Monthly Meeting

St George Historical Society Monthly Meeting

Guest Speaker: Dr Mark St Leon - Sir Joseph Banks Hotel and the development and demise of Beaumont & Waller's Zoological and  Botanical Gardens, Sydney’s first significant pleasure resort.

Fifty years after Sydney's foundation, Botany Bay still had a wild and disconsolate appearance, and the "cart track" from Sydney to Botany Bay was in a wretched state. Despite this, entrepreneur Thomas Kellett saw the area's potential. In 1840, Kellett began constructing a two-story stone inn at Banks Meadow, on a part of the Old Botany Road called Bunnerong Road, later renamed Botany Road. Initially called the Banks Inn, Kellett soon renamed it the Sir Joseph Banks Hotel. Along with hosting private dinners, piano recitals, wedding parties, and honeymooners, Kellett developed the location into a popular spot for bathing, boating and shooting. In January 1847, he leased the Sir Joseph Banks Hotel to William Beaumont, who took on the role of licensee. By September 1848, with his business partner James Waller, Beaumont had begun transforming the gardens and grounds into a pleasure resort, which became known as Beaumont & Waller’s Botanical and Zoological Gardens.

Dr Mark St Leon descends directly from the St Leons, Australia’s earliest family of entertainers. In 1991, Mark launched Australia's first national conference of circus people, the Circus Summit. He is the author of Circus: The Australian Story. Copies will be available for purchase at this event.


Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices. Prepared with the expertise of members from the Australian Culinary Federation.

Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices.

Entry is free (gold coin donations gratefully accepted)

Books and DVDs for sale.

All welcome!

Location: Level 3, Rockdale Library, 446 Princes Highway, Rockdale NSW, Australia