain #

Spring and autumn are best for comfortable park visits and photography around the fountain.

Spring
September-November · 15-25°C
Jacarandas and spring warmth make park walks pleasant.
Autumn
March-May · 15-23°C
Crisp light and fewer crowds in central Sydney parks.

Weather & Climate near Archibald Fountain #

Climate

Archibald Fountain's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1261 mm/year), wettest in March.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 26°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 26°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (153 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 25°

Weather

153 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 23°

Weather

128 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

71 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 20°

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
17° 26°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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