It’s every history buff’s favourite time of year. History Week is back and this year’s theme is Water Stories.
Learn about Sydney's hidden waterways
Join city historian Laila Ellmoos, water engineer Stuart McTaggart and Sydney D’harawal artist Shannon Foster for a lunchtime panel discussion. They’ll talk about the history of Sydney’s waters and wetlands, and how these seen and unseen bodies of water have been managed, shared or withheld over time.
Wednesday 10 September from 1pm to 2pm
Customs House
Make a laser-cut print or jewellery inspired by our archives
Step into the Darling Square Library makerspace and explore the City of Sydney archives through hands-on design. Led by experienced facilitators, these creative workshops are a great introduction to laser cutting, printmaking and historical image research.
Choose from 2 sessions:
Laser-cut printmaking: Create an etching plate using archival images and print your design on a small press to take home.
Thursday 11 September, 10:30am to 1:30pm
Laser-cut jewellery: Turn historical imagery into a wearable keepsake using laser-cut techniques.
Tuesday 9 September, 10:30am to 1:30pm
All material provided. No previous experience required.
Discover Hyde Park's history and art on a walking tour
Explore water-themed stories and sculptures from the Walk on Water trail while creating your own artist book. Guided by professional artists and a City of Sydney historian, you’ll collect textures and impressions along the way and turn them into block prints as part of a site-specific artwork.
Thursday 11 September from 1pm to 2:30pm
Hyde Park north
Download Sydney Culture Walks free.
Take a ride to trace Green Square's waterways
This fun and informative guided bicycle tour traces the history and stories of the former wetlands and creeks around Alexandria, Zetland, Waterloo and St Peters, and how they intersect with urban development and infrastructure.
Bring your own working bike and helmet, water bottle and snacks.
Sunday 7 September from 10am to 12pm
Saturday 13 September from 9am to 11am
Meet outside Green Square Library, at the High Water art installation.
Dive in and explore our new online exhibition, Sydney's Water Stories
Do you have a thirst for history? Find out more about water features and infrastructure in our local area including sewerage systems, drinking fountains and swimming pools. The exhibition not only highlights the watery history of Sydney, but the resources in the Archives and History Resources catalogue. It was curated by the City Historian, working closely with archivists from the City Archives.
Want more?
See all History Week events at What’s On.
Published 27 August 2025, updated 2 September 2025
