The History of Sydney Harbour
Although Sydney Harbour was sighted by Captain James Cook and Arthur Banks in 1770 and named Port Jackson, the Endeavour did not enter the heads but landed at Botany Bay or Port Hacking as it was then named.
It wasn't until 1788 when the 11 ships of the first fleet, led by Governer Arthur Phillip aboard HMS Sirius, sailed up the coast fom Port Hacking in search of fresh water that Sydney harbour was entered by the British for the first time. The area had been setled for over 50,000 years up until this time by the aborigines. It was om the 21st january 1788 that Phillip set out in 3 long boats to explore Port Jackson and set up camp at what is now known as Camp Cove. He landed at Sydney Cove as it was named after the British secretary of State, Viscount Sydney, on 26th january 1788 and chose the site to settle the convicts, marines and families of the first fleet.
Garden Isand as it was named by the crew of HMS Sirius was cleared and used as a garden for the ships company. The Island was offered for use to the Royal Navy in 1856.
Farm Cove was the first farming area where a farm of nine acres of corn was established. This farm is today the site of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Rock Island was a place of banishment for criminals, the first convict being sent there on 8th February 1788 for stealing biscuits. A tower was then built in 1857 to defend sydney against Russian Warships, althought the cannons have never been fired in defence.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
A croosing for dawes Point to Milsons Point was first suggested by Francis Grenway in 1815 when it was only possible to cross the harbour by ferry howver it wasn't until the endof the First World War that tenders were called for.
The parameters were set by Dr John.J.C Bradfield who would ultimately oversee the design and building process. Sir Ralph Freeman of English firm Dorman Long and Co.Ltd carried out the detailed design of the bridge and construction finally began in December 1926. The bridge was officially opened on 19th March 1932.
