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Has Sydney always been the capital of Australia?

August 4, 2023 by MySydneyDetour Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

  • Has Sydney always been the capital of Australia?
  • The History of Australia’s Capital Cities
  • Why Was Sydney Not Chosen as the Capital of Australia?
  • Exploring Sydney

Has Sydney always been the capital of Australia?

Portrait of smiling woman sitting at desk, using laptop and writing in notebook
Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

Australia is a country known for its stunning beaches, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities. One of the most famous cities in Australia is Sydney, which is often mistaken as the capital of the country. However, the question remains: has Sydney always been the capital of Australia?

The answer is no. Sydney was the first colony established by the British in Australia in 1788, and it served as the capital of the colony of New South Wales for many years. However, when the Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901, Sydney was not chosen as the capital city. Instead, the honor went to the city of Melbourne, which served as the capital of Australia from 1901 to 1927.

The History of Australia’s Capital Cities

Woman sitting on a bench and looking at Sydney Harbour
Olga K / Adobe Stock

Australia has had three capital cities throughout its history. The first was Sydney, which served as the capital of the colony of New South Wales from 1788 until 1901. When the Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901, Melbourne was chosen as the temporary capital city until a permanent location could be decided upon.

In 1927, the capital of Australia was moved to Canberra, a planned city located between Sydney and Melbourne. Canberra was chosen as the capital because it was a compromise between the two rival cities and was also located in a neutral territory. Today, Canberra remains the capital of Australia and is home to many of the country’s government buildings and institutions.

Why Was Sydney Not Chosen as the Capital of Australia?

Pacific Highway in Australia
Umer Arif / Shutterstock

There were several reasons why Sydney was not chosen as the capital of Australia. One of the main reasons was that it was too far away from the other major cities in Australia. At the time, travel and communication were much more difficult than they are today, and it was important for the capital city to be located in a central location.

Another reason why Sydney was not chosen as the capital was that it was already the largest and most important city in Australia. The founding fathers of Australia wanted to create a new capital city that was not dominated by any one city or region.

See Related: What are 5 interesting facts about Sydney?

Exploring Sydney

Even though Sydney is not the capital of Australia, it is still a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the country. The city is known for its stunning harbor, iconic Opera House, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can take a stroll along the harbor and take in the stunning views, or visit the famous Bondi Beach to soak up the sun and surf.

Related Resources:

  • What is the history of the city of Sydney?
  • Famous Historical Landmarks in Sydney, Australia
  • What’s the time in NSW Australia?

Filed Under: Sydney Life & Culture

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