Historic Places To Visit Around Sydney

Sydney Cricket Ground

Moore Park, Sydney, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) (built 1886 & 1896)

Located in Moore Park, Sydney, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has an interesting history dating back to 1811, when Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie, established the second Sydney Common.

The common, one-and-a-half miles (about 2,400m) wide, extending south from South Head Road (now Oxford St) to today's Randwick Racecourse.

Part of the Sydney Common south of Victoria Barracks was granted to the British Army in 1851, for a garden and cricket ground for the soldiers. The first recorded cricket match, however, in Australia, took place in Sydney in December 1803.

The 11th North Devonshire Regiment, the first users, flattened and graded the southern part of the rifle range adjacent to the Barracks.

Soon, the teams from Victoria Barracks were calling themselves the Garrison Club.

When Hyde Park in the city, was dedicated as public gardens in 1856, the cricket and football players had to find an alternative place to play.

Moore Park became one of Australia's earliest parks in 1866, and in the following year, it was named after Charles Moore, the Mayor of Sydney City Council.

In the 1870s, the NSW Cricket Association (NSWCA) began regularly using the Civil and Military Ground.

In 1875, the NSW Government began to upgrade the ground. And, in 1876, the ground was dedicated by Governor Sir Hercules Robinson.

The old military cricket ground became NSW Cricket Association Ground in 1878 and the original Members' Stand, was built in the northwest corner.

Panorama of Moore Park and Surry Hills from the entrance gates to Moore Park, NSW, c. 1875
Interestingly, the site of Sydney's first Zoo, the Moore Park Zoological Gardens opened in 1884. Later, the zoo moved and became Taronga Zoo, when it opened in 1916.

The world's first use of a balloon loop for tramways was built in Moore Park in 1881, allowing easier travel to the SCG.

Australian Rules Football was played in 1880 in Moore Park.

On New Year's Day, 1880, the 12th Annual Highlands Games were held at the SCG.

On 17 February, 1882, the first Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, took place.

In 1886, the Members' Pavilion was rebuilt at a cost of £6,625.

The 1895–1896, the inter-colonial match between New South Wales and Victoria led to the construction of first SCG scoreboard, a very innovative model.

In 1896 the Ladies' Stand opened.

Australia's first ever motor race occurred at the SCG in 1898.

A Novel Cricket Match-Ladies v. Actors, at Sydney Cricket ground, NSW.
Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), Saturday 2 April 1898

Childrens' Day at Sydney Cricket Ground, NSW, Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Wednesday 25 September 1907

THE NEW SOUTH WALES THIRTEEN.- SYDNEY CRICKET OROUND, DECEMBER 12. '
A. C. Jones, Umpire. A. Diamond. V. Ebsworth. J. Cuffe. A. M'Bcath. L. W. Pye. J. J{. Mackay. R. N. Hickson. Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Wednesday 17 December 1902

Country Voluntary Workers Camped at Sydney Cricket Ground. They are willing to do any work required of them, and at the time of writing had already set a high standard. Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), Wednesday 22 August 1917

Up until World War I, the SCG was used by many sports, but the cycling track was removed in 1920.

In the 1920s and 1930s, large amounts of money and crowds came into the SCG, when Don Bradman played for New South Wales and Australia.

Scoring board officials during yesterday's Sheffield Shield play between New
South Wales and Victoria (Sydney Cricket Ground). Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), Friday 25 January 1929

FILLING IN Time during the 'rain at Sydney Cricket Ground. — Gilbert,
the popular Queensland Abo(riginal). bowler, being tried for signing "autograph
books" without managerial consent. Mr. Green (centre) was the "judge". (in jest) Daily Pictorial (Sydney, NSW : 1930 - 1931), Tuesday 16 December 1930

Don Bradman in action at Sydney Cricket Ground, NSW, Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), Tuesday 7 January 1930

SPORTS AT SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND. Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Friday 31 October 1930

This photograph was taken in the stand enclosure of the Sydney Cricket Ground at 9 a.m.-six hours before the start of the England v. Australia Test match, last Monday. Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld. : 1909 - 1954), Saturday 4 July 1936

The SCG was the main stadium for the 1938 British Empire Games.

In 1978, World Series Cricket was created by Australian media magnate Kerry Packer, for his television network (Channel Nine).

