1981: Opening of Herald Square, Circular Quay

In 1981, as part of the 150th Anniversary of the founding of The Sydney Morning Herald (originally known as The Sydney Herald ), the publishers of the newspaper (John Fairfax & Sons Limited) gifted the city with a new public square in Alfred Street between George Street and Alfred Street.

Source: Glascott, J. 1981. "Five pools in a fountain ... and all yours". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 17: 3.

On April 16 1981, the square was officially opened by Lord Mayor Doug Sutherland.

The Tank Stream Fountain is the focal point of the square. It was designed by sculptor Stephen Walker and was inspired by the Tank Stream, which once ran through central Sydney but is now a stormwater pipe.

Below are a few photos of the square I took in 2025.