Then and Now in Hong Kong - Mount Austin Road, the Peak
Mount Austin Road Lookout at Victoria Peak Hong Kong
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years - I know the place.
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Then and Now in Hong Kong - Mount Austin Road, the Peak
Mount Austin Road Lookout at Victoria Peak Hong Kong
A lookout spot on Mount Austin Road at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong - 1950’s
click on the image to enlarge
I just love this image, there are days when I see images like this and I wished I was a time traveller, I would love to go back in time and stand on this spot in the 1950’s, I stood there recently and it was not quite the same and when I first stood here in 1972 there was a huge building boom in progress.
As is usual these days I have used Grok to put together the history of Mount Austin Road, see below
The history of Mount Austin Road at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong
Mount Austin Road, located on Hong Kong Island, is a significant thoroughfare leading to the summit of Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island at approximately 552 meters (1,811 feet) above sea level. Named after Mount Austin, another name for Victoria Peak, the road has a rich history tied to the development of the Peak as an exclusive residential and recreational area during Hong Kong’s colonial era. Below is a detailed history of Mount Austin Road, drawing on its evolution, key landmarks, and socio-historical context.
Early Development and Colonial Beginnings (19th Century)
The history of Mount Austin Road is intertwined with the broader development of Victoria Peak, originally known as the "Hill District," which included Mount Austin, Mount Gough, Mount Kellett, and the Magazine Gap area. During the early colonial period, starting in the 1840s, the Peak was identified as a desirable retreat due to its cooler, temperate climate compared to the humid lowlands of Central. European settlers, seeking respite from the heat, began establishing summer residences, often referred to as "bungalows," which were later rebuilt as more permanent brick or stone mansions to withstand typhoons.
In 1860, Governor Robinson commissioned a path wide enough for sedan chairs, starting from what is now Robinson Road, climbing through Victoria Gap (today’s Old Peak Road), and extending to the summit of Victoria Peak, which became Mount Austin Road. This path facilitated access for colonial elites carried by porters, as no proper roads existed at the time.By 1867, the first Mountain Lodge was constructed as the summer residence for Hong Kong’s governors, marking the Peak’s growing importance. The site of this residence, near the top of Mount Austin Road, became a focal point of colonial prestige. Granville and Matilda Sharp, early residents, lived in the area during the summers of 1866 and 1867 but were displaced when Governor MacDonnell claimed the land for the sanatorium and the first Mountain Lodge.
The 1870s saw a building boom on the Peak, spurred by the creation of additional sedan chair paths and wells in 1874. Land was divided into Farm Lots (FL) and later Rural Building Lots (RBL), allocated sequentially to track the area’s development. Notable properties along or near Mount Austin Road included:
Austin Arms (FL 54), built by Colonial Secretary John Gardiner Austin in 1875, later occupied by Justice James Russell.
The Eyrie (FL 57), constructed in 1877 by Charles May, the first head of the Hong Kong Police, located at the summit of Mount Austin.
Impact of the Peak Tram and Residential Exclusivity (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)
The opening of the Peak Tram in 1888 revolutionized access to Victoria Peak, transforming it from a seasonal retreat to a year-round residential area for affluent non-Chinese residents. Mount Austin Road, as the primary route to the summit, became more accessible, reducing reliance on sedan chairs. The tram’s introduction also led to the establishment of two hotels, the Peak Hotel and the Mount Austin Hotel, catering to visitors and residents.
From 1904 to 1930, the Peak District Reservation Ordinance restricted Chinese residents from living on the Peak, including along Mount Austin Road, reinforcing its status as an exclusive European enclave. This discriminatory policy was repealed in 1930
Please note that I believe the above data to be incorrect, I have seen many articles about this Ordinance and the consensus was the bill was repealed in 1947 and NOT 1930
…..but the Peak remained a symbol of wealth and prestige. An exception was Robert Hotung, a prominent mixed-race businessman, who became the first Chinese resident to live on the Peak in the 1920s at 75 Peak Road.
Key Landmarks and Features Along Mount Austin Road
Mount Austin Road is a single-lane, two-way road that ascends steeply from Victoria Gap, west of the Peak Tower, to the summit of Victoria Peak, where a radio telecommunications facility now stands (closed to the public). The road, at an altitude of about 540 meters, is the highest on Hong Kong Island. Several notable landmarks and residential properties line its path:
Mount Austin Playground: A European-style garden with red-brick washrooms and imitation gas lamps, located along the road. It offers a family-friendly environment with play equipment for children and green lawns suitable for picnics.