The Cricket Ground hosted six State of Origin series games from 1982–1987.

In 1982 the SCG became home to the Sydney Swans.

Various changes and developments have occurred over the years, including various bronze sculpture statues that are placed around the grounds of the SCG and SFS.

The SCG has hosted 1,392 top-level premiership rugby league games, as of 2015.

Around Sydney Cricket Ground

Moore Park, Sydney, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

Moore Park, Sydney, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Museum

Places To Go

Sydney Cricket Ground Tours

The Sydney Cricket Ground Museum

Thirlmere Railway Museum, NSW

Thirlmere Railway Museum, just southwest of Picton, NSW,

Thirlmere Railway Museum, just southwest of Picton, NSW, was initially located within Sydney's Enfield locomotive depot and moved to Thirlmere during the mid -1970s.

The museum was formed in 1962 to preserve steam locomotives and historic items of rollingstock. And, when looking for a new home, it was thought that the Picton-Mittagong loop line would be ideal
for steam tourist operations.

The Picton-Mittagong loop line was part of the original singletrack Great Southern Railway, built in 1867.

The station opened on 1 August 1885 named "Redbank" and formed part of the original Main South Line. It was renamed "Thirlmere" in 1886 and closed to regular services in 1978.

Nearby, is a a heritage-listed viaduct over Stonequarry Creek in Picton. The sandstone structure was built between 1863 and 1867, designed by Engineer-in-Chief for Railways NSW John Whitton.

Picton viaduct, 1870, Picton, NSW, SLNSW

Thirlmere Railway Station in New South Wales in the 1920s

This extensive rail transport museum has many locomotives, carriages and railway relics on display.

The NSW Rail Museum operates steam heritage trains on the Picton – Mittagong railway line between Picton, Thirlmere and Buxton. It also holds the Thirlmere Festival of Steam in March each year.

Railmotor CPH18, also known at the 'Tin Hare', Thirlmere Heritage Railway Museum, NSW

Steam loco 3642, from the Thirlmere Heritage Railway Museum, NSW

Thirlmere Heritage Railway Museum, NSW

NSW Rail Museum at Thirlmere

The Picton Viaduct is located at the end of Webster Street in Picton, NSW.

Sydney Customs House Museum: Georgian Architecture

Customs House, Sydney, NSW, is located in the heart of Circular Quay, within easy access of The Rocks, Sydney Harbour and The Sydney Opera House.

Customs House, Sydney, is located in the heart of Circular Quay, within easy access of The Rocks, Sydney Harbour and The Sydney Opera House.

Customs House was the entry point for newly arrived goods, people and ideas flowing into Sydney.

Today, Customs House, Sydney, is a heritage-listed museum space, visitor attraction, commercial building and performance space. There are galleries, a museum, bars and cafes.

Custom House, George-street, Sydney, 1827-1830,
This building was subsequently used as the Post Office, hence the mail couch in the picture, which is
reproduced from an engraving made in 1S33. Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), Wednesday 19 September 1917

The formation of Circular Quay
was reported in the "Herald" on
September 28, 1840. The construc-
tion was done by convicts, many of
whom laboured in chains. (1,)

From the 1860s, Customs House was surrounded by wool stores, warehouses, inns and the bustling activities of a busy port.

The 'Star of Peace' moored at East Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW, in the 1860s, SLSA

Customs House, Circular Quay, NSW, 1870, SLNSW

Customs House set back off Alfred St...Circular Quay, Sydney...1875-1878 (State Library NSW)

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Friday 25 May 1894

Customs House was enlarged by James Barnet from 1883–1889: A grander portico entrance, and an extra floor, a clock and two wings along the sides, were added.

