State Library of New South Wales

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

From the hallowed halls of history whispers emerge, beckoning us into the State Library of New South Wales. The State Library of New South Wales stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge. It has witnessed the evolution of Sydney from a colonial outpost to a vibrant metropolis. Established in 1826 as the Australian Subscription Library, this institution’s journey reflects the very spirit of Australia. In 1869, the New South Wales government purchased it, transforming it into the Sydney Free Public Library, and later, the State Library of New South Wales. The library’s impressive Mitchell Wing, designed by Walter Liberty Vernon, opened in 1910. It houses an unparalleled collection of Australiana, a gift from the avid collector David Scott Mitchell. The Mitchell Library became a separate entity within the State Library complex. The Dixson Wing, a treasure trove of historical paintings donated by Sir William Dixson, followed in 1929. The State Library of New South Wales doesn’t just preserve the past. It actively engages with the present. It has embraced the digital age, digitizing millions of items, from the papers of Sir Joseph Banks to the Holtermann Collection’s stunning images of 19th-century goldfields. This ensures that these invaluable resources are accessible to all. The State Library of New South Wales continues to grow and adapt. It houses over six million items, including books, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. It’s a place where history comes alive, knowledge is celebrated, and stories unfold. The State Library of New South Wales is more than a library. It is a living archive, a dynamic cultural hub, and a gateway to the rich tapestry of Australian history.

The story of State Library of New South Wales in Sydney is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Sydney and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Sydney in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Sydney with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Sydney – only with Explory.

More Places in Sydney

Yeusefiya Cemetery

Were these once vibrant lives, now commemorated beneath our feet? We stand before the Yeusefiya Cemetery, a place where history

Explore

耿辛庄桥

Across the Jiuduhe River stands the majestic Luoshen Bridge. Its elegant arches whisper tales of emperors and dynasties. Luoshen Bridge

Explore

Zion Baptist Church

Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t

Explore

Boat house

The clean lines and simple elegance of the Bauhaus movement are all around us here in Tel Aviv. And yet,

Explore