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.

Three small children stand in Valentine Street, Haymarket, 1910.
View showing two women posing next to graffiti We Love the Loo on wall of dilapidated building. City of Sydney Archives A-00066969.

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

A graphic with orange background and image of heritage street front with horse and cart. The text reads Developing Sydney, capturing change 1900 to 1920.

Explore early photographs of Sydney

This exhibition highlights photographs commissioned by Sydney Municipal Council between 1900 and 1920 known as the ‘Demolition Books’.

City of Sydney News

Three mobile device screens showing maps with routes and points of interest.

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.