This horsebus was captured outside Customs House at Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW, in 1900.National Archives of Australia

SHIP INN, CIRCULAR QUAY, ABOUT TO BE PULLED DOWN.Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Saturday 21 September 1901 (the original
Ship Inn, which was built about 1860 on reclaimed ground, of which it is said the old ship '' Governor Bligh" formed the foundation)

Circular Quay and Customs House, Sydney, NSW, 1902, Powerhouse

YOUNG-STREET, CUSTOM HOUSECORNER, TERMINUS OP THE NEW TEAM CIRCLE., Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Wednesday 13 May 1903

Customs House, Circular Quay, Dated: c.1903, Museums NSW

CIRCULAR QUAY, LOOKING NORTH-WEST FROM THE CUSTOMS HOUSE. Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912), Wednesday 13 May 1903

Panorama of Circular Quay, Sydney, NSW, from a ship's mast, 1903, by Melvin Vaniman, SLNSW

Men looking at vehicles including tram cars and a 1913 Caldwell Vale motorised tractor displayed in Sydney, N.S.W. during 'Manufacturers Day'. According to a researcher, this was probably in preparation for a parade in front of the Customs House and looking towards East Circular Quay. The building at the right is probably the Goldsborough Mort warehouse, which is the site of today's AMP building.

Building : the magazine for the architect, builder, property owner and merchant.Vol. 22, No. 133 (12 Sept., 1918)

The historic Circular Quay
is not the least of Sydney’s beauty spots,
and all credit is due to the Harbor Trust
in their past efforts to make the structures
on the Quay of utility, artistic as well as
purposeful. In the centre of the picture
there long has stood the dignified and
handsome Customs House, which, in re-
spect to its architecture, stood out in bold
prominence, beautiful to the eye and sub-
stantial as befitted its public purpose.
With such a basis to work on it is incom-
prehensible how any architect could have
produced such an abhorrent, unsightly
excresence as that lately attached to the
Customs House.
Building : the magazine for the architect, builder, property owner and merchant.Vol. 22, No. 133 (12 Sept., 1918)

CIRCULAR QUAY, SYDNEY, TAKEN From THE AIR. Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), Saturday 9 September 1922

Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), Monday 9 November 1931 (During the Great Depression)

'TOASTRACK' TRAM IN FRONT OF CUSTOMS HOUSE, CIRCULAR QUAY, SYDNEY< NSW, 1941, RAHS

Using a giant hammer in much the same way as a pile-driver,
workmen are now busy demolishing the air raid shelters outside
the Customs House at Circular Quay.
The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 27 Jun 1946

Circular Quay, NSW, Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), Wednesday 4 December 1957

Around Custom House

Customs House, Sydney, NSW

Places To Go

City of Sydney Customs House
31 Alfred Street
Sydney
CONTACTS
9242 8551
General admission is free.

Customs House

History walks

Visit Historic Parramatta Park, NSW

Macquarie St Gatehouse, built in 1887, Corner of Pitt & Macquarie St Parramatta Park Parramatta NSW

Parramatta is Australia's second oldest city.

Parrramatta Park is a park and historic site in Western Sydney, NSW.

Located on the edge of Parramatta CBD, Parramatta Park has 85 hectares of lawns and is about 27 km from Sydney CBD.

The Darug people who have lived in the area for thousands of years, called the territory Burramatta. More info.

A native camp near Cockle Bay, New South Wales with a view of Parramatta River, taken from Dawes's Point / drawn by J. Eyre; engraved by P. Slaeger [sic]. Published 1812

The Darug people lived in family groups of five to 60 people and each group had its own territory and traditional rights and responsibilities.

In April 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip of the First Fleet explored the Parramatta River and established a fortified camp on a hill overlooking Parramatta Park.

Parramatta Park was where the first successful farms grew sufficient food to feed the colony.

Governor Phillip named a natural landform feature, The Crescent, and in November 1788, Phillip sent convicts to establish agriculture here. You can visit The Crescent today.

Government House at Parramatta was completed by Governor Hunter in 1799 and ten governors of New South Wales from 1788 to 1857 occupied the building. Today, it is Australia's oldest public building and is opened to the public.

OLD GEORGE-STREET, Parramatta, NSW, in 1791.

Dairy Cottage, at Parramatta Park, was built between 1798 and 1821, in part by ex-convict George Salter. Later, the building was converted to a dairy by Governor Macquarie.

On 28 December 1814, Governor Macquarie had his first meeting with Aboriginal peoples of the Cumberland Plain at Parramatta. Maria, the daughter of Yarramundi "Chief of the Richmond Tribes" became the first student of the Native Institution, voluntarily admitted by her father.

