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
On the road to justice: remembering the Freedom Ride Four photographs from the exhibition at 119 Redfern Street.12 February 2025News
Rare photos shine a light on prideThe people, parties and parades that made LGBTIQA+ Sydney from the disco era to the fight for marriage equality in the 21st century.25 November 2024News
How to mark Remembrance Day in Sydney Honouring the fallen and reflecting on the sacrifice of generations past.5 November 2024News
Timeless treasures and the master who keeps them tickingFor History Week, we unveil the stories behind Sydney’s most beloved clocks and the skill that preserves their legacy.30 August 2024News
At the movies: Sydney's love affair with cinemasFrom grand picture palaces to cineplex chains, take a front row seat to the story of our theatres from the silver screen's first century.28 May 2024News
Echoes of the past honour the Stolen GenerationsLearn about the survivors of the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls (1912-1969) as Australia marks National Sorry Day.22 May 2024News
Thirsty for history? Order a drink with a dash of old SydneyPull up a bar stool at one of these 7 locations and experience our city's past18 April 2024News
Glebe's groundbreaking shelter Elsie Women’s Refuge turns 50 Local female activists reflect on a powerful feminist moment in the city’s past as we mark International Women’s Day24 March 2024News
A Torres Strait Islander Elder shares her storyLanguage, dance and legacy: Joyce Wymarra’s journey from Badu to Glebe.17 December 2023News
In pictures: Sydney’s public restrooms in the early 1900s To celebrate World Toilet Day, we step back a century to explore the early days of public sanitation in our area.17 November 2023
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.