From Wikitravel

For other places with the same name, see Kings Cross (disambiguation).

The Kings Cross district of Sydney (also known as the "Inner East") is one of the oldest areas of settlement in the city. It is home to much of Sydney's nightlife and has enjoyed a mixed reputation over the years, largely due to being the city's main "red light" district. Beyond the focus around William Street, however, a great many fine cafes and restaurants have sprung up, while many adjoining suburbs within the district - such as Potts Point down by the harbor - remain well-heeled, comfortable havens several million miles away from the alternative and hedonistic lifestyles enjoyed by many around "the Cross". The Kings Cross postcode area (2011, including Potts Point, Elizabeth Bay, Rushcutters Bay and Woolloomooloo) is now recognized as the most densely populated area in Australia.

[edit][add listing] See

• El Alamein Fountain, Fitzroy Gardens entrance - Designed by Robert Woodward and erected in 1961 as a memorial to the Ninth Division during World War II. The fountain is somewhat iconic in Sydney, a "dandelion head" sphere of mist at the top of a tall stem and has been imitated globally on many occasions. A favorite meeting place for many travellers.

• Elizabeth Bay House (Historic Houses Trust), 7 Onslow Avenue, Elizabeth Bay, tel 02 9356 3022, (fax 02 9357 7176, mailto:info@hht.net.au (please put 'Elizabeth Bay House' in the subject line)), [1]. Open Tu-Su 10AM–4:30PM, closed M (except for public holidays), Christmas Day and Good Friday, Admission adult $7, child / concession $3, family $17. Built between 1835-1839 and once "the finest house in the colony", this colonial mansion preserves the lifestyle of some of Sydney's wealthiest early settlers, Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay and his family. Designed by the most fashionable and accomplished architect of the day, John Verge, Elizabeth Bay House is a superb example of colonial architecture and is elegantly and authentically furnished in the style of 1839–1845. Guided tours are available on request.

• The British Lolly Shop Cnr Macleay St and Darlinghurst Rd tel 02 9368 1703- A great place to stop off and trip back down memory lane. With over 400 sweets and chocolates from Britain (and other countries), the British Lolly Shop is a taste sensation. The staff provide you with samples to taste while you take in the atmosphere. Open 7 days a week till late, this is a must do when in Kings Cross.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Have a spa and sauna at the Ginseng Bathhouse, The Crest Hotel, Level One, 111 Darlinghurst Road. tel 02 9356 6680, fax 02 9356 2348 [2]. The Ginseng Bathhouse has separate men's and women's facilities, each with a hot bath, a cold bath, a ginseng spa, a wet sauna and a dry sauna. You can also get Korean treatments, massages and beauty therapy. Children from 5 years old are welcome. Open 9:30 am to 9:30 pm weekdays and 9 am to 9:30 pm weekends. Entry to the baths is $25, entry combined with treatments from $53.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Haradokei- brown rice organic cafe, 58A Bayswater Rd Rushcutters Bay, Ph +61 2 9360 2342. Open 6 days Mon-Fri 12:00-20:30, Sat 12:00-21:30, Sun closed. Home style Japanese cooking using organic meats ingredients. The restaurant is small & intimate, with a range of Western and Japanese journals to read while you wait. Apart from the organic ingredients, they offer the choice of brown (gen-mai玄米)or white rice.

DOMA bohemian beer cafe[3], 29 Orwell Street Potts Point, Bookings +61 2 9331 0022. Open 7 days Mon-Sat 12 pm - 12 midnight, Sun 12 pm - 10 pm. Recommend the Bohemian Platter - large portions of Central European cuisine and an excellent selection of European beers.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Soho Bar and Lounge, 171 Victoria Street, Potts Point, tel 02 9358 6511 [4]. Open until 6AM, no cover charge. The lounge bar of choice for celebrities, trend setters and those-who-aspire since the 1980s. The Soho Bar is spread over two levels just off the main drag down from Kings Cross, combining dance and cocktails in a consistently stylish, up-to-date manner. Great for star spotting: Tom Cruise, Prince Harry, various sports people - reportedly the place where Kylie met Michael all those years ago.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Funkhouse Backpackers in Sydney [5] is a unique, upbeat hostel famous for it's friendly social atmosphere and funky murals. It is located in Kings Cross, Sydney. Best rates are available on its official website.

[edit] Stay safe

Kings Cross Police Station is located close to the El Alamein Fountain in Fitzroy Gardens.