Harbour history

'Cockatoo Island from Balmain, near the coal mine' (watercolour, 1864) by Charlotte McNeilly, State Library of NSW (Call No. V1/Har/Coc I/1)

Harbour history is your one-stop shop for articles delving into the layered stories of our protected places on Sydney Harbour.

Discover where each of our beloved destinations fits into the Australian narrative and become acquainted with the historical and contemporary figures who are associated with each place. 

Historical places

Our historic destinations on Sydney harbour feature buildings, landmarks and other objects that will transport you to bygone eras. Delve into the history of our protected places and discover why they have enduring significance for First Nations peoples.

[Image: 'Cockatoo Island, Parramatta River' (illustration, 1842) by John Skinner Prout, National Library of Australia, Rex Nan Kivell Collection (NK4395/11).]

Historical people and landmarks

Meet some of the historical figures and landmarks associated with our beloved destinations on Sydney Harbour. Written by passionate volunteer researchers, our library of articles include comprehensive biographies and entertaining yarns.

[Image: Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps During "Smoko" at Chowder Bay (1945). Australian War Memorial collection (089236.)]

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and Owners of the lands, waters and sky of Sydney Harbour, including the extraordinary places we manage and protect. Today, the homelands of the Borogegal, Birrabirragal, Cammeraygal, Gadigal, Gayamagal, Wallumedegal and Wangal peoples host destinations under our stewardship. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.

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