The City Archives is responsible for managing the archives of the City of Sydney’s operations since 1842 as well as those of absorbed councils. Some records created by elected officials are also held. The Archives also manages the Sydney Reference Collection: books and journals and information folders on aspects of Sydney City history, especially the built environment.

The Archives hold more than 12,500 shelf metres of archives relating to the City of Sydney council and people, places and events within its local government area.

The Archives and History Resources catalogue contains over 1 million items, including photographs, development and building files, maps and architectural drawings, letters, minutes and index cards and reference books and journals. Nearly half of the items available are digitised and able to be downloaded.

Search the Online Collection: https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/

• Development and Building
• Historical Atlas
• Sands Postal Directory
• Places of Interest
• Assessment Books
• Books and Journals
• Planning Street Cards
• Proceedings of Council
• People and Positions
• Events
• Special Collections
• Villages and Suburbs
• Civic Collection

Open working days by appointment. Contact the Archives for more information.

Advance notice (by email) of your research visit is required, so the Archives can assess your document needs and arrange an appointment for you. Almost all original records are held offsite so they are unable to help people who arrive without an appointment. Prospective researchers are encouraged to explore the Archives & History Resources catalogue before their visit.

See request copies for charges to obtain copies of City archives that have not been digitised.

If you wish to enquire about records in the collection, complete the form at request City records.

For all other enquiries: https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/pages/contact