Victoria Peak Garden: Situated on the former site of the Mountain Lodge, demolished in 1946, this public park features winding paths, lawns, pagodas, and Victorian-style fittings. It offers panoramic views of southern Hong Kong and outlying islands like Lamma. The garden is a 20-minute hike uphill from Victoria Gap along Mount Austin Road.
Please note that I believe the above data to be incorrect, perhaps if you are the fittest person on the planet you can get to Victoria Peak Garden from the start of Mount Austin Road in 20 minutes but in reality it is 45 minutes to 60 minutes (all uphill) for normal people, see my blog post below for complete information
Gate Lodge: A declared monument built between 1900 and 1902 in neoclassical style, originally the living quarters for the gatekeeper of the Mountain Lodge. It stands near the entrance to Victoria Peak Garden and is a preserved historical structure.
Residential Properties: The road is flanked by exclusive residences, including Chu Wan, Mount Austin Estate, 8 Mount Austin Road, Victoria Peak Garden, Haystack (now the residence of the Consul-General of Japan), and Overthorpe. The Mount Austin, a modern development completed in 2002 by the Nan Fung Group, comprises 86 low-rise apartments and eight detached houses, offering luxurious living with views of Victoria Harbour and the Southside.
Scenic Lookout:
This is the spot in the original 1950’s image - Near the junction of Mount Austin Road and Lugard Road (No. 26C), a popular spot offers stunning views of Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, North Point, Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Hung Hom, attracting tourists for photography.
So there is just one fault with this comment, basically you can barely see anything in 2025 due to the large amount of trees and bushes blocking the view!
Modern Era and Tourism (20th Century to Present)
The demolition of the Mountain Lodge in 1946 marked a shift toward public access, with Victoria Peak Garden opening on its site. Mount Austin Road became a popular hiking route, offering an alternative to the Peak Tram for accessing the summit. The road’s steep, narrow path winds through wooded areas and exclusive residential zones, culminating in the serene Victoria Peak Garden.
Today, Mount Austin Road is both a residential address and a scenic trail, integral to the Peak’s identity as a major tourist attraction drawing seven million visitors annually. Its proximity to the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria, commercial hubs with dining and shopping options, enhances its appeal. The road’s historical significance, coupled with its natural beauty and panoramic views, makes it a vital part of Victoria Peak’s allure.
Socio-Cultural and Economic Significance
Mount Austin Road reflects the Peak’s evolution from a colonial summer retreat to a prestigious residential and tourist destination. Its high-altitude properties, such as The Mount Austin, command premium prices, with sales like a house at Twelve Peaks (12 Mount Kellett Road) fetching HK$390 million in 2022. Despite its exclusivity, the Peak’s real estate is not the most expensive in Hong Kong, with areas like Deep Water Bay and Jardine’s Lookout often surpassing it in price per square foot due to larger plot sizes and fewer development restrictions.
The road’s historical association with colonial governance, exemplified by the Mountain Lodge and Gate Lodge, underscores its role in Hong Kong’s colonial past. Its transformation into a public-friendly space with parks and hiking trails reflects the city’s broader shift toward accessibility and tourism post-handover in 1997.
Conclusion
Mount Austin Road is more than a physical route; it encapsulates the historical, cultural, and economic evolution of Victoria Peak. From its origins as a sedan chair path for colonial elites to its current status as a scenic hiking trail and address for luxury residences, the road has witnessed Hong Kong’s transformation over nearly two centuries. Its landmarks, such as Victoria Peak Garden and the Gate Lodge, preserve its colonial heritage, while its role in tourism and real estate underscores its modern significance. For visitors and residents alike, Mount Austin Road remains a vital artery connecting Hong Kong’s past with its vibrant present.
The same lookout spot on Mount Austin Road at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong - 2025
click on the image to enlarge
This little shelter is basically the exact spot where the 2 ladies in the 1950’s image where actually standing, it is a real shame that the Government does not remove the trees that block the views (see image below)
The same lookout spot on Mount Austin Road at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, this road actually leads down to Lugard Road - 2025
click on the image to enlarge
Most residents in Hong Kong are blissfully unaware that this path | road leads down to Lugard Road, it is actually pretty steep and there are some very expensive properties hidden in the trees as you walk down.
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
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