Tourist Sydney 1912

Tourism is now a major industry in Australia and it may seem hard to imagine that it, in one form or another, has been with us for well over a century. During the early years of last century the NSW Government Tourist Bureau issued booklets entitled “Trips around Sydney” for visitors.

These Guides now provide a comprehensive window on Sydney during the Edwardian era with useful information on transport, accommodation and related services.
The Tourist Bureau was located in Challis House, Martin Place, just opposite the GPO.

The following selection of images from period post cards illustrate some of the locations listed in the 1912 Guide. These images show how the world looked to the Sydney visitor in that era.

Some Recommended Trips

Here is a selection of recommended trips. These were not always to scenic locations by todays standards !, however the beaches and naturally the harbour feature prominently …. The “(2d)” etc refers to prices in pence.

19. Ferry – Circular Quay to Milson’s Point (1d) whence trams leave for Mosman (4d); Spit (4d), Extension Bridge (2d).

18. Ferry – Circular Quay to McMahon’s Point (1d) whence trams leave for Crows Nest, Gore Hill, and Lane Cove (3d); Chatswood (3d). Extensive views of city and harbour.

28. Circular Quay to Manly (ferry 4d) – a delightful trip down the harbour (7 miles) past the heads and Quarantine Grounds on the right, to the Village with its harbour and ocean beaches. Manly is the most popular watering place about Sydney. Its numerous and varied attractions affording amusement and pleasure to all. The home of dual surf bathing. Good boating, fishing and driving. The Cardinals palace and St Patrick’s College are located here. Trams meet each boat and convey passengers through the village along the ocean beach to North Manly (1d), and Brookvale (3d) and Narrabeen (6d).

22. Circular Quay to Mosman’s Bay (2d) by boat, one of Sydney’s prettiest bays, tram thence to Military Rd (1d) and Spit (2d) or back to Milson’s Point (4d) and ferry to Quay (1d) or return direct from the Spit to Quay by ferry (4d).

7. Circular Quay to Dulwich Hill (tram via George St) – past Prince Alfred Hospital, Victoria Park, and Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institution, through Newtown and Enmore (2d); Marrickville and Dulwich Hill (3d); the homeward journey may be made by returning to Marrickville and joining the train for Sydney (4d), or by a short walk from the terminus at Dulwich Hill, join the tram via Addision Road (3d), or by walking to Summer Hill (4d), Petersham (3d), or Stanmore Railway Stations (3d), join the train back to Sydney Station.

A line branches off at Enmore to Addison Road, traversing Addison Road, Marrickville, and Canterbury Road, Petersham (1d), following Addison and Canterbury Roads through portions of Marrickville and Petersham to the terminus of the Dulwich Hill tramway.

From Newtown Bridge the tram branches off to St Peters (1d); rail back to city (2d); or to Cooks River (2d) close to Tempe Station, and rail to Sydney (4d).

31. Clifton Gardens are served by a daily ferry (Sydney Ferries) from No 4 jetty Circular Quay; return fare (6d)., children 3d. The Gardens which are one of the most delightful spots in Sydney Harbour, have extensive sandy beach, unsurpassed picnic grounds, and cover over 12 acres. Boarders can be accommodated in a thoroughly up to date hotel, which is within a few minutes walk of Bradley’s Head Rd, containing some of the finest private residences of beautiful architectural design in Mosman, and commanding an unsurpassable view of Sydney Harbour, the Heads, and the eastern suburbs. The Amphitheatre baths are the finest in the State.

14. Circular Quay to Waverley, Bronte or Bondi, tram (3d).

– Along Oxford St, through Paddington, past the Victoria Barracks and main entrances to Centennial Park. At Bondi Junction the tram line divides – one branch going to Bondi, with its glorious stretch of beach and up to date swimming baths, and the other, the Waverley-Bronte line, may be taken to its terminus, Bronte, on the coast, where a pleasant picnic ground is situated.

On the right is passed the Waverley Cemetery, and further on is Little Coogee with fine natural swimming baths. The walk from Bondi along Military Rd towards South Head will enable visitors to enjoy some of the finest views of Sydney Harbour and islands that can be procured.
By taking the Waverley – Randwick branch at Albion St, Waverley (1d) a pleasant round trip may be made, either out to Coogee (2d) or back to town (3d).

63. Stanwell Park is one of the most beautiful spots on the South coast with a fine surf bathing beach encircled by magnificent hills. It has a unique combination of mountain and seaside scenery. Only just over an hour from Sydney. Quick cheap direct train service. First-class accommodation available.