Summaries

At the turn of the 20th century tourism promotion in Sydney and the State of New South Wales begins to take shape. The Government recognises the State's potential as a place to both visit and live and seeks to increase its population and visitors. It sets up a new special department and allocates funds to make sure Sydney and the State of New South Wales is placed firmly on the world map.

1900s

For the first time, a budget is allocated to promote Sydney and the State of New South Wales both domestically and internationally. Tourism development is burgeoning during these years as the industry begins to take form. Infrastructure such as roads, bridges and railways open up more regions to tourists. The construction of quality accommodation in areas such as the Blue Mountains, Jenolan Caves and Mount Kosciuszko increases interest in these popular 'getaways' and other destinations in the State.

By the end of the first decade the Immigration and Tourist Bureau is actively promoting tourism throughout the State, providing information, itineraries and personally conducted tours to not only encourage tourism but boost immigration to Sydney and the State of New South Wales.

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1910s

Visitor numbers to New South Wales, and in particular Sydney, begin to increase and beach resorts are developing in the Eastern Suburbs and Manly. The Tourist Bureau starts to produce publications with information on hotels and attractions. The Jenolan Caves experiences record visitor numbers, local visitor centres open in major towns and the railway link expands to the North Coast.

The outbreak of World War I disrupts patterns of tourism. The State Government takes on a new role of managing properties such as Jenolan Caves House and Hotel Kosciuszko. The Tourist Bureau separates from the Department of Immigration, and is placed under the control of the Department of Railways.

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1920s

Cruising becomes a popular and luxurious way to travel. Railway lines are upgraded and a few cars take to the roads. The Tourist Bureau is a major tour operator selling railway tickets and packaged tours. Qantas takes to the skies and Charles Kingsford Smith makes his historic maiden flight from America to Australia.

Post-war development is extensive and includes the opening of the Princes Highway from Sydney to Melbourne, Paddy's Market in Haymarket, extensions to Central Railway Station and Sydney's first underground railway network.

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1930s

The Depression has hit Australia and high unemployment forces people to leave Sydney for the country. Beach holidays become more popular, as do mountain resorts in the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves. The Chalet at Charlotte Pass is added to the Tourist Bureau's growing property portfolio.

The Harbour Bridge opens and is the widest and heaviest arch bridge in the world, connecting the North Shore to the city of Sydney. Luna Park opens as a major entertainment precinct. Car ownership increases and workers are awarded one week's annual leave, creating more holiday opportunities. At the close of the decade, World War II begins.

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1940s

War rages across Europe and its impact is felt in Australia. Qantas supports the war effort and adopts the flying kangaroo as the symbol for its growing fleet. Reg Ansett purchases Pioneer Coachlines, realising the potential of land-based touring and the opening of intrastate and interstate routes.

The New South Wales Ministry of Tourist Activities and Immigration is established. Construction begins on the massive Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme with the aim of providing drought relief and electricity. Local tourism booms especially around coastal towns situated near railways.

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1950s

The end of petrol rationing sees domestic tourism return to its pre-war levels. The first of many motels open in New South Wales, and by the end of the decade there are 80 motels in operation. The Tourist Bureau's Hotel Kosciuszko is destroyed by fire and new access roads to Kosciuszko National Park open the snowfields to tourism.

Melbourne hosts Australia's first Olympic Games in 1956 creating much international attention. Jorn Utzon wins the international competition to design the Sydney Opera House.

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1960s

Drive holidays become more popular as Australians take to caravanning. Tourism experiences a worldwide boom, with Sydney becoming the nation's pre-eminent gateway city. Regional Tourist Associations are granted Government subsidies encouraging the growth of regional tourism, while volunteers at regional centres become paid employees.

Lakes Folly Vineyard opens in the Hunter Valley, the first in the area since the early century. The first Jumbo Jet offers more affordable airfares to the masses and Greyhound Coaches begins an interstate service. The first Regional Tourist Offices Conference is held in Manly and the Australian Tourist Commission is formed.

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1970s

The new international terminal opens at Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport and the first 747 touches down. Business tourism becomes a lucrative sector of the industry; major international conventions and conferences are held throughout the State. Yamba Resort is the first of many tourist resorts developed in Australia.

The Sydney Opera House opens and becomes the city's new icon. Green bans are placed on Sydney's historic inner city areas to protect them from redevelopment. The first Gay Mardi Gras parade takes place and the Sydney Explorer bus and Captain Cook Cruises begin service making the city's attractions more accessible to tourists.

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1980s

International tourism promotion becomes a major Government focus with new campaigns launched in Japan and America. Business tourism continues to boom and the first Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) is held in Sydney.

Sydney's Centrepoint Tower opens as the Harbour Bridge celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Darling Harbour is redeveloped as a major entertainment precinct and the new Monorail links it to the city. The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras attracts worldwide attention, and Australia celebrates its Bicentenary with a spectacular re-enactment of the landing of First Fleet in Botany Bay and Sydney. Bicentennial celebrations take place across the nation.

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1990s

The surge of hotel development that began in the 1980s continues with quality hotels springing up throughout the State reflecting Australia's growing popularity as an international convention destination. Sydney is voted "World's Best City" numerous times throughout the decade and the "Number One Convention City" in 1997.

Sydney wins the bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games sparking widespread hotel development across the city. Bridgeclimb opens and Luna Park re-opens, only to be shut down shortly afterwards. The flashy Star City Casino and entertainment precinct opens. Darling Harbour celebrates 10 years and Cockle Bay opens. Sydney prepares to host the 2000 Olympic Games.

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2000s

Sydney hosts the 2000 Olympic Games, declared as the "best ever" with millions watching the fantastic event. A new rail network links the domestic and international airports to the city. Redevelopment continues with historic harbour wharves transformed to major commercial, residential and entertainment precincts. Luna Park reopens with newly developed facilities.

The Blue Mountains are given World Heritage status, health retreats, wine tours and interactive tours become increasingly popular. Sydney is once again under the media spotlight as it hosts the Rugby World Cup. The city's newest retail precinct, World Square, opens and Tourism New South Wales celebrates 100 years as a marketing and promotional body.

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