From Tracks to Tides: Riding Bus 393 to La Perouse

Bus No. 393 to La Perouse

A nostalgic journey through Sydney’s southern suburbs

Back in 1975, if you were standing at Railway Square in Sydney with a pocketful of change and a sense of curiosity, Bus No. 393 to La Perouse was your gateway to a coastal escape. Winding its way through the city’s inner suburbs and out toward the southeast, this route was more than a public commute—it was a scenic story told through bus windows.

Starting in the urban hum of Railway Square, surrounded by heritage buildings, bookshops, and the buzz of the city, passengers climbed aboard for a journey that gradually traded concrete for coastline.

Suburban Scenes on the Route South

As Bus 393 pulled away from the station, the journey passed through a cross-section of Sydney life in the 1970s—workers heading home, children in school uniforms, and beachgoers with towels slung over their shoulders. Redfern, Kingsford, and Maroubra all rolled past in a blur of verandas, corner stores, and milk bars.

Each stop was a snapshot of the era, with wide-shouldered cars parked on the streets and backyard Hills Hoists turning slowly in the breeze. Bus travel back then was slower, the pace more relaxed, and the conversations more frequent.

Arrival at La Perouse: Sydney’s Edge of History

La Perouse

At the journey’s end lay La Perouse, a windswept headland with rich Aboriginal heritage and European exploration history. In 1975, the area retained a quiet, unpolished charm. The bare-boned kiosk, old stone watchtower, and the iconic Snake Man’s Sunday shows added layers of eccentric character to this destination.

The surrounding views were worth the hour-long trip alone—Botany Bay stretching wide to the east, the sound of waves meeting sandstone, and the soft crunch of shell trails beneath your shoes.

A Ride Through Memory Lane

For many Sydneysiders, the 393 wasn’t just a route—it was a rhythm. Students, surfers, and weekend wanderers all found their place aboard. It was a journey that didn’t need high speed or luxury, just a window seat and time to take in the details.

Though Sydney has changed much since then, the spirit of discovery lives on. Today’s travellers can still make their way to La Perouse—albeit in a more modern bus—chasing the same sea breeze and sense of timeless adventure.

Plan Your Visit

While the cityscape has evolved, the connection from city to coast remains strong. For current bus timetables and travel options, visit:
https://transportnsw.info

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