History

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

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

It's our story to be told.

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

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

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

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.

Go where the locals go

Go where the locals go

Explore the city on a comfortable and informative tour, traveling in a climate-controlled bus with experienced guide.

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

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

Discover Sydney's history, secrets and art hiding in plain sight

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.

Go where the locals go

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

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

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.

Indulge two course lunch at State Parliament House in Sydney

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

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

Discover the stories and secrets of Woollahra's past at a time when great change is planned for its future

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

2.5 hour history walking tour of old Kings Cross led by a Sydney crime historian

A Public Lecture by Dr Rhys Crawley for the Military History Society of New South Wales

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.

Explore some of the stranger items in the Library’s 200 exhibition, from hair to fruit stickers.

Explore this city's notorious colonial beginnings as we unpack its colourful convict heritage in the Rocks & Quay

Queer history inspires queer comedy

A one-off hosted movie walk celebrating the launch of Sydney’s self-guided film tour.

A twisted true crime exploration of Paddington's peculiar past, terrace lined streets and historic corner pubs

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.

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

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.