Sydney Heritage Tour - Middle North Shore
Departing from the centre water feature in the main courtyard of St Leonards Station in St Leonards (as shown by the marker on the map below), this tour focuses on the later Victorian era, into the Edwardian era, and the "Movers and Shakers" of all denominations who built the North Shore.
We start with the forgotten history of the railway itself, then move through the historic sections of the grounds of the Royal North Shore Hospital , then on to one of Sydney's most important heritage cemeteries - Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery.
Moving from premises on Willoughby Road, Crows Nest in the late 19th Century, RNSH was deliberately built next to a cemetery...so if you see RNSH in the news - remember, expectations weren't set very high to start with!!!. We tell the stories of the turn of the 19th to 20th century buildings, and the often heroic efforts of staff and patients of yesteryear, some of whom current staff suspect and feel are still doing their rounds, over a century later.
Then, on to Gore Hill Cemetery, where a veritable "Who's Who" of late Victorian and Edwardian era Sydney were buried alongside the humble, in the first general cemetery on the north shore. Hidden amongst the family crypts and tombstones are stories that would make a Sidney Sheldon novel look very tame.... and the spirits of those taken before their time have reportedly made their presence felt.
For Adult and Seniors groups we focus more on the genealogical and humorous aspects of these people's lives. We can also tell you the stories that are best kept out of the hearing of immature ears....
The proximity to public transport, and the Forum Plaza food court facilities of St Leonards Station, along with multiple cafes available around St Leonards, makes this tour a really good start for a great morning or afternoon out for individuals, couples - or social and seniors groups
Tours typically are run during week day morning or afternoon sessions, with prior bookings, for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to two hours, depending on questions from the group. They start at 9.45am with registration at the St Leonards Station / Forum Plaza water feature, for a 10.00am tour start, or a 12.45pm registration for a 1.00pm tour start in the afternoon, and our tours start on time. Places are limited, and bookings are essential.
We start with the forgotten history of the railway itself, then move through the historic sections of the grounds of the Royal North Shore Hospital , then on to one of Sydney's most important heritage cemeteries - Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery.
Moving from premises on Willoughby Road, Crows Nest in the late 19th Century, RNSH was deliberately built next to a cemetery...so if you see RNSH in the news - remember, expectations weren't set very high to start with!!!. We tell the stories of the turn of the 19th to 20th century buildings, and the often heroic efforts of staff and patients of yesteryear, some of whom current staff suspect and feel are still doing their rounds, over a century later.
Then, on to Gore Hill Cemetery, where a veritable "Who's Who" of late Victorian and Edwardian era Sydney were buried alongside the humble, in the first general cemetery on the north shore. Hidden amongst the family crypts and tombstones are stories that would make a Sidney Sheldon novel look very tame.... and the spirits of those taken before their time have reportedly made their presence felt.
For Adult and Seniors groups we focus more on the genealogical and humorous aspects of these people's lives. We can also tell you the stories that are best kept out of the hearing of immature ears....
The proximity to public transport, and the Forum Plaza food court facilities of St Leonards Station, along with multiple cafes available around St Leonards, makes this tour a really good start for a great morning or afternoon out for individuals, couples - or social and seniors groups
Tours typically are run during week day morning or afternoon sessions, with prior bookings, for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to two hours, depending on questions from the group. They start at 9.45am with registration at the St Leonards Station / Forum Plaza water feature, for a 10.00am tour start, or a 12.45pm registration for a 1.00pm tour start in the afternoon, and our tours start on time. Places are limited, and bookings are essential.
