Avondale Stables (2059–2073 Great North Road)

The site of today’s KFC, Coffee Club, and Domino’s Pizza was once the stables for two important local hotels. In 1873, James Palmer utilised the strategic position of this location at the Five Roads intersection (the modern-day Avondale Roundabout) to establish his hotel. It was the last resting place for weary travellers before heading to Henderson’s Mill. Palmer’s hotel burned down in 1888 and was eventually replaced by a new hotel built by Moss David. His hotel was the heart of central Avondale, the setting for town meetings, a traveller’s rest stop, and even a post office from 1912 to 1938. This second hotel was demolished in 1967, long after Avondale’s business district began its migration north.

Turn around and continue along Great North Road to Wingate Street. Cross Wingate Street at the protected island.