5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Sydney’s History
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: 09/09/2024
Reading time: 3 mins
Sydney is the city to visit when in Australia!
Sydney is a beautiful and vibrant city, best known for iconic attractions like the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Thousands of people flock to Sydney each year to see these landmarks, along with the stunning harbour and the lively area of Circular Quay. Discover some interesting facts about Sydney to arrive in the city with a bit more historical knowledge!
1. The Opera House was designed by an international competition
For decades, there have been discussions about building a performing arts centre in Sydney. However, it wasn’t until Premier Cahill announced an international competition in 1956 for a national opera house at Bennelong Point that the project gained momentum. Over 200 designs were submitted, and four architects judged them all, ultimately selecting design number 218. The winning design was by Jørn Utzon AC, a Danish architect.
2. Warrane is the traditional name for Sydney
Warrane is the Aboriginal name for the city, with several different spellings. The Gadigal people are the traditional custodians of the land, and there are almost 30 different Aboriginal clan groups within the Sydney metropolitan area, collectively known as the Eora Nation.
Sydney was established in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip named Sydney Cove as the site of the first British settlement. The city was named after Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney, who was the former leader of the House of Commons in the UK.
3. Sydney Tower is the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere
Sydney Tower Eye, also known as Centrepoint Tower, stands at 309 metres, making it the tallest structure in Sydney. Located at the Westfield Centre, it is accessible from level 5. There is a fee to enter Sydney Tower, but you’ll be rewarded with remarkable views across the city and harbour.
4. Home to Australia’s oldest building
Elizabeth Farm is believed to be the oldest building in Australia and is located in Rosehill, about half an hour from the city centre. John Macarthur built the home in 1793 for himself and his family. Macarthur played a crucial role in founding the Australian wool industry, which became the largest in the world!
5. The Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s longest steel arch bridges
Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic landmark visited by millions alongside the Opera House. It is one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, stretching about 500 metres across the harbour. The bridge took eight years to build and officially opened to traffic in 1932, connecting the city with the northern suburbs across the harbour.
