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Kings Cross is a naughty blend of classy establishments and raucous night life. Here you will find internationally renowned restaurants and strip joints in the same block. The area never closes. It’s an all night escapade for travelers and sydneysiders.
This area was known as Henrietta Town initially, in honor of the wife of Governor Macquarie, the colony’s second Governor. It was set aside as an Aboriginal reserve, eventually it became a wealthy subdivision of the city itself.
It became known as ‘the cross’ in reference to the crossing of two major roads. In 1890 the area became known as Queens Cross. It wasn’t until King Edward the VII was crowned in 1905 that it became Kings Cross as it is known today.
Darlinghurst Road is the center of the 24-hour activity to be found in the Cross. The street is full of constant activity, day or night travelers from all over the world can find much to do. This is considered to be Sydney’s Red Light district. Here cafes and restaurants are open twenty-four hours a day. Visitors find a diverse range of activities from night clubs to Korean baths. Free spirits abide here and what you can observe will make a flamboyant portfolio of memories and experiences.
During World War II and the Vietnam War Kings Cross became the playground for soldiers and sailors on leave. The Australian Navy base is just off Macleay Street. The base was used extensively for American and Australian soldiers to dry dock. This period greatly influenced the style and character of the businesses developed here. Entertainment for the soldiers was big business, ultimately American style bars and strip clubs grew quickly here.
The area has since been cleaned up tremendously. There is a more peaceful coexistence among all factors with an eclectic mix of prostitution, entertainment, bohemian artists, local residents and police.
The Cross has long been the home of the bohemian populace in Sydney. It’s free spirit life style, constant activity and night life bring all sorts to live and play in this area. Many of the older style homes of the city can be found here. Walking tours are delightful. One can start on Darlinghurst Street where all the activity is centered and end up ambling along the side streets that house many architectural treasures.
One such venue is Challis Avenue. Here visitors view some lovely Romanesque style homes complete with two and three storey terraces and colonnaded verandahs. There are many styles of the 1800's town houses to be found here. Most of these lovely homes are now split into apartments or boarding houses.
Visit the famous El Alamein fountain located at the entrance to Fitzroy Gardens. This fountain was erected as a memorial to the men of the Ninth Division who fought the Battle of El Alamein during World War II. This battle lead to the final defeat of the Germans and Italians in North Africa. The fountain was erected in 1961, twenty years after the battle had been fought.
This fountain is a famous icon in Sydney and has been copied around the world many times. Robert Woodward designed the fountain which creates a circle of mist on top of a stem. The “dandelion” image of the fountain is beautifully created. The landmark is a favorite meeting place for many travelers.
Explore Kings Cross by day or night. Dance the night away in clubs. The Soho Bar and Sugar Reef are among the favorite spots there. Walk about and view some of the lovely Art Deco buildings, amble along beautiful Victorian terraces on Victoria Street, take a tour of the Australian Naval Base.
Day or night, anyone can find tons of activities in Sydney’s Kings Cross.
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