Book Review – A Walk in Old Sydney by Michael Tatlow

Dec 5, 2011
Susan Whelan

A Walk in Old Sydney by Michael Tatlow - New Holland Publishers Australia

Sydney, Australia is well known as a modern capital city. This book takes readers and travellers back to the colonial heart of this beautiful town.

Journalist and historian Michael Tatlow takes readers on a fascinating journey through the streets of Sydney, sharing with them the history of the early days of this great modern city. A Walk in Old Sydney (New Holland, 2011) shares Sydney’s colonial heritage, in all its intriguing detail, in a guide that is sure to appeal to both tourists and those familiar with the contemporary face of Sydney.

A Walk in Old Sydney

A brief introduction sets the scene for this journey through the historic streets of Sydney, explaining the circumstances of the arrival and early days of the European settlers in Australia but only briefly touching on the impact of this arrival of the local indigenous tribe, the Cadigals.

The remainder of the book is divided into nine chapters, each focusing on a section of a horseshoe-shaped walking route through the streets of Sydney, starting at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum at the northern end of Hyde Park and concluding with the National Maritime Museum, Chinese Friendship Garden, Powerhouse Museum and Chinatown at Darling Harbour.

The walking route takes in all the iconic Sydney locations such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Government House, Circular Quay, The Rocks and Darling Harbour. It also includes a range of lesser known buildings, side streets, museums and historic houses. In total, the guide refers to 63 specific points of interest.

More than a simple walking tour guide of Sydney, A Walk in Old Sydney also shares the stories behind the establishment of Sydney during colonial times. This includes tales of adventure and misadventure of early residents, convict and free alike. The text creates an image of the city’s early days, establishing a very vivid sense of the personality of the city in the first decades of European settlement.

The guide book includes a small map of the walking route with a more detailed map of The Rocks also included. Images include drawings and paintings of early Sydney as well as photographs taken more recently. The author suggests that the entire route could be covered in ‘a casual few hours’, but recommends the path can be best enjoyed by those who take a full day or even longer to visit the various museums and sightseeing opportunities along the route as well as sample some of the various shops and cafes along the way.

Author Michael Tatlow

An experienced freelance journalist, Michael Tatlow has lived and worked for many years in Sydney as Chief of Staff and News Editor for several well-known newspapers. Now an acknowledged historian, he has channelled his journalistic skills into recording the history of some of Australia’s great historical locations. His other best-selling historical books include A Walk in Old Hobart, A Walk in Old Launceston and A Tour of Old Tasmania.

A Fascinating Guide to the History of Sydney

For anyone, tourist or local, interested in connecting with Sydney’s fascinating past, A Walk in Old Sydney is the perfect book to have on hand. Conveniently sized to fit into a large handbag or backpack, this guide creates a real sense of a city with charm and a past that includes a beguiling cast of comedians, criminals, families, adventurers and visionaries.

More than a guide to historic architecture and streets, A Walk in Old Sydney is an introduction to a city with personality and a past. Michael Tatlow’s obvious love for Sydney is transmitted clearly through the pages, creating a similar enthusiasm in readers for exploring the nooks and crannies of this fascinating city.