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As Sydney expanded in the nineteenth century the picturesque waterways and valleys of the Cooks River were to host a network of waterworks and rail and road infrastructure that were to degrade the landscape forever.

Scottish publisher, bookseller and stationer in Sydney who wrote and published The Stranger's Guide to Sydney and the Australian Almanac.

Waugh migrated to Australia with his parents and sisters in 1840 to join his brothers David and Robert. The…

The Christmas tree in Martin Place, a fixture of Sydney's festive season, is a relatively recent addition to the landscape of the city, dating from 1971 when Martin Place was first converted into a pedestrian space. It is, however, a continuation of older traditions in the…

Mothers in Sydney have given birth in a multitude of settings, from traditional Aboriginal environs, to the most technologically advanced hospital. From the women's business of Aboriginal mothers and grandmothers, and the traditional knowledge of white midwives, birth in…

Convict and wealthy wine and spirits merchant who was sentenced to transportation for seven years on 15 September 1813. In Sydney, after initially working as a blacksmith, he became licensee of the Saracen's Head on Gloucester Street in The Rocks from 1827. He then took…

Former hatmaker who was convicted of robbery in London in 1799. He arrived in Sydney on the Cormandel in 1802 and soon joined the early Sydney police force. In 1804 Russell was a suspect in the burglary of Mary Breeze's house on Back Row (modern day Phillip Street) and the…

Coal lumper and planksman who worked at Sydney wharves. He had arrived in Sydney in 1889 from Norway and lived in the Rocks with his family. He was naturalised in October 1903, with one of his references provided by another coal lumper Herman Nielsen. Seland died on 3…

Successful early shipyard at the mouth of the Tank Stream in Sydney Cove which was run by James Underwood, a former convict who later diversified from shipbuilding to become a successful merchant, sealer and distiller. The land grant ran from George Street through to the…

Land on the Cumberland Plain south west of Sydney granted in 1813 to Captain Wiliam Campbell, in compensation for the loss of his ship the Harrington which had been stolen by escaping convicts in 1808.

Journalist, librarian and literary historian, Green moved from journalism into the University of Sydney where he served as Librarian and also lectured in literature, particularly Australian literature. In 1961 he published 'A History of Australian Literature'.

Famous bare knuckle boxer from the Petersham area who, like his brothers Isaac and Thomas, fought under several different names around Sydney during the nineteenth century. He also worked as doorman at the Victoria Theatre.

English physiologist and pathologist who was the demonstrator in physiology at the University of Sydney from 1891 to 1896 before moving to Melbourne. He and Frank Tidswell collaborated on pioneering research into venoms and anti-venoms.

Murderer who killed at least three men in Sydney in 1896. He escaped to the United States but was brought back to face the charges and was executed at Darlinghurst Gaol on 16 July 1897.

Media company formed from the merger of Frank Packer's media interests with Sydney Newspapers and Associated Newspapers. It was to become Publishing and Broadcasting Limited in 1994 following its merger with the Nine Network Australia.

Businessman and poet who took out mining rights across Sydney in 1874, leading to the establishment of the Balmain colliery. He lived with his family at the cottage they built, Fernlee, at Snails Bay, Balmain.

The Reverend Henry Carmichael was a Scottish minister, teacher and educationist who was a founder of the Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts. He moved to the Hunter Valley in 1838, where he pioneered viticulture in the colony.

As the first Colonial Engineer, Captain George Barney aimed to strengthen Sydney's harbour defences, overseeing the design and construction of many major infrastructure projects, some of which still stand today, including Circular Quay and Fort Denison.

Barangaroo was one of the powerful figures in Sydney's early history. She had knowledge of laws, teaching and women's rituals and held the respect of Governor Phillip and his officers who were fascinated by the Eora women and their formidable fishing skills.

Architect whose tenure as Government Architect from 1890 to 1911 saw the construction of some of Sydney's most famous buildings, as well as suburban fire stations and post offices in the Federation Free style.

Area on Sydney's lower north shore, traditional lands of the Wallumedegal people, governed by Ryde City Council. It comprises 16 suburbs and is bounded on two sides by the Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers.