Sydney is known for its glistening harbour and spectacular beaches, but it is also a city that has a lot of history that you can still visit. In this guide, we’re going to focus on the buildings that you can visit that go as far back as the early colonial settlers and show how Sydney evolved from a small penal colony into one of the world’s great cities.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, these architectural gems are sure to captivate your imagination and provide a deeper understanding of Sydney’s heritage.
Sydney before the Europeans
The region now known as Sydney was inhabited for tens of thousands of years by the Darug, Dharawal and Dora peoples who lived in harmony with the natural environment and developed a rich cultural heritage. Whilst there are several significant Aboriginal sites that still can be visited in Sydney, there are no known Aboriginal buildings or structures in Sydney from before European settlement.
However, the area was rich with significant Aboriginal sites, including shell middens, rock engravings, and other cultural landmarks. These sites were integral to the Aboriginal way of life and held cultural, spiritual, and practical significance. For example, Bennelong Point, now the site of the Sydney Opera House, was an important Aboriginal site with large shell monuments and rock engravings.
The construction of colonial Sydney often overlapped with these Aboriginal sites, as many colonial buildings were erected on top of or near significant First Nations locations. This has led to the loss of many original Aboriginal structures, but the cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people remains evident in the rock art and engravings found in places like Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which contains around 1,500 pieces of Aboriginal rock.
These engravings and sites are crucial to understanding the pre-European history of Sydney and the enduring connection of Aboriginal people to the land.
Sydney after the Europeans
The arrival of European settlers in Sydney marked a significant turning point in the region’s history. In 1788, the First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, landed at Sydney Cove, establishing the first European settlement in Australia. This fleet consisted of 11 ships carrying over 1,400 people, including more than 700 convicts, along with marines, officers, and their families.
The Rocks
The Rocks, one of Sydney’s oldest neighborhoods, quickly became the hub of the new settlement. Located on the western side of Sydney Cove, it was initially home to convicts, soldiers, and free settlers. The area was characterised by its narrow, winding streets and simple sandstone buildings, many of which were constructed by convict labour.
You can still feel the history of the area today and whilst many buildings such as the Fortune of War still retain the same charm that they used to, many have been converted into cafes, shops and museums.
10 Historic Buildings in Sydney
Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island, known as Wareamah by the Indigenous peoples of the area, is a significant historical site located in the heart of Sydney Harbour. Originally established as a convict penal settlement in 1839, the island served as a place of secondary punishment for re-offending convicts until 1869.
Over its long history, Cockatoo Island evolved into a major shipbuilding and repair facility, with its dry docks constructed by convict labor, making it a crucial part of Australia’s maritime heritage.
The island spans 17.9 hectares and features a range of heritage-listed buildings, including convict-built barracks, silos, and workshops, which provide a glimpse into its complex past. Today, Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty, with opportunities for camping, guided tours, and cultural events throughout the year.
You can visit Cockatoo Island by hopping on a ferry from either Circular Quay or Barangaroo.
Hyde Park Barracks
Located on Macquarie Street, Hyde Park Barracks is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers insights into the convict era. Designed by convict architect Francis Greenway, it was completed in 1819 to house male convicts.
Today, it serves as a museum showcasing the lives of its former inhabitants through interactive exhibits. The museum is open daily, providing a comprehensive view of Sydney’s early colonial history.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral, situated near Hyde Park, is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Its construction began in 1868 and was completed in 1928.
The cathedral’s stunning stained glass windows and intricate stonework make it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. It is open to the public daily, with services and guided tours available.
Government House
Located within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Government House is a splendid example of Gothic Revival architecture. Built between 1837 and 1843, it served as the residence of the Governor of New South Wales.
Visitors can explore its lavish interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens during guided tours, available on select days.
Queen Victoria Building
The Queen Victoria Building (QVB), located in the heart of Sydney, is a striking example of Romanesque Revival architecture.
Completed in 1898, it was originally designed as a marketplace and now houses an array of boutiques and cafes. The building is open daily, offering a unique blend of shopping and history.
Customs House
Situated at Circular Quay, Customs House is a significant heritage building that dates back to 1845. It played a crucial role in Sydney’s maritime trade.
Today, it functions as a cultural venue with exhibitions and a public library. Visitors can enjoy its historical architecture and panoramic rooftop views of the harbour.
Susannah Place Museum
Nestled in The Rocks, Susannah Place Museum consists of four terrace houses built in 1844. These houses offer a glimpse into the lives of working-class families over the years.
The museum is open for guided tours, providing an intimate look at Sydney’s social history.
Cadman’s Cottage
Cadman’s Cottage, located near Circular Quay, is one of Sydney’s oldest surviving residential buildings, constructed in 1816. Originally built for the Superintendent of Government Boats, it now serves as a visitor information center.
The site is open to the public, offering insights into early colonial life.
The University of Sydney
Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney is Australia’s first university and is renowned for its stunning sandstone architecture.
The campus, reminiscent of Ivy League institutions, is open for self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its historical buildings and beautiful grounds.
Elizabeth Bay House
Elizabeth Bay House, constructed between 1835 and 1839, is a fine example of Regency architecture. Once the home of colonial secretary Alexander Macleay, it is now a museum showcasing period furnishings and offering spectacular views of Sydney Harbour.
The house is open to visitors on select days, providing a window into the opulent lifestyle of Sydney’s early elite.
