The start of George Street in the historic Rocks district George Street is the main street of the city of Sydney, Australia. It begins in the north end of Sydney, The Rocks, near the Sydney Harbour Bridge and extends to the south end of Sydney, near Central Station and Ultimo, where it leads into Railway Square. From here Broadway is the continuation of George Street turning westwards, leading to the western suburbs as Parramatta Road.
Origins
The origins of George Street lie in the layout of the Sydney Cove colony. Captain Arthur Phillip placed the convicts and marines on the rocky western slopes of the bay. A track leading from the convicts' encampment in the area of The Rocks, past the marine barracks and alongside the banks of a stream to a brick pit, located near to the present location of Central Station. This track that eventually became George Street is one of the two original thoroughfares, along with the track that became Bridge Street. It is possible that George St was the first street in Australia.
Lower George Street in 1828 Until 1810 George Street was generally referred to as High Street in the English custom. George Street was named for King George III of the United Kingdom by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1810.
Attractions
There are a number of attractions along George Street, which are listed here from south to north:
- Chinatown - Bordering the south-western end of George Street, Chinatown, Sydney has many good-quality restaurants and shops; at the corner with Hay Street there is a tree stump gilded in gold, which is said to bring good fortune to the Chinese community. Opposite the tree is the magnificant Capitol Theatre, where some of the world's finest musicals are staged.
- Cinema District - Probably the most popular part of George Street is what is known to Sydney-siders as The Cinema District, in the centre of the street. This area used to feature the three largest cinemas in Sydney, however the three cinemas (Hoyts, Greater Union and Village) merged their theatres into one complex, which is now known as the "Hoyts Greater Union George Street Cinema Complex". The Cinema District also houses many arcades, Internet cafes, fast food restaurants and pubs.
- Town Hall - This is the location of three important historic buildings: St. Andrew's Cathedral; Town Hall; and Queen Victoria Building shopping centre. Some of Sydney's most prominent shops, including Myer, are located a little north. These are well served by Town Hall Railway Station.
- Wynyard - This is an area of office buildings. At the eastern side one can see the Cenotaph at Martin Place, surrounded by old banking headquarters and the former General Post Office (now converted to a hotel). The Wynyard Railway Station is located here.
- The Rocks - At the northern end of George Street locates The Rocks, the place there White settlement in Australia began over 200 years ago. There are many souvenir shops and pubs, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art. From here one can see the magnificant Sydney Harbour, dominated by the Sydney Opera House. The Circular Quay Railway Station and Ferry Terminal are located nearby.
Transport
On 8 December, 1899 an electric tramway was opened along George St to Harris St. This reduced the traditional dependence on horses and human feet. In 1959 the trams were replaced by diesel buses.
In 1932, as part of the construction of the City Circle, the George St roadway was opened outside the Sydney Town Hall and Town Hall underground station was constructed. Further north, Wynyard underground station was constructed with a major entrance to George St near Hunter St.
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