Sydney history

From convict enclave to one of the world's most desirable places to live, Sydney has had a checkered past to say the least.

Although founded in 1788 - when the first fleets arrived in Australia from England - the history of the city stretches back to prehistoric times. The area surrounding the harbour was home to many Aboriginal tribes for 40,000 years or more. And, although urbanisation has destroyed most evidence of these settlements, hundreds of rock carvings (some of the finest in the world) remain.

Soon after the first fleet arrived, intermittent conflict with the Aborigines began. With their superior weapons the Europeans succeeded in dispossessing the indigenous population. However, their greatest ally was disease and the local Aboriginal population was devastated by smallpox.

In the early years, droughts and disease caused widespread problems for early settlers, but the situation soon improved. In the 1840s, Sydney was incorporated (given a corporation and mayor) and soon after Sydney University was founded. As the city exploded in size, many new buildings were erected - especially over a 50-year boom period from the mid-1800s - including the Sydney Observatory, St Marys Cathedral, Customs House, the Australian Museum, Sydney Town Hall and the Queen Victoria Building.

A railway was built from Sydney to Parramatta and later horse drawn trams began running through the streets of Sydney (later replaced by steam and then electric ones).

With industrialization, Sydney expanded rapidly and by the early 20th century it had a population well in excess of one million. The Great Depression hit Sydney badly, however during this period the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge was completed.

Throughout the 20th century, Sydney continued to expand with various new waves of European and Asian immigration, resulting in a melting pot of cultures and its current status as one of the world’s most multicultural cities.

In very recent history, the Olympics heralded a boom period – both as a result of intense development but also through increased international exposure. Shaking off the Aussie backwater stereotype, Sydney showcased its charms for the world to see, sealing its place as an international cosmopolitan centre.