Sydney Cove

Sydney Cove is a sheltered inlet within Port Jackson that stretches between the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge along the waterfront. The cove is framed by historic buildings, modern port facilities, and public spaces that open directly onto the water.

The First Fleet anchored in Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788, establishing the first European settlement under Captain Arthur Phillip's command. This landing point became the foundation of Sydney and the beginning of European presence in Australia.

The Eora people named this place Warrane and maintained deep ties to the land through ceremonies and traditions for thousands of years before European arrival. Today, plaques and art installations throughout the cove acknowledge this original connection to the place.

Circular Quay sits within the cove and offers ferry connections to various locations around the harbor throughout the day. The area is easy to reach on foot, with multiple pathways running along the water that allow for exploration and sitting spots.

The Tank Stream, Sydney's original water source, flows beneath the modern streets of the cove and was vital to the early settlers' survival. Today most of the creek runs underground, but in some spots it surfaces, revealing a hidden layer to the cove's past.