Schmap Sydney Historical Background

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Sydney - Historical Background
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Sydney has always been characterised by waves of migration starting with the first Aborigines who reached the area approximately 20,000 years ago. Their population had risen to 3,000 when Captain James Cook briefly visited Botany Bay in April 1770. The Eora display at the Museum of Sydney provides a sensitive, contemporary interpretation of their culture.

"The Coming of the Strangers"

In 1787, the first fleet sailed from England, commanded by Captain Arthur Phillip, who later became Governor. The British raised their flag at Sydney Cove—now known as Circular Quay, on 26 January 1788. Australians now celebrate this date as Australia Day.

When Phillip returned to England in 1792, officers paid convict labourers and other accounts with rum rather than hard currency. Battles for social standing and economic power emerged between such groups as land grant holders, like John Macarthur, who established Elizabeth Farm, and the newly-emancipated convicts who had served out their term. The settlement soon outstripped its original site and extended west towards The Rocks and Sydney Observatory, and as far south as Brickfield Hill, which is near present-day Central Railway Station.

Matters came to a head politically with the Rum Rebellion of 1808, and Britain recalled then governor, William Bligh, to England. His successor, Lachlan Macquarie, gave the city its early 19th-century architecture. He worked with convict architect Francis Greenway to erect such edifices as Hyde Park Barracks and St James Church. However, Macquarie's extravagant expenditure angered the British government and in February 1822, he reluctantly returned home.

Urban Consolidation

During the early 1830s, a number of officials made the decision to take up land grants on prestigious Woolloomooloo Hill, establishing homesteads such as Elizabeth Bay House. Between 1837 and 1845, a Tudor-style Government House arose near the site of the present-day Sydney Opera House. Large-scale, assisted immigration was characteristic of this period, and when convict transportation to New South Wales ceased in 1840, inhabitants finally began to discard their convict label, and this was significantly followed two years later by an act which declared Sydney's status as a city.

The Gold Rush

1851 saw the discovery of gold near the central western town of Bathurst. Thousands of prospective diggers arrived by ship, many of whom later settled permanently. However, with the discovery of more valuable mines in Victoria, the excitement dissipated and Sydney embarked upon a new period of civic, cultural and social development. Elegant sandstone buildings including The Australian Museum and the University of Sydney were constructed, and in 1855, the first train line between Sydney and Parramatta became operational.

Late 19th Century

The 1879 International Exhibition placed Sydney squarely on the map. Major public buildings erected during this period include the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney General Post Office, Sydney Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building. The suburbs continued their sprawl, fuelled by the expanding rail network and the Australian dream of owning a quarter-acre block of land.

Early 20th Century

On January 1, 1901, the six Australian colonies united to form a Commonwealth, and Sydney became the state capital of New South Wales. The opening of the Central Railway Station stimulated commercial development in the south, electricity replaced gaslight, women received the vote and mixed bathing became acceptable during daylight hours. Ferries exclusively serviced the harbour, and campaigning began for an alternative crossing-route. However, the outbreak of the First World War halted any further expansion. Thousands of Australians departed to fight alongside their British allies.

Between the Wars

After the troops came home, expansion and development continued until the Great Depression in the late 1920s. Many found themselves unemployed, and political unrest swept Sydney, resulting in the removal from office of the popular Labour premier, Jack Lang. Nevertheless, 1932 saw the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

World War II

At the outbreak of World War II, Australian troops again left to support the British in Europe. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour, Australia's own national security became paramount. May 1942 saw the destruction of four Japanese midget-submarines, which had entered Sydney Harbour. Shortly afterwards, the Japanese mother submarine bombed the waterfront suburbs of Bondi and Rose Bay. Fear of invasion heightened rapidly. The introduction of rationing and blackouts saw the war hit home, and many residents fled for the safety of the Blue Mountains.

Post-War Development

The post-war period was characterised by wide-scale immigration especially from Italy, Greece and Eastern Europe. Major modernist buildings such as the Rose Seidler House challenged traditional style, and a distinctive local school of architecture gradually evolved.

