Heritage tours: White Bay Power Station

Decommissioned in 1984, Sydney’s longest serving power station, at White Bay, will once again energise the city as part of the 2024 Biennale of Sydney. Exclusive tours have been developed by MHNSW as part of its Sydney Open Series in partnership with Placemaking NSW and the Biennale of Sydney.

Discover the stories behind this extraordinary heritage-listed landmark, the only one of its kind to survive on Sydney Harbour. Built between 1912 and 1917 to cope with the expansion of Sydney’s electric tram and rail systems, White Bay fed the largest metropolitan tramway network in the Southern Hemisphere and provided power to the trains as well as to the suburban electricity grid. The building’s dominant harbourside position, dramatic vertical facade, castellated parapets and steam funnels mark the entrance to the Balmain waterfront, