Sydney

Sydney's history begins with the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, who lived in the area for tens of thousands of years before European settlement. Their deep connection to the harbor and surrounding lands is reflected in rock art, middens, and cultural sites that still exist today.

The city's European history began in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip established the first British penal colony at Sydney Cove. The settlement, initially struggling to survive, gradually grew as convicts and free settlers developed the area, establishing the foundations of modern Sydney.

The discovery of gold in the 1850s transformed Sydney from a convict settlement into a bustling port city. The Victorian era brought significant architectural development, including the Queen Victoria Building and the University of Sydney, establishing the city's grandeur.

The 20th century saw Sydney emerge as a global city, marked by the construction of the Harbor Bridge (1932) and the Opera House (1973). The 2000 Olympics showcased Sydney to the world, cementing its position as Australia's premier city and a major cultural and economic hub of the Asia-Pacific region.