17 Things That Didn't Exist In Sydney Before 2009

Whatever genius thought, "You know what, we need a tourist event in our coldest and windiest months" — and made it work? I seriously hope you got a pay rise.

The Grounds proves that a humble cafe can have a huge cultural impact. Sure it's busy, sure there's no parking, but that's because before it opened — no one came to that area of Sydney! The Grounds is responsible for making Alexandria what it is today.

*Yes, I said iconic. I know most people hated it, but I loved the monorail! So futuristic, so suave... it was the coolest mode of transport we ever had. RIP.

Heeeellllooo Mr Tram Driver, your electronic display says you're headed to Circular Quay, but your doors say that you're merely testing. SO WHICH IS IT?!

Do you remember these stores? I got back from a trip overseas and they seemed to be on every bloody block in Sydney.

Although the business seems to be bouncing back — with stores in Melbourne and Brisbane still operating.

Sydney lockout laws have been heavily debated since they were introduced and I'm not going to wade into it. On either side of the argument though, you can't deny that they've affected Sydney's social landscape.

There's still a lot of debate about if they should be removed in Kings Cross though.

Do you remember having to line up to get a WEEKLY pass? And making sure that the pass was for the right ~zone~ and having them STAMPED by the ticket machines like we were HEATHENS??

But it was fun while it lasted ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

I've got to say, having a giant cheese grater on the skyline really does bring a certain "je ne sais quoi" to the city.

With fabulously stylish UTS buildings popping up like daisies, it's hard to imagine what this street looked like before the make-over.

I would like to throw my hat in the ring with The Spaceship.

Honestly, the library in Beauty and the Beast has nothing on this.

Before this walk I had to actually go outside — with the rest of Sydney — and waste half my morning waiting for the pedestrian light to change.

Now with bars, a ferry port, restaurants and a thriving retail and business district, Barangaroo is set to finish construction in 2024. But at least now the business men and women of Sydney have a nice place to frolic on their lunch breaks.

Darling Harbour is the geeky girl in the rom-com who takes off her glasses and is suddenly hot. Seriously, you can't look help but be in awe of the place as it slowly transformed into its current beauty form.