“That will put hairs on your chest” exclaims the woman opposite me. She’s taken a sip of thick black coffee from a finely decorated cup. “It’s called Syrian coffee in Syria and Turkish coffee in Turkey” says Ali standing nearby … Read the rest
Walking in the steps of Sydney’s Razor Gangs
In the 1920s and 30s crime bosses lurked here where I am standing in Sydney’s Central Station Grand Concourse, looking to recruit young runaways into a life of crime or prostitution.
Slums, Slashings and
… Read the restAboriginal Heritage in the Sydney Botanic Gardens
When the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Harbour over 230 years ago, the crew faced a harsh and unfamiliar environment. Unlike the Indigenous people who had lived here for 1000s of years, they had no idea of how to survive … Read the rest
A Tour of Rookwood Cemetery
When Mark Bundy applied for a grave digging job at Sydney’s Rookwood Cemetery, he was asked three questions. “Are you married?”, “Do you have children?” and “Do you have a mortgage?”. After answering “Yes” to all three, he was told … Read the rest
Sydney’s YHAs welcome Oldies too.
“What’s it like staying in a Youth Hostel for us oldies who’ve never been brave enough to do so?” asked a friend. A bit like my friend, I haven’t considered a YHA as an accommodation option. But to write … Read the rest
The Fullerton Hotel Tour: A Step Back in Time
“It’s nice to be back” smiles Margaret Monger as she starts her Fullerton Hotel heritage tour.
The GPO, No.1 Martin Place
We’re standing in the large light filled courtyard of No. 1 Martin Place. Previously Sydney’s General Post Office, this … Read the rest
One Last Look at the Powerhouse Museum.
“I know as much as you do” says the Staff member showing us around the Powerhouse Museum. A few days ago, the State Government announced that The Sydney Powerhouse Museum is staying. In what form is anyone’s guess.
Rumour has … Read the rest
Discovering Sydney’s Central Station
There’s not much reason to hang around Sydney’s Central Station. It’s a place to pass through on the way to somewhere else.
A Transport Hub
However, occasionally you may have to spend time at Central Station. Perhaps, like me, you’ve … Read the rest
The Big Dig – A Rat in the Cellar
There’s a rat slinking away in the corner of the cellar. Shaped from metal wire, it’s one of the few modern additions to archaeological discoveries found at The Big Dig in Sydney’s Rocks area. The cellar, carved from the sandstone … Read the rest
Unique Backstories to Sydney’s YHAs
Each Sydney YHA is “unique in their own way” says Jennifer from Sydney Central YHA. Not only are they unique, they are all steeped in history.
After spending a night in all three hostels, and doing a bit of research … Read the rest
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