Sydney Insiders Blog

This is an intriguing story. Let me explain… Where did the name Sydney come from? OK let us begin. Two and a half thousand years ago in ancient Greece. There was once a fantastic God, who was worshipped throughout the Mediterranean. His name was Dionysus (also known as Bacchus), and he was the god of…

Tucked away on the harbour near Elkington Park on the western side of the Balmain Peninsula is the heritage listed Dawn Fraser Baths. Originally constructed in 1882, these swimming baths are said to be the oldest in Australia. It is the home to Balmain Swimming Club, the country’s first Swimming Association and location of Australia’s…

This imposing structure was built between 1863 and 1867. The Knapsack Viaduct was constructed to transport railway traffic across Jamison’s Creek and into the “little zig zag” train line. This climbed the eastern side of the Blue Mountains to Glenbrook. The enormous structure stands at 40m tall, is 118m long with seven sandstone arches rising…

Poking through the top of flower beds is the spire of the old underground public toilets located in Hyde Park at the North-East corner of the intersection of Park and Elizabeth Streets in the CBD. These facilities were one of several underground facilities built during the early years of the 1900s. During the 1800s the…

Harry’s Café de Wheels, the mandatory late-night feed for all those who enjoyed best day ever in Sydney. A must on anyone’s 24-Hour Sydney itinerary. Harry’s is a Sydney icon. The van has been serving peas and pies since the 1930s when Harry Edwards first opened his café in front of the naval dockyard. In…

For a best day ever, take yourself back in time. If you look closely at the image you can distinguish the outlines of a kangaroo or wallaby. These carvings are some of the 11 or so found in the Glades Bay Native Gardens area in Gladesville. These carvings are located at what was once a…

Riddle me this. Why do the Wynyard station’s platform numbers start at the number 3? Where have platforms 1 and 2 disappeared to? For a best day in Sydney, why not find out where. Those who park cars, know the answer. Laying immediately to the west of platforms 3 and 4 are these high arched…

24 Hours in Sydney is proud that Sydney was blessed with many Art Deco style film houses throughout the suburbs. Many have gone now. Today we remember one of the best where this writer spent many a Saturday evening watching cult classic movies. The Valhalla was located in Sydney’s inner west suburb of Glebe. It…

When you next have 24 hours in Sydney, why not visit a local giant for your best day ever in Sydney Located within the leafy inner west suburb of Drummoyne is a reminder of days gone past. This imposing tank is the Drummoyne Reservoir which was owned by Sydney Water. Its sale of $3.75 to…

This lounging royal is in fact the Monarch of the Principality of Wy, a self-proclaimed micronation located right here in Sydney. A micronation is defined as “A small area or political entity that claims national sovereignty but is not recognized by other sovereign states.” The Principality of Wy was created after Prince Paul Delprat (pictured)…

During the 2014 refurbishment of Town Hall station, construction workers exposed this sign which directed people trapped in the city during WWII towards the safety of an underground air raid shelter. This is a grim reminder of the genuine threat Sydney locals endured in the early 1940s, as the threat from the Japanese grew. This…

Located by the harbour at Cremorne on Sydney’s north shore is Sydney’s most beautiful pool. From its decks you enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This majestic pool is open day and night throughout the year, and best of all it’s completely free to use. How good is that!…