Lunchtime jewel heist which rocked Sydney’s CBD
In what was considered the biggest jewellery heist of the first half of the 20th century, in 1947 a thief managed to steal jewels worth about $600k today. But his glory was short-lived.
Today In History
Guyra Ghost of 1921 still remains a mystery
As Sherlock Holmes and spiritualism became popular, a ghostly case in the NSW town of Guyra led to hysteria spreading throughout Australia.
How war led to an escape to the Mountains
Terrified by the prospect of a Japanese invasion, Sydneysiders fled inland to places like the Blue Mountains at the start of World War II.
Sydney’s forgotten ‘Cocaine Queen’
A witness to one of Sydney’s oldest cold cases, madam May Smith, was later arrested by our first female detective. She was jailed and then disappeared from public records — and from memory.
More Stories
Opening of Sydney Arcade changes retail history
This city was a long way behind Melbourne when it came to embracing the joys of retail therapy where shoppers could find everything they wanted under one roof.
Model of a modern garden suburb
They are now some of our most sought-after addresses across Sydney thanks to planners’ forward thinking in designing these garden suburbs.
How Australia Day started as a fundraiser in July
A woman who created Australia Day as a fundraiser in midst of World War I started a popular tradition which benefited our soldiers on the battlefront.
Myth buster: Australian history debunked
They are the stories Australians hold dear. But many are simply not true. We take a look at some moments in history including whether Ned Kelly was a freedom fighter or if Captain Cook ‘discovered’ Australia.
How Hyde Park replaced Aboriginal ceremonial ground
When Sydney’s Hyde Park began life as a racecourse, its role in a significant Aboriginal tradition was lost.
How First Fleet’s forgotten men helped shape a nation
From the carnage of Gallipoli to the Test cricket arena, the descendants of 10 African First Fleeters have played pivotal, but often overlooked, roles in our history.
When ice used to be a rare, expensive commodity
Once a luxury only the rich could afford, blocks of ice used to be shipped to Australia from America — until we discovered a way to manufacture it on our own. Plus more NSW history.
Sordid truth behind Blue Mountains’ teen ghost
Said to appear to travellers on the road to Lithgow, Caroline Collits knew little but neglect and abuse in her tragically short life. Here’s the story behind her haunting.
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