Charles Dickens’ vivid characters captured poverty, ambition and social change in 19th-century England. This walking-based course brings Dickens’ spirit to Sydney, exploring local places and stories that echo his themes. Through colourful characters past and present, we examine class, hardship and resilience, revealing how Dickensian ideas resonate within Sydney’s own social history. Meet outside the Holiday Inn (Potts Point), Kings Cross 10 minutes before the tour starts at 10am.
- Medium level of walking difficulty (footpaths and uneven surfaces - please wear flat, sturdy walking shoes)
- Downward hill: William St, King St
- Upward hill: Stanley St
This walk will go ahead whatever the weather, except where the guide deems there to be a threat to health and safety. In this situation you will be contacted with an alternative date. Please ensure your mobile phone number is up-to-date with WEA before enrolling and ensure that you have it with you on the day in case the tutor needs to contact you.
- Victoria St, Kings Cross: Juanita Nielsen
- William St
- Palmer St: Tilly Devine
- Stanley St: Kate Leigh
- Sydney Grammar School
- Australian Museum
- Hyde Park
- Queen’s Square: Law Courts, St James Church
- King Street
- Strand Arcade
- Queen Victoria Building, Town Hall
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Discuss similarities between Australian history and Dickensian plots and characters
- Recount some colonial scandals
- Become more familiar with some Sydney heritage sites
