Walking the walk

Written by Mitchell Jordan

Sydney’s gayest street, Oxford Street, has changed considerably over the years. Now, people can take a step back in time to witness where it all began by embarking on the City of Sydney’s new self-guided walking tour, Parade.

The hour-and-a-half-long walk takes participants to a number of significant landmarks in the Darlinghurst vicinity, such as Green Park, Darlo Gaol, ‘The Wall’, St Vincent’s Hospital and Juniper Hall. A highlight is the Gay Golden Mile, the 1970s nightclub precinct once home to famous venues such as Ivy’s Birdcage, Exchange Hotel, Tropicana and Capriccio’s.

Lord Mayor, Clover Moore MP, said that the walk was a chance for Sydney residents and tourists alike to witness the evolution of one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

“Parade is a journey through a dynamic urban space that is an integral part of Sydney’s social and ceremonial history,” she said.

“Oxford Street is Sydney’s first boulevard, a dynamic and ever-changing street with a complex and layered history. It is a thoroughfare and parade ground, a place to see and be seen.”

More info: cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/history