Little did I know (and I am ashamed to say that) that this area holds such an amazing history and fascinating stories of gangs, alcohol restrictions, brothels, love and death.
So, in order to learn a little more about the history of the area, I took part in a walking tour run by Two Feet and a Heart Beat. These guys run several tours in Sydney and in Perth, and I highly recommend them based on m recent experience.
The Kings Cross Razor-hurst Tour.
We started the tour by meeting our guide, Valentino, under the infamous Coca-cola sign at 'the cross' section of William Street and Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. To give you a little bit of history - The advert sign was built in 1974 by Coca-Cola and is heritage listed! How's that for a long lasting, still standing advertising slogan..... who feels like a Coke?
We start the tour with an overview and brief run down. The tour it is based on the stories of the once dominating Miss Kate Leigh and Miss Tilly Devine and compliments the Television Program Underbelly: Razor.
Now I'm not going to go into the details - that would ruin the story and the tour for you - but there is murder, prostitution, drugs, illegal betting, illegal drinking..... everything the 'underworld was known for back in the 1920's. The tour is amazing and definitely worth doing.
The tour guide we had, Valentino, knew EVERYTHING about the area and the events that took place. He was able to answer all our questions, keep us engaged and was thoroughly entertaining. I am still amazed at how much knowledge he has on the subject (and of Australian history in general).
If you are coming to Australia for a holiday, visiting Sydney or if you're like me, and have lived here for ages and haven't bothered to explore your own back yard... then jump on to Two Feet and a Heart Beat's website - buy yourself a ticket on one of their tours and get walking!
Prices for the tours can be fond on their website, but at the time of writing this blog it was $40, not to bad for an amazing and entertaining history lesson!
