Designed by Robert Woodward, the Mercury Fountain was inspired by Wollongong’s industrial and mining history, and the five islands off our coastline.

The Mercury Fountain started its life in the centre of Wollongong.  Presented to the city by The Illawarra Mercury to mark the newspaper’s 125th anniversary in 1980, the fountain was first installed in Rest Park, between Burelli and Crown Streets.

A short time later, Rest Park was flagged for removal to make way for Wollongong’s developing shopping area. In 1984, the fountain was relocated to its present site at the Botanic Garden.