Maria was a successful student of the Native Institution and won a prize in an examination. Read more

Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Sunday 23 December 1804

The Parramatta Observatory was established by Governor Brisbane, who was educated in astronomy and mathematics at the University of Edinburgh, in March 1822, on the grounds of Government House. The observatory's major contribution was Rümker's rediscovery of Encke's comet in 1822.

The Bath House at Parramatta Park was constructed in 1823 for Governor Brisbane, whereby water was pumped through lead pipes from the nearby river. It was later converted into a pavilion.

The original Macquarie Street Gatehouse building was constructed in 1848, The present house built in 1887, was built around this original dwelling.

Parramatta Park is one of the earliest gazetted public parks in Australia, dedicated as a park in 1857.

Between 1859 and 1889, large parts of the Government Domain of Parramatta Park were subdivided into the suburbs of Westmead and Northmead.

Church St, Parramatta, NSW, in 1861, Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), Wednesday 26 October 1938,

The George Street Gatehouse was built on the site of Governor Macquarie's small stone lodge in 1885.

Sydney's Hunt Club at Parramatta Park, NSW, 1906

The Soldiers' Memorial, Parramatta Park, NSW, Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), Wednesday 22 November 1911

"Entrance to Parramatta Park," by John Henry Harvey (ca. 1880–ca. 1934), featuring the George Street 'Tudor' Gatehouse. The horse and cart stand in front of a building on the corner of George and O'Connell Streets, a location which is thought to have been the site of the first public brewery in Australia (established 1803).SLVIC

Strangely, in the 1930s, a Zoological Garden existed at Parramatta Park. Read more

Parramatta Gatehouse, NSW, 1935, (There are six gatehouses in Parramatta Park located at the entrances on George Street (the Tudor Gatehouse), Ross Street, Park Road, Macquarie Street, Great Western Highway at Mays Hill and Queens Road)

AT THE PARRAMATTA (N.S.W.) 150th ANNIVERSARY (Government House) Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), Saturday 12 November 1938,

The atmosphere of an early-colonial vice-regal reception and garden party was recaptured during the150th birthday celebrations at Parramatta, NSW, Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912 - 1938), Wednesday 9 November 1938

In the early 1950s, motor races went through the park.

Car race at Parramatta Park, NSW, Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), Sunday 7 September 1952

GHOST of Lady Mary Fitzroy, killed nearby in 1847, is still said to appear on the columned
porch of Old Government House, Parramatta. Once the seat of colony's early Governors, the building is now The King's School Junior House. Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), Friday 19 March 1954

In 2010, Parramatta Park with Old Government House was one of the 11 Australian Convict Sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Register.

There are two children's playgrounds and a sealed off-road area to ride bikes at Parramatta Park.

Around Parramatta Park

The Bath House at Parramatta Park, NSW, was constructed in 1823 for Governor Brisbane. Now a pavillion

The observatory at Parramatta Park, NSW, was built by Governor Brisbane in 1822 and was used to make some of the most important early astronomical observations in the southern hemisphere (The observatory’s transit stones – which originally supported a transit telescope)

The Soldiers' Memorial. Canons from the 1850s defense of the Port Jackson, now at Parramatta Park, NSW

There are six gatehouses in Parramatta Park, NSW, located at the entrances on George Street (the Tudor Gatehouse), Ross Street, Park Road, Macquarie Street, Great Western Highway at Mays Hill and Queens Road.

The oldest surviving public building in Australia, Old Government House is a heritage-listed former "country" residence used by ten early governors of New South Wales between 1800 and 1847, located in Parramatta Park, NSW

Places To Go

Virtual Tour of Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park -Macquarie St, Parramatta, AU 2150

The Lancer Barracks is made up of several historic buildings built in c1820, including the Georgian building of Linden House – home to the Lancer Museum.

View archaeological remains from the early settlement of Parramatta at Philip Ruddock Heritage Centre.

Harris Park Heritage Area encompasses important historic landmarks such as Experiment Farm Cottage, Elizabeth Farm Cottage and Hambledon Cottage.

Female Orphan School was commissioned in 1813 by Governor Macquarie to provide a place to train orphaned, convict and Aboriginal females as domestic servants.

Parramatta Female Factory

Newington Armory was used as an explosives store during WWII.

Parramatta Town Hall - the foundations were laid in 1792.

Lennox Bridge was completed in 1839, designed by David Lennox.