Past, Present & Future
The Bays West area of Sydney Harbour was an ancient valley inundated by water 7,000 years ago. The site has experienced drastic changes in the last 250 years, with the industrial revolution leading to quarrying, land reclamation and the redirection of the freshwater creek. Rich with nutrients and life, the area where saltwater and freshwater meet are powerful places that breathe with the movement of the tides, creating a dynamic rhythm that feeds the ecology of this special place.
Constructed between 1912 - 1917, White Bay Power Station is one of Sydney's most significant industrial landmarks. It initially powered Sydney's tram and rail networks, playing a crucial role in the city's growth. The station continued to expand significantly to meet demand for electricity and support various industrial operations. It was decommissioned in 1984.
Today, White Bay Power Station is being transformed into a vibrant cultural and community hub, preserving its historical significance while embracing new possibilities. The ongoing restoration honours both the site's heritage and the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the area.
Visit to see its transformation into a dynamic space for cultural, artistic, and commercial activities, reflecting a storied past and a promising future.
Learn more about White Bay Power Station's past, present, and future.
About White Bay Power Station
Delve deeper into the fascinating parts that make up the historic White Bay Power Station. Learn about the Turbine Hall, Boiler House, Administration Building and Entertainment Hall.
White Bay Power Station has seen various remedial works over the last four decades, though since 2021 there has been an extraordinary conservation effort to restore the site for cultural and community use.