Located throughout the Vernon buildings are timber seats carved with images that recreate the atmosphere of the NSW State Abattoirs, which existed at the current site of the Sydney Olympic Park from 1915-1988. The Vernon Buildings, also referred to as the Abattoir Heritage Precinct, were the administrative core of the State Abattoirs and are named after Walter Liberty Vernon, the Government Architect who designed them.

The timber seats were added to the precinct when it was revamped for use as the visitor centre for the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics. Roses are featured in the Rose Garden, with bulls heads and the 6/9 motif featured on the timber seats in the Playfair Courtyard. Benches in the garden feature carved bull and sheep heads.