History of Our Bay
Bayside has cultural and historical significance and Traditional Custodians who still live in the area today. Aboriginal people have inhabited the Botany Bay (Kamay) area for thousands of years with Aboriginal heritage holding deep continuing connection to culture, land, waterways, spirit, and ancestors.
Aboriginal people lived in fishing camps all around the Kamay, in rock shelters further inland, and up the creeks, rivers and swamps of the hinterland. Kamay was as an important resource and means of transportation for the Gameygal, the Bidjigal and Gweagal clans who occupied the south shore, the north shore, between the Cooks River and the Georges River.
The overarching language spoken by the traditional owners of Coastal Sydney is Dharawal.
On 29 April 1770, the Gweagal people of Kamay discovered James Cook and his crew as they sailed into the bay and came ashore. The eight days that followed changed the course of Australia’s history.
Over 250 years later the events of those eight days and their continuing impact are still being felt today.
Learn more
Visit our libraries to discover more information: Bayside Library Locations and Opening Hours
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