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
8 Sydney Santas from the pastSydney Santas weren’t always jolly. Many of them were eccentric, grumpy and others downright scary!22 December 2022News
Learn about Sydney’s Aboriginal history as you walk Country Markers highlight significant people and places along the harbour foreshore.26 September 2022News
In pictures: Queen Elizabeth II in SydneyTo mark the passing of Her Royal Highness, we look back at her visits to our city.9 September 2022News
‘Old, insanitary and ruinous’: Historic photos reveal demolished Sydney The changing face of the city captured from 1900 to 1931.7 September 2022News
4 fast facts about Sydney’s aldermen As elected officials, they acted as the intermediary between the public and local government, representing residents and ratepayers.2 September 2022News
Celebrating World Letter Writing Day: Notes from the City of Sydney ArchivesExplore the stories and beauty of decorative 19th and early 20th century requests, demands and complaints.1 September 2022News
In pictures: Crown Street through the centuriesAs we plan a future transformation for Crown Street, see how the route evolved over 200 years.31 August 2022News
Historic Haymarket landmark returned to its former glory Learn more about the restoration of the heritage-listed Corporation Building and how it serviced Sydney’s markets.5 August 2022News
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 at the Anzac MemorialHidden underground, this space contains the stories of World War I enlistees from across NSW.21 April 2022
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.