historical building Archives - Destination's Journey

1 February 202430 January 2024

King Street Courts Sydney

King Street Courts Sydney

Designed as Australia’s first law courts by Francis Greenway for Governor Macquarie, what became the King Street Courts were originally intended as a school. The original law courts were redesigned as St James Church and subsequently the adjoining school was repurposed as courts.

Completed in 1828, the final building differed significantly from Greenway’s original plan and suffered from damp, overcrowding and insufficient roof support. Over several decades these defects were addressed and the courts still operate today.

We visited as part of Sydney is Open and were able to see each courtroom. Volunteers stationed throughout the building, let us gain an insight into the building and its operation.

One courtroom still has a bullet hole when someone on trial wrested a gun from a guard. The gun discharged and the man made a getaway. Not surprisingly gun security was improved and egress from the courtrooms tightened.

The room where prospective jurors waited still has the wooden barrel from which numbers were drawn to select jurors.

Restoration of the courthouse, has resulted in a modern courthouse while maintaining its historical significance.

Memorial to those in the legal profession who served in World War One King Street Courts — Memorial to those in the legal profession who served in World War One

King Street Courts — Memorial to those in the legal profession who served in World War One

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

5 November 202312 January 2024

South Eveleigh Sydney Australia

South Eveleigh Sydney Australia

Located in Sydney Australia, South Eveleigh has undergone significant revitalization in recent years. This transformation has turned an industrial site into a modern and dynamic precinct that combines technology, innovation, lifestyle, and heritage.

One of the major highlights of South Eveleigh is its rich industrial heritage. The site was once home to the Eveleigh Railway Workshops, which played a vital role in Sydney’s early rail history. Many of the original heritage buildings have been preserved and repurposed, offering a fascinating blend of historical charm and contemporary design.

History

Preserved within the workshop building, Bays 1 and 2 showcase a collection of machinery, tools, and artifacts used in the workshops, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the workers. Interpretive signs explain the significance and use of the tools and machinery.

Dating from 1887, the vast locomotive workship contains workshops for blacksmithing, boilermaking, and other essential trades. Importantly, these are not just static museum displays but remain in use. Courses are held locally teaching people these disappearing trades.

Current Use

Today, South Eveleigh serves as a hub for startups, tech companies, and creative industries. A modern high-tech interior provides office space for companies and business, while others house fitness centres and cafes.

A cafe within the main building is surrounded by old machinery and tool racks, while old steam powered hammer presses and boring machines are scattered throughout the office spaces.

A wonderful place to wander around, learning about the past, while surrounded by high-tech enterprises. After taking in the displays, there are cafes, restaurants and a brewery to relax at.

Workshop area. Still in use by hobbyists — Old boiler room

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

14 February 202310 February 2023

Fullerton Hotel Post Office Building

Colonnade on Martin Place side of the building

Fullerton Hotel Post Office Building

Originally Sydney’s Post Office (GPO), this beautiful building has been repurposed into the Fullerton Hotel. Completed in 1891 after 25 years of construction, it served as the GPO until 1996 when the main post office relocated. Instead, Australia Post operate a smaller Postal Shop from the George Street end of the building. At this time, a refurbishment of the building took place. This entailed enclosing the courtyard into an atrium and turning the remaining building into retail shops and offices. With its prominent position on the corner of George St. and Martin Place, it’s a beautiful building and easy to find.

Tour of the GPO

Our tour of the Old-GPO took us through the building, while learning about its history. Originally designed by James Barnett, the building was later expanded as postal services grew. If you look at the exterior photo, you will see that the lower two floors have arched windows, while the upper floor’s are round. Apparently Barnett thought that the later architect ruined his design by not continuing with the arches on the upper floor.

We were able to climb the interior spiral staircase to the upper floors, but access to the clock tower is restricted. This is because the stairs are no longer safe for visitors and are in need of repair. We did see the smaller George Street clock from the round windows on the third floor. From here you are able to see the clocks mechanical workings.

The old GPO courtyard is now covered, forming an atrium where natural light streams in from the glass ceiling. This is a great sight, even from ground floor, but is much better on the access bridge from the third floor. From here you are able to look down onto what was once a bustling courtyard, but is now a relaxed open space.

Even if you do not enter the building the exterior is worth looking at because of it’s carvings and colonnade. At 114m long, it’s still one of the largest sandstone buildings in Sydney.

What Did We Think?

This was an interesting and informative tour, accessing areas usually off limits. We especially liked the atrium and internal staircase as well as the colonial sandstone architecture.