History

Immerse yourself in a powerful series of exhibitions, installations and digital experiences.

Through intimate guided tours, we tell the stories of everyday families who helped shape Sydney.

It's our story to be told.

An extraordinary collection of rare manuscripts, books, maps and navigational instruments

Classes cover the techniques of fencing with historical weapons and provide a safe place to spar with them

a new exhibition exploring how the Navy has grown alongside Australia, from colonial defence to a modern maritime force.

Torres Strait pearling history, centering the overlooked stories of Indigenous and South Sea Islander seafarers

A powerful collection of career imagery and accompanying stories from Australian veterans.

The evolution of Australian military service, focusing on the personal stories of NSW service.

Discover 90 treasures that have been donated to the Anzac Memorial from its opening in 1934.

At 11am each day, the Anzac Memorial pauses for a Service of Remembrance.

Learn about Sydney's railways

Tony Gilmour will discuss the connection between hotels and growth in regional communities, using Kiama as an example.

Go where the locals go

Go where the locals go

Experience an intimate guided tour of the iconic heritage-listed Sydney Observatory.

Go where the locals go

Diwali

Explore all things ghostly as we visit Sydney's most haunted pubs.

Join a buggy tour around Australia's oldest botanic garden and a 30-hectare paradise adjoining Sydney Harbour

Explore the iconic Sydney Observatory with a tour designed for groups that include young children aged 6 and older.

Indulge in an afternoon of elegance and history at the Parliament of NSW.

A narrative driven walking tour of Sydney's CBD for locals and tourists

Explore Sydney’s Metro from Waterloo to Victoria Cross. Discover buried artefacts, station art, remarkable engineering

Indulge two course lunch at State Parliament House in Sydney

Six men spanning six generations share a story that has helped shape who they are as man.

Free entry. Rare books, maps, prints & ephemera for sale. The Glasshouse, State Library NSW. 22–24 October 2026.

An evening lecture and discussion by Reverend Dr Andrew Errington in the Progress & Purpose series

From Hyde Park to the Opera House, uncovering Sydney’s hidden past

Discover hidden gems and untold stories of the city's train stations

Experience a Sydney landmark event, the colourful Balmain Regatta aboard Sydney Heritage Fleet - Tall Ship James Craig

This is your chance to participate in the Balmain Regatta, a landmark event in Sydney's maritime calendar since 1849.

Uncover the stories of the past at a special after dark tour of this stunning Georgian property

Hear from our model maker Richard Braddish about the scale model of our local area.

Join archivists for a fascinating exploration of the rich history of Haymarket and Ultimo

A relaxed music/talk series at the State Library of NSW

Lee Miller's son Antony Penrose presents: Hand Grenades Like Cartier Clips: Lee Miller’s Life and Work in Fashion

An informal lunchtime discussion on the entangled histories and future of science and religion

Discover the architecture of Pyrmont and learn about its history in a two hour walk with a AAA volunteer tour guide.

Discover Sydney’s rich maritime heritage beyond the walls of the museum.

Join author and artist Wendy Hamilton as she explores the story of the Berrima Internment Camp.

Join Julie Lee for a fascinating look at Sydney’s Chinatown and its stories of migration, community and identity

The unfiltered story of Double J and Triple J.

Enjoy a beautiful Christmas themed menu at the Strangers' Restaurant in the month of December

Free tour por Sídney en Español

Join Australian author Ryan Butta as he brings to light the hidden history of Australia’s blackbirding trade.