Grandpa’s Guide to Driving in Kings Cross

Hi there, everyone! Grandpa Ben, at your service! This time I’m writing a guide on Kings Cross, Sydney. And it isn’t going to be all sunshine and daisies. Why? You might ask? Well, because in a game of Cops and Robbers, Kings Cross is one of the bad guys.

It’s not as awful as you think, though. Kings Cross being Sydney’s red-light district is exactly what gives the place its charm. Known to locals as The Cross, it’s thriving with bars, restaurants, strip clubs and adult bookstores. Yes, it’s pretty questionable, but you can’t deny it’s also rather interesting.

This raw and gritty character that Kings Cross possesses has attracted a large number or artists. Writers, poets and journalists, for some reason, flocked to Kings Cross to feed off its upbeat bohemian atmosphere.

In a place that’s well known for its organised crime, it’s best to pick out the safest options for your mode of travel. It’s car rental all the way, kids. Have nothing else. For quality cars at even more affordable prices, click here at Kings Cross Car Rental where you can compare the best deals and bag the car rental of a lifetime!

1. El Alamein Memorial Fountain

One of the greatest landmarks in Kings Cross is the El Alamein Memorial Fountain. Not only does it artfully gush out water, it stands as a war memorial as well. You’ll find it at the entrance of Fitzroy Gardens, right on the corner of Darlingurst Road and Macleay Street.

The fountain commemorates the Australian soldiers who fought and died during the World War II in the two battles at El Alamein, Egypt. The fountain itself was designed by an Army veteran, Bob Woodward, and the Modernist design makes it look like a blown thistle or a dandelion. Now, would you imagine that?

Come see it at night, when it’s illuminated. The sight is priceless, I promise you that.

2. Artspace

I personally think that no visit is complete without checking out the local art scene so for your second destination I suggest you drive off to the historic Gunnery building to find Artspace. Here you’ll find the cutting-edge, experimental and mind-boggling work. Actually, you’ll get five galleries and twelve studios of it.

Admission is free and all you need is a heart of gold! Steel yourself and be ready for anything. One thing’s for certain. Most of the works here at Artspace will surprise you.

3. Elizabeth Bay House

As for your last stop, it’s gotta be Elizabeth Bay House. Here’s quite an interesting fact. Elizabeth Bay House used to be ‘the finest house in the colony’. Fancy seeing that, eh? Blessed with a 54-acre garden and the best in Aussie colonial architecture, the Elizabeth Bay House still stands, as glorious as ever.

Inside you’ll find an 1839-1845 style refurnishing that depicts the life of the Macleays and gives you a clear picture of a life in Sydney in the early 19th century. The grandness of the place is pleasantly overwhelming. A feeling you must experience for yourself!

How about it for Kings Cross? The sub-city’s got an ample amount of redeeming factors to compensate for the trademark notoriety so I say there shouldn’t be anything that should stop you from giving Kings Cross a go.

Remember, mates. Just be careful and alert. Not much can go wrong when you’re prepared and sensible. Despite this, have as much fun as you can. Enjoy Kings Cross, for what it’s worth!

‘Til my next guide, yeah?

- Grandpa Benjamin