Kings Cross in Sydney is famous – or more rightly infamous as a night spot. Once the recognised red light district of the city, changes in laws that limited night clubs trading hours and the decriminalisation of sex work in New South Wales generally have changed Kings Cross for ever.
Gentrification. Beautification. Money. All of these things have come to what was once a grungy and sometimes dangerous part of town.
It does however still have its own unique “vibe” and more character than anywhere else I can think of in Sydney.
Llankelly Place
This once non-descript laneway now sports restaurants, artful neon, genteel night life, and families strolling past. It’s not the Kings Cross that an older generation of Sydney Siders remember.
It does however make for a great photographic subject…
Rainy Days
Spectacular sunsets and sunny days are stock in trade for photographers – and I have taken my share. But a gloomy day, with rain and mist can have it’s own charm.
I love the streaking rain in this photo, cascading down on the townhouses of Victoria St while the city skyline looms in the background, faded almost to nothing by the mist and rain.
Saturday Night at the Empire
Kings Cross was once the epicentre of Sydney night life. Pubs and clubs lined Darlinghurst Road, Harleys and flash cars filled the parking spots, spruikers and bouncers outside the strip clubs vied for customers.
The Empire Hotel – built in 1962 – sat in the middle of this vibrant, sleazy, unique part of Sydney.
But that was then. And this is now. Most of the clubs are gone and the pubs are becoming more gentrified. But The Empire Hotel, it’s patrons looking out over the bustle of Darlinghurst Road, remains.
For now.
I’m just wondering how did you capture all of different car lights in the Empire photo?
Hi Ange 🙂
The scene was captured in multiple exposures of about fifteen seconds each, which were then blended together to create the final image.