Walk and learn through Kings Cross and Oxford St

Fed up with continuing drunken violence, a long-time inner-city resident has begun offering walking tours around Kings Cross and Oxford Street with the hope he may educate teenagers and others on the perils and dangers as well as the myths that abound in the areas.

Having been a resident of the local area for 25 years as well as a tourist officer for the City of Sydney, Bob Clayton said he was stirred to establish a grassroots program that could help inform senior students and other young people about the history and character of Kings Cross and Oxford St following the tragic ‘king-hit’ killing of 18-year-old Thomas Kelly last July.

Clayton, who is currently contacting schools to canvass their interest, told SX the purpose of his walking tours was to “demystify” the Cross and encourage young people to look towards the positive qualities the area has.

“What I would like to do for Kings Cross is take young people – who in a few years will be partying in the area – is to give them street sense, some history and I want to discourage them from taking drugs and putting themselves at risk,” Clayton said.

Clayton told SX with homophobia still a major concern within schools it was only appropriate that young people also better familiarise themselves with the history and culture of Sydney’s gay community.

“My intention is to give young people and others an amusing history of Oxford Street with some funny stories but also a cautionary tale,” he said.

“By all means party and enjoy yourself but if you’re hostile to gay people you need to examine yourself.”

Walking tours cost $5 and take 90 minutes. For more information, contact Bob Clayton on 0432 082 579 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it