Kings Cross History

Where else could you find a place so steeped in interesting history as Kings Cross Sydney?

Immigrants flocking to Australia after WWII brought many different European nationalities to Sydney. A melting pot of culture now prevails in this busy, cosmopolitan district.

Kings Cross history began as a playground for soldiers and US troops indulging in ‘rest and recreation’ during post Vietnam War years, 1965 onwards. This influx of immigrants contributed to the seedy image of the Cross.

Kings Cross, Sydney was named in 1905. Previously called Queens Cross, the name was changed to avoid confusion with the city Queen’s Square.

Kings Cross has always been a haven for the arts. During 1920s, Bohemian presence contributed to the strong art influence in the Cross, home to many artists’ studios, writers, playwrights, actors, musicians and painters, bringing an ambience of sophistication, style and Moulin Rouge to Kings Cross.

The Yellow House at Potts Point, once an artist’s residence is now a renovated art gallery in Macleay Street, after disrepair in 1970s, now reflecting art history.

The post war years saw an increase in restaurants, risque live theatres and tourism interest as opposed to once being the area of grand homes and residential flats of Potts Point. The street names now reflect the original settlers. Elizabeth Bay House (1839) was the original home of Alexander Macleay, the colonial secretary of NSW.