The Crescent

Take in spectacular views of Parramatta River from this ancient natural amphitheatre, and learn about the cultural significance of The Crescent. Parramatta River has wound through this landscape for thousands of years, transforming the landscape to create Sydney Harbour and its tributaries within an ancient drowned river valley. One of the best places to view this ancient waterway is from The Crescent, a natural amphitheatre formed by a small billabong on the bank of the river. This area was inhabited by Aboriginal people dating back thousands of generations, making it one of the earliest cultural sites in the Sydney Basin. The Crescent was an attractive area for the early colonialists, who admired its dramatic formation above the river. Today it offers a vantage point from which to view the Old Kings School, Brislington House and the spires of St Patrick’s and St John’s cathedrals – as well as the river. As a spectacular outdoor amphitheatre, you might find yourself enjoying the many concerts and major events throughout the year, such as Sydney Festival’s Symphony Under the Stars.