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Here we are atop the Kings Cross tunnel looking south at the old fire station. This is the point where Darlinghurst Road and Victoria St cross over (in the form of a x). A whole swag of this land was 'given' to the first NSW Surveyor General, Sir Thomas Mitchell for services rendered. By all accounts a most vengeful and vindictive chap.
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Can you just see the fire-station above the tram in the LH image? Both images taken in the late 50s, the second shows the view back up William St from the city proper, about a kilometre. Of course, I am ignoring the elephant in the room: the giant neon Coke sign.
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Comparison of two maps: then (1950s)and now. See the tram lines through the centre of William St. Many of those LH buildings down WIlliam Street have been demolished.
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And finally, from beneath the Coke sign, looking west from Kings Cross to the city proper.
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12 comments:
and what is wrong with coke? :-p such beautiful crisp photos.I would love to explore your beautiful country.
I admit I'm not the world's most observant person, Julie, especially since my cataract surgeries, but I have enlarged these photos several times each, and can't see a sign of a Coke sign. I can see a very large one for Penfolds Sherry in the first 50s picture, but that's all.
I enjoyed the pictures, however. The old fire station is beautiful, and I love the photos from the 50s. Looks a lot like Canadian cities of my childhood.
Luv, K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Aaahhhh.... So many memories of walking down William Street into the city. And back up the hill to the hostel.... Might have to stay in King Cross again when I come back to Sydney. Just for old time's sake.
The Dunlop sign is rather dominant. I had no idea that building was a fire station. The old overhead shot is proof that when Sydney had trams, there were many less cars. Bring 'em back.
Andrew: When Sydney had trams (1860-1960) there WERE fewer cars, anyway. And, as we have discussed elsewhere, one of the pushes for the removal of the trams was the ascendancy of the NRMA and its car lobby. I think the selective re-introduction of trams would be an inspired idea, eg the loop of the current free 555 bus (George St to CQ then up Elizabeth to Central; out to UNSW via ANZAC Parade; and, out to USYD via Broadway.
It will come ...
Kay - I did not cover the Coke sign this time, because it hogs the limelight. I have covered it before in http://sydney-eye.blogspot.com/2010/03/eastern-suburbs-kings-cross-2011.html
I will try to stand down at the Australian Museum and shoot up to the Coke sign. Have that somewhere at night ... Mmm cant find the post. Must be on my previous blog.
Marieke - One step at a time.
You go to great documentary lengths with some of your posts, Julie, which makes them a very interesting read. Melbourne has the world's biggest tram network, but it takes 15% longer today to complete an average tram trip than it did 10 years ago. This because of the extra cars on the road and, more importantly, the fact that many of the tram lines are not separated from other traffic. Melbourne CBD has only 90,000 residents, but over 800,000 workers, so it's a bit hectic at rush hour! Apparently the City of Sydney is investing millions into the bicycle infrastructure, but is meeting a lot of resistance from residents, businesses, etc.
Thank you for that, Alan. I have a friend in Paris who sets a magnificent standard in the documentary blogpost stakes!
Good point about the bicycle routes. They are meeting resistance, once again, from car owners! Shall work up a post for next week ... that's how long they take, but they are fun.
Beautiful shots from that end of town.
Sydney - City and Suburbs
i just can't get my head around all the bits and pieces in this part of town ... I get lost whenever I drive in that direction.
They look like they have summer clothes on.
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