A Trip to Australia and New Zealand
Katoomba
Shortly after we arrived the mist cleared for a moment and I ran outside to get this view of the Carrington's classic nineteenth century facade. The Carrington was originally opened in 1882 as the Great Western Hotel. In 1886 it was renamed The Carrington in honor of the then Governor of New South Wales, Lord Carrington. Charles Robert Carrington, the third Baron Carrington, was well connected to the Royal Family and was appointed Governor of New South Wales in 1885. The colony was in serious economic trouble and there were a number of political problems. Lord Carrington proved to be an able administrator who favored Australian nationalism. After leaving Australia he went on to become Lord Chamberlain in England.
It is clear that at one time the grand old hotel was very grand indeed - even opulent by the standards of the time.
The dining room may be regarded as classic stuffy today, but it is easy to see back to another time with the ladies in their finery and the gentlemen in dress black. There is a dance floor and a balcony for musicians. The tall cabinet at the far end of the room is full of silver serving plates, bowls, and all of the other equipage necessary to do justice to the word banquet. (It should also be mentioned that today's kitchen is very talented - we dined extremely well while we were staying there.)
