Meet at 9.30 outside the State Library on Macquarie Street. Macquarie Street is much more than a stately thoroughfare showcasing heritage buildings, prominent citizens and the occasional felony. Major architects left their mark on several public buildings: Francis Greenway, James Barnet and Walter Liberty Vernon, along with lesser known ones, like Burcham Clamp, Thomas Sapsford and Ross & Rowe. On these two walks we’ll explore some of the early water infrastructure projects, uncover the demolished historic buildings, and look at the former homes of the Fairfax family, erstwhile oyster farmer Thomas Holt, and the late artist Portia Geach. Also associated with the Macquarie Street precinct are a railway station that never came to fruition, an international exhibition building predating Sydney’s Garden Palace, and colourful stories from the world of theatre. Come with an open mind, ready to discover some lesser known aspects of one of Sydney’s most elegant streetscapes. Leader: Beatrice Scheepers

Requirements: reasonable fitness, comfortable shoes, weather protection. Essential for both walks.

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