Just like its sister station Museum, St James is one of the grand old dames of the Sydney rail network. Built as a major station in the 20s, the line it was supposed to serve ended up running direct to Town Hall instead so St James became a neglected backwater on the City Circle until it was restored to its full 1920s glory. Full of ornate brass and ironwork, polished timber, original tiles and period advertising (including the iconic Chateau Tanunda brandy sign at the Elizabeth St entrance). Travelling to St James is like stepping back to the 20s.
St James is also known for the abandoned rail tunnels that were built for the line that was supposed to run through it but never did. Apparently one is now flooded and forms an underground lake which is used to water the grass in the Domain. The other contains a large bell. No one knows why. If you like tunnels you can do tours.
For fans of the Matrix movies, you may well recognise parts of St James from Matrix Revolutions. read more