The Wanderer

Sunday was a little subdued in the aftermath of Mardi Gras.  The primary task at hand was locating a hostel as it was my last night at the hotel.  Using Hostelworld as my primary reference tool for reviews and recommendations there were a few possibilities to consider.  I created a short list and hit the road to get a first-hand idea of the accommodation options.

Upon checking availability on line it seemed that I was destined for a dorm share as Sydney is pretty busy for the backpacking sort.  Most of the places were located in Kings Cross (The X), the central party zone and red light district of Sydney.  So it goes.

The main drag along Darlinghurst Road is certainly a seedy site, strip clubs, bars, adult video stores and vagrants littered the landscape.  It reminded a bit of Parkdale meets Jarvis as there was a fair share of trendy restaurants and nightspots too.  

My first stop was located on the strip above Kings Cross subway station. No thanks.  Next up was a highly recommended place, but it’s a youth hostel possessing a resident age limit of 35.  Okay, now I feel old. 

Down a relatively quieter street of The X was an old Victorian mansion in The Original Backpackers.  Located on Victoria Street there was a few positive signs such as hip cafes and restaurants, beautiful homes and apartments buildings amid countless other hostels.  I grabbed a flat white and surveyed the scene.  

After satisfying my curiosity I ventured in to verify availability.  The gent at the desk was an older chap who was quite helpful.  I mentioned my preference for a private room, but would otherwise consider a 4 bed dorm.

Conveniently enough one their staff members are touring around New Zealand for a few weeks, so her room was available (obviously not listed on line).  He offered me a tour of the place.  There are quite a bit of rooms here; I also observed several people in the kitchen area adjacent to the open courtyard that was mostly younger but a few of us old folk about.

We headed upstairs to see the room, which must have been a walk-in closet in its original use.  I figured maybe 75sf.  There was a single bed, small fridge, small TV and a fan.  There obviously weren’t any windows, but a skylight had been added.  It was not facing the street or the atrium, thus a little more quiet living enjoyment to be had.  He offered me an excellent weekly price so I snatched it up. 

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Having peace of mind to lay my hat for the next little bit I hopped on the bike and headed over to The Rocks precinct, which is opposite Sydney Harbour and the iconic Opera House.   This area was the first home to convicts shipped by the British Empire.  It was evident by the nature of low rise brownstone buildings closely constructed to one another with small walking lanes intertwining the area. 

View from Bunker Hill: The Rocks

Today the area is reformed with plenty of pubs, fantastic port side restaurants and a number of beautiful galleries along with the Museum of Contemporary Art.  There were a few quaint midrise apartment buildings lining Bunker Hill overlooking the Harbour.  I quite liked the area and it was most impressive neighbourhood I had cruised through thus far in Sydney.  Unfortunately, as I arrived during the late afternoon I missed the open air market and most of the galleries were closed, but I’ll venture back.