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The Obelisk

  • The Obelisk in Macquarie Place (Cnr of Bridge and Loftus Sts) is the original Mile Stone for 19th century roads in NSW. The surrounding park is the original town square built in 1810, while the Obelisk was erected by Governor Macquarie (well actually the Convicts did the heavy work) in 1818. For nearly 200 years this monument stood as the zero mile/km marker for all principal roads. There are a number of inscriptions including distance markers and "The Obelisk was erected in Macquarie Place A.D.1818, to Record that all the Public Roads Leading to the Interior of the Colony are measured from it. L.Macquarie Esq Governor". The park has a number of other historic items worth exploring.