The Australian Psychedelic Society Sydney chapter invites everyone to celebrate Dr Albert Hofmann’s discovery of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938, and the momentous bicycle ride he took home from his laboratory that day, now known as Bicycle Day! The picnic will be at spectacular Observatory Hill, located between The Rocks and Barangaroo. The park has panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, and home to the historical Sydney Observatory. The site is significant to indigenous Australians. Please make sure to read all the details below.

!! ONLINE RAFFLE !!
APS is raffling two brand new books – How to be Psychedically Aware, by Thurston Katt, et al; and My Year of Psychedelics, by Sarah Napthali, and one mystery second-hand book from the bookshelf of a long time APS member. $5 per ticket online via Humanitix. The raffle will be drawn at the Sydney APS Bicycle Day Picnic and posted to the winners, if not present. Please see the Raffle post for details and how to buy tickets.

!! SPEAKER !!

Jef Baker will deliver a fascinating talk on “Dr Albert Hofmann’s discovery of LSD and the ensuing social, cultural and political impacts to the present day”. It will delve into the clandestine experiments of MkUltra, LSD’s complex history as a therapeutic agent, it’s role as a catalyst of cultural social change movements, the political motives of its prohibition, and the creative arts & music that it inspires, including the renaissance of LSD psychopharmacology and more recent findings into its benefits.

!! PICNIC DETAILS !!

We acknowledge the people of the Eora Nation and Gadigal Clan who are the original inhabitants of the land on which we meet. We pay respect to their elders, past, present, and emerging, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Observatory Hill Park https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/observatory-park
A pin will be posted on the APS Sydney Facebook page on the day showing where we are. Email Sydney@psychedelicsociety.org.au if you don't use FB and want directions. Look for the APS banner.
Timed and meter parking is available on nearby streets. Traffic and parking difficulties are a fact of living in a busy city, especially this area. Please plan accordingly.
Public transport is highly recommended, by train or bus to Wynyard, or ferry to Circular Quay, and it’s a fascinating walk up to the park, or better still – ride your bicycle!
Please check Trip View or other app for public transport information
Various parking stations are located around The Rocks and Barangaroo
Accessible parking spots are at Nita McCrae Park Playground
The park geography comprises a large grassy hill with a few big shady trees. The park is steep in places so please check all maps ahead of time and plan where to park in relation to pathways and toilets
Drop a comment in the discussion if you would like to carpool (always use caution)
Accessible toilets are a short walk away on Watson Road, at the Argyle Street entrance
Sydney Observatory runs tours on Saturday, so book a tour if you’re interested

https://powerhouse.com.au/program/sydney-observatory-tours

$5 donation per person to APS (or as affordable) on the day

Bring:

Your dog! This is an off-leash park!
A jacket! It can be windy here!
Picnic rug, chair, hat, sunscreen, food for yourself, and something to share
Musical instruments, books or artwork for discussion, etc
For those coming alone, message Jane J Etson and I’ll make sure myself or one of our Event Officers is there to meet you and introduce you around

Contingency:

If bad weather or park closure occurs on the day, the event will be held at The Glenmore Hotel, 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW, 2000

https://www.theglenmore.com.au/

Stay tuned for updates posted on the event page on FB, the APS Sydney FB page, and the APS website Events section. If you can, please click ‘going’ on the FB event so we can get an idea of how many are coming. We look forward to seeing you!

Feel free to bring friends that may be curious or anyone that might enjoy ‘finding the others’, as Timothy Leary put it.

!! DISCLAIMER !!

This is a drug free event. The Australian Psychedelic Society are a registered charity focusing on fostering community, providing education about psychedelics and advocating for regulatory change. We do not engage in or condone the supply of illicit substances.

APS events are a respectful, non-stigmatising, safe space for diversity and inclusivity.

Check out the APS website and YouTube channel for loads of resources and events near you, and for ways to get involved with the organisation.

Contact the host of Sydney Bicycle Day Picnic April 12th 2025 - Australian Psychedelic Society