During the 1960s, American influence saw Australia drawn into the Vietnam War. The introduction of conscription provoked widespread civil unrest. At the same time, the city embarked upon a period of unabashed, rampant development. Sydneysiders witnessed the demolition of historical buildings, and saw them replaced by modern skyscrapers. The Sydney Opera House opened in 1973, and previously working-class suburbs, such as Paddington, with their distinctive terrace house architecture, suddenly became fashionable. Migrant groups began to colonise districts, including Leichhardt (Italians), Lakemba (Lebanese), Redfern (Greeks) and Marrickville (Portuguese). The end of the Vietnam War also saw large-scale immigration from Southeast Asia.

Rampant Growth

The last few decades have seen even greater change. Thousands of apartment buildings now punctuate the skyline. Fierce battles continue to rage over controversial architecture in the city, including structures in Circular Quay, the futuristic Monorail and Fox Studios. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find traces of the past within the city. Macquarie Street and the tourist area, The Rocks, are some of the few historical landmarks that remain. However, a clean harbour, and the international-class facilities, which were part of the Olympic project, are now also a part of Sydney, a city that will always welcome the thousands of tourists who continually visit it every year.

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Australia Day

Celebrate the arrival of the First Fleet

Various locations
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 6120 0600
http://www.australiaday.gov.au
info@australiaday.gov.au

Commemorating the arrival the First Fleet at Sydney Cove on 26th January 1788, celebrations include the Australia Day Parade through the city streets and a concert, usually held in the Domain, featuring Australian artists and musicians. Award-giving ceremonies such as Australian of the Year and Young Australian of the Year are also a traditional part of the day. Australia Day is a public holiday, though many shops are open. It is always celebrated on the day itself rather than as part of a long weekend.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Australian Museum

Oldest museum in the country 6 College St
Sydney, NSW 2010
Australia
+61 (0)2 9320 6000
http://www.austmus.gov.au Dating from 1857, this museum, located in an imposing neo-classical stone building, encompasses the natural histories of Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. Its diverse collections range from invertebrate and vertebrate zoology to mineralogy, palaeontology and anthropology. While the dinosaurs perhaps attract most interest, visitors are lured back by the varied, temporary exhibition programme. The shop is well stocked and there is a restaurant and cafe. This is a good place to take the family on a wet Sunday afternoon. Admission: Adults AUD10; Children (5-15) AUD5; Concession AUD5; Family (2 adults, 2 children) AUD25.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Bondi Beach

Famous Sydney beach Bondi Beach
Sydney, NSW
Australia
+61 2 9130 5311 (Bondi Visitors Information Centre) A trip to Sydney is not complete without seeing this stunning landmark, with its surfers and lifeguards who patrol the beach every day of the week between the yellow and red flags. Bondi beach, roughly a kilometer long, is enclosed at the north and south ends by headlands. Take a stroll along the promenade and check out the pavement life —rollerbladers, dogs with attitude and the coolest dudes around. There are numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as hostels, hotels, shops and even a small golf course.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Central Railway Station

Transport interchange Eddy Avenue
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 (0)2 9379 1777
http://www.staterail.nsw.gov.au Central Station is a part of the day-to-day lives of thousands of Sydney commuters, with more than 900,000 rail journeys on an average weekday, representing about 270 million journeys each year. Heralding the beginning of Australia's rail network, Central Station was built on the site of the old Sydney Yard, and opened on August 4, 1906. The grand sandstone Station has significant heritage value, particularly the Clock tower, the terrazzo-tiled Concourse and the Eddy Avenue overpass. At Central Station, you will find transportation links to all the suburban and Australia-wide networks, and buses to just about everywhere.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Circular Quay

Major destination of water travel Opera Quays
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 9255 1788 (The Rocks Visitors Centre ) This is one of the busiest, most beautiful bustling ports of departure in the world. The State Transit authority, sightseeing tours, water taxis, and private cruises all depart and arrive from this 'port of call'. The actual terminal itself is a bustling collection of fast food joints, ticket sales, information booths, and buskers and of course, commuters. No trip to town is complete without a ferry trip from this fabulous location beneath the bridge.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Elizabeth Bay House

