Tank Stream is the hidden reason why Sydney is here and not a few kilometres further north or south. Today, however, almost nothing is even visible of Tank Stream itself.
For over 40,000 years, Aboriginal people selected campsites for two good reasons: food and water. Excavations in the vicinity of the original course of the stream revealed a high concentration of flake stone artefacts made from water-worn pebbles. So Tank Stream not only provided the Aboriginal people with water and fish, but also with other resources for their daily life.

Captain Arthur Phillip, too, had to select an appropriate campsite for the new settlement which provided a reliable source of water. When he noticed a little stream discharging into the salt water of Sydney Cove he must have sighed with relief. The townsite of Sydney was found.

To find out how to enjoy a self guided tour above this enclosed part of history click here.