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Credit | St Andrews Cathedral Corner of George and Bathurst Streets by H. Grant Lloyd, 1858 (Dixson Library, State Library of NSW, DL PX 42 f.22)
 
Have you wondered what a stranger’s guide to Sydney looked like 158 years ago?

 

James Waugh’s discerning descriptions provide a glimpse of Sydney life in 1861.

The Stranger’s Guide: Sydney in 1861 is a new walk by the City of Sydney’s history and curatorial team which recreates a tour from the mid-19th century.

More than 150 years ago, James Waugh wrote a travel guide for visitors to our city.

Credit | New Post Office George Street. Sydney, 1846 by F G Lewis and E Winstanley (Dixson Galleries, State Library of NSW, DG SV1A/22)

 

The Stranger’s Guide to Sydney is filled with insightful and sometimes funny descriptions of local life: “In order for those who have but a short time to spend in town, may have any opportunity of seeing as much of it as possible.”

Visit The City of Sydney’s website to see some of their favourite sites from the city’s past!

To experience the full walk download the Sydney Culture Walks app.

Credit to left | Custom House and Circular Quay, 1845 by G. E. Peacock (Dixson Galleries, State Library of NSW, DG 35)