Mr Macleay's folly 7 Onslow Avenue
Elizabeth Bay
Sydney, NSW 2011
Australia
+61 (0)2 9356 3022 Sydney does have some grand houses even if they only date back to the nineteenth century. Elizabeth Bay House overlooks Sydney Harbour and was designed in the early 1830s by the fashionable architect, John Verge, for Alexander Macleay. While Macleay occupied the position of Colonial Secretary, he almost bankrupted himself over this venture. The interior reflects the lifestyle of the Macleay family between 1839 and 1845 and is based upon rigid documentary research. A changing exhibition programme also makes it well worth a return visit.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Elizabeth Farm

The oldest surviving European building 70 Alice Street
Rosehill
Sydney, NSW 2142
Australia
+61 (0)2 9635 9488
http://www.hht.nsw.gov.au Commenced in 1793, Elizabeth Farm has undergone many changes, but traces of the original building still survive. The house was constructed for John Macarthur, who pioneered the wool industry in Australia. Simple but elegant, the cottage is surrounded by shady verandas and became the prototype for the colonial vernacular homestead. The interior is furnished with reproduction furniture, portraits and objects belonging to the Macarthur family, thus providing a rare, hands-on museum experience. Devonshire teas and lunches are available in the adjoining tea room.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Government House

Corridors of power Macquarie Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 9931 5222
http://www.hht.nsw.gov.au/
info@hht.net.au This sophisticated Gothic Revival building was designed in England by an architect who never visited Sydney. Edmund Blore may have seen paintings of the site, but he was totally unfamiliar with the prevailing climatic conditions and neglected to provide a front porch! Constructed between 1837 and 1845, the building has housed countless governors of New South Wales and is now open to the general public. Viewing is by guided tours only, which depart on the hour and half hour, and can be accessed through the Gatehouse. The interiors and furniture collection are also world class. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Hyde Park Barracks Museum

Convicts and women Macquarie St
(Queens Square)
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 8239 2311
http://www.hht.net.au/museums/...
info@hht.net.au An elegant, Georgian building designed by the convict architect, Francis Greenway, Hyde Park Barracks is located in one of Sydney's most historic precincts. Until 1848, it provided accommodation for convicts but has since had many occupants becoming sequentially an Immigration Depot for Irish orphans and unprotected females, an Asylum and law courts. The sensitive interpretation acknowledges these various, historical usages while a new exhibition on convicts has opened recently. The shop and Barracks Café complement the visitation experience. Admission is AUD7 for Adults, AUD3 children, concession AUD3 and family AUD17.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Monorail - Metro Transport

Central city tourist transport 190 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont
Sydney, NSW 2009
Australia
+61 2 8584 5250
http://www.metrolightrail.com.au
info@metrotransport.com.au The monorail is a high-tech train that whizzes around above the city on three and a half kilometres of track. Trains run almost every five minutes. This is a great way of seeing Sydneys sights, but for locals it is not such a practical method of transport as the circuit is reasonably limited. The seven stops are Convention, Haymarket, World Square, Park Plaza, City Centre, Harbourside, and Darling Park.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Museum of Sydney

Innovative museology Corner of Bridge Street and Phillip Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 (0)2 9251 5988
http://www.hht.net.au/museums/... Located on the site of Australia's first Government House, the Museum of Sydney deliberately looks towards the future rather than the past. The building itself was demolished in 1846 but in 1983, archaeologists unearthed the original footings. The Museum's interpretation is highly imaginative and offers the visitor a journey of discovery through Sydney from 1788. This is achieved by a mixture of static displays, state of the art technology and an acclaimed temporary exhibition programme. The shop and café are also very stylish.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Queen Victoria Building

Superb shopping in historical surroundings 455 George St
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 (0)2 9264 9209
http://www.qvb.com.au Built in 1898 to celebrate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee, the QVB is a history lesson and shopping experience rolled into one. Designed to resemble a Byzantine palace, marvel at the central copper dome and the glass roof, take note of the original floor tiles and cast iron circular staircase and then you could even think about doing some shopping. With over 200 stores there is something for everyone, particularly if you are in search of a designer label or two. Fashion, art, antiques, gifts, souvenirs, jewellery, cafes, this is a shopaholics paradise.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rocks

Historic area of Sydney George Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 (0)2 9240 8500
http://www.rocksvillage.com.au
therocks@shfa.nsw.gov.au This is the oldest and most historic area of Sydney. Named after its rough terrain, it survived for nearly two centuries as Sydney's main working class area. Amongst the warren of lanes and pebbled streets there is plenty to see and do, including Susannah Place, The Garrison Gallery, The Military Museum, and Cadman's Cottage; the Museum of Contemporary Art and the S H Ervin Gallery offer something a little more "contemporary". If you have had enough history, there is always an endless array of restaurants, pubs, shops and a crafty weekend market.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Rose Seidler House

Modernism in the Antipodes 71 Clissold Road
Wahroonga
Sydney, NSW 2076
Australia
+61 (0)2 9989 8020
http://www.hht.nsw.gov.au The Viennese-born architect Harry Seidler had already established an international reputation before he arrived in Sydney to design a house for his parents. Australia was then struggling out of post-war austerity and Seidler's uncompromising, modernist building—nestled in natural bushland—aroused much controversy. Now managed by the Historic Houses Trust, the interior has been restored to its original, 1950s scheme and contains a major collection of furniture inspired by the Bauhaus Movement. Well worth a trip to Sydney's leafy upper North Shore.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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St James' Church

Sydney's oldest church, convict built 173 King Street
(opposite Hyde Park Barracks)
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 9232 3022
http://www.stjameschurchsydney...
office@stjameschurchsydney.org.au Located opposite Hyde Park Barracks Museum, St James' Church was originally designed in 1819 as a courthouse. Architect Francis Greenway was forced to convert it to a church to hold services for convicts from the Barracks. Samuel Marsden, the infamous flogging parson, was Senior Chaplin here. The Church has had many restorations, both interior and exterior, and additions such as the Children's Chapel.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

Dominating harbour structure Cumberland St
(or Milsons Point on the north shore)
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 (0)2 9255 1788
http://www.bridgeclimb.com Testimony to the skill of the Australian worker, and the most dominating harbour structure, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is still recognized as the old "coat hanger." Officially opened in 1932, it is today more accessible than ever; it is possible to have a memorable, if not sensational, BridgeClimb, but if something a little lower appeals, there is always the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout. And nothing beats a drive on a sunny evening over the bridge.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Sydney Opera House

Iconic Australian masterpiece Bennelong Point
(Circular Quay)
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 (0)2 9250 7111
http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com
infodesk@sydneyoperahouse.com Fourteen troubled years in the building, and AUD95 million over budget, the controversial sail-like roofs of Sydney's most recognizable icon glisten against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Danish architect Jorn Utzon has reportedly never laid eyes on his masterpiece, resigning in 1966 due to political difficulties and construction delays—it was finally finished in 1973. It now has an impressive yearly program of up to 3,000 contemporary and classical performances and is a truly memorable place for theatre, opera and ballet. Various guided tours operate daily from 9a-5p. Cost: Adult AUD22; Seniors/Students/16 & Under AUD16.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Sydney Town Hall

Magnificent civic symbol 483 George St
at Druitt St
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
+61 2 9265 9189
http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.go...
council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Sydney Town Hall symbolically reflects the city's origins as Australia's oldest settlement. While the building was constructed in two stages between 1866-75 and 1883-88, the latter, with its Second Empire architecture and ornate clock tower, is more visually significant. Guided tours of the site depart from the Town Hall steps. These require a minimum of 15 participants per tour. Highlights include the Vestibule, the Centennial Hall, the North and South Staircases, the Council Chambers and the Lady Mayoress' Room, together with the Town Hall's extensive collection of paintings and silverware.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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