Australia is one of the world’s most beautiful countries, and is also the only country in the world that is also a continent. This country has existed for hundreds of years, which means that it is home to several old cities. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at some of the oldest cities in Australia, they histories, and how long they’ve existed.
You might be surprised by some of the items on this list, but we hope you enjoy reading this article! Let’s get right into it.
6 Oldest Cities in Australia
6. Maitland
Date of establishment: 1820
State: New South Wales
Known for: St Mary’s the Virgin Anglican Church
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Maitland is located in New South Wales, and is one of the oldest cities in Australia. Before it was colonized by the British, this city was originally inhabited by the Wonnarua People, but in the present day, is mainly inhabited by white Australians.
This city is known for the annual events it hosts every year! Some of these events include the Bitter & Twisted Beer Festival, the Hunter Valley Steamfest, ChapelJazz, and Groovin’ the Moo.
Did you know?
Maitland has a population of over 80,000.
5. Penrith
Date of establishment: 1815
State: New South Wales
Known for: Craithes House and Torin Building
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The city of Penrith was, like all of the other cities on this list, inhabited by some of the indigenous tribes of Austalia. This area in particular was inhabited by the Mulgoa tribe of the Darug people. They lived off the land, hunted animals, and had their own system of law. However, a significant portion of this tribe was wiped out after a fleet of British ships arrived, and the tribe contracted smallpox.
In the present day, Penrith is known for its cultural heritage-listed sites, its rich arts and culture projects, and sports enthusiasm.
Did you know?
Penrith has a population of around 17,900 people, based on census conducted in 2021.
4. Bathurst
Date of establishment: 1813 or 1814
State: New South Wales
Known for: Mount Panorama
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Unlike some of the other cities mentioned on this list, Bathurst is one of the smaller and lesser known cities in Australia. However, it is one of the country’s oldest cities with much to offer tourists and its citizens! Bathurst was originally occupied by the Wiradjuri people who belong to the Muurrai clan. The Wiradjuri people lived off the land and farmed their own products, and were later known for their clothing skills.
It was at the beginning of the 19th century that the colonists arrived in Australia and took over the land, causing the indigenous people to suffer. In the present day, Bathurst is known for being a cathedral city. It also has several museums, an active sports community, and a strong local economy.
Did you know?
Bathurst is the city in Australia where the first gold rush took place.
3. Launceston
Date of establishment: March 1806
State: Tasmania
Known for: Albert Hall and Prince’s Square
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Launceston is known for being one of the oldest cities in all of Australia. Located in northern Tasmania, Launceston is also one of the 20 largest cities in Australia, and has a population of over 90,000 people. Much like various other major Australian cities, Launceston was first inhabited by Aboriginal Australians for several years until 1798.
After the first group of Europeans landed in Launceston, various colonial settlements were opened and white people began to take over the area. In the present day, Aboriginal folks make up less than 4% of the population.
Did you know?
Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania after Hobart.
2. Hobart
Date of establishment: 20 February 1804
State: Tasmania
Known for: Salamanca Place and Constitution Dock
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hobart is another of the oldest cities in Australia. This beautiful place is located in Tasmania, and is Tasmani’s most populated city. When Hobart was founded in 1804, it was founded as a penal colony for the British. Europeans began settling Hobart in 1803 at Risdon Cove, which was a military camp. However, the camp was moved to what is currently known as Sullivans Cove today.
In the present day, Hobart is known for its beautiful landscape, Mount Wellington, and the Constitution Dock.
Did you know?
Hobart is home to nearly half of Tasmania’s population, but is also the least populated capital city out of all of Australia’s capital cities.
1. Sydney
Date of establishment: 26 January 1788
State: New South Wales
Known for: Harbour Bridge and Opera House
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sydney is the oldest city in Australia, and also one of its most commercial, famous, and well-known. It is the capital of New South Wales and is located on the eastern coast of Australia. It’s interesting to note that although Sydney is densely populated by people from all over the world today, its original settlers were Aboriginal Australians. They migrated to Australia from Southeast Asia and have lived there ever since.
It’s also worth noting that Aboriginal Australians have lived in the country for more than 30,000 years. In the present day, this city is known for being one of the world’s top ten most liveable cities. It has also ranked in the eleventh place for its economic opportunities.
Did you know?
Sydney is one of the world’s most expensive cities to live in, but is also one of the world’s most-visited cities.
Conclusion
In this article, we took a closer look at some of Australia’s oldest cities. We were particularly interested to learn that it is Sydney that’s Australia’s oldest city! Sydney is one of the most beautiful places in the country to visit, and also one of the most expensive. We had no idea that Hobart or Maitland were among the oldest cities in Australia, but enjoyed learned about the respective histories as well. We hope that you enjoyd reading this article, and that you learned something new from it.
