History
Sydney is a vibrant city and it has an ancient heartbeat. Discover the rich, vivid history of Sydney from early Aboriginal life through to the modern global city.
Community groups
Local history groups
History & archive collections
City of Sydney Archives
More than 12,000 shelf metres of archives relating to the City of Sydney and its people, places and events.
Historical walking tours
Explore early photographs of Sydney
This exhibition highlights photographs commissioned by Sydney Municipal Council between 1900 and 1920 known as the ‘Demolition Books’.
Websites
- Barani: Sydney’s Aboriginal historyThe Barani website provides histories of people, places and events in the local area that are associated with the histories of Sydney's Aboriginal communities.
- Oral HistoriesThe collection showcases the voices of Sydney people past and present.
- Sydney’s Councillors & AldermenAn easy-to-search A-Z biographical guide of almost 500 men and women who have represented Sydney's residents.
- Dictionary of SydneyPut together as a collaborative not-for-profit venture in digital public history, it's an ever-growing resource you can trust.
Collections
History & archive collections
Books about Sydney’s historyHistory & archive collections
City of Sydney ArchivesHistory & archive collections
Civic collectionHistory & archive collections
History websitesLibrary collections
Local history collection
House and building histories guide
Discover the many resources available to research the history of your house or apartment.
City of Sydney News
News
In pictures: Sydney playgrounds in the 20th centuryDid you know that playgrounds weren't a thing before the 1930s? Swings and slippery dips represent a shift in how society saw kids and their place in the world.2 May 2022News
Explore the Hall of Service on Anzac Day Hidden underground, this space contains the stories of World War I enlistees from across NSW.21 April 2022News
10 ways to step back in time this Heritage FestivalImmerse yourself in a world of curiosity until 31 May.8 April 2022News
In pictures: Celebrating 90 years of the Sydney Harbour BridgeExplore the landmark that has shaped the physical and social landscape of our city.16 March 2022News
The most intriguing donations to our archive in 2021As a new year begins, we take a look at some interesting additions to our collection.7 January 2022News
Take a step back in time down George StreetAs we create 9,000 square metres of new car-free space, discover how the storied boulevard has evolved.26 September 2021News
Discover Green Square’s history on foot with a new self-guided walkTransform, available on the Sydney Culture Walks app, documents the neighbourhood’s fascinating history and stunning architecture.7 September 2021News
5 minutes with History Week curator Margaret BetteridgeWe unveil the captivating details you’ll discover when you look up in Sydney.3 September 2021News
How to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2021 onlineEnjoy art, performance, talks and shopping in the comfort and safety of your home.5 July 2021News
In pictures: Easter in Sydney over the yearsPhotos from the City of Sydney archives show how our city celebrated in time gone by.29 March 2021
Download free: Sydney Culture Walks app
Discover new neighbourhoods while learning about Sydney’s fascinating history, stunning architecture and the stories behind the city’s most loved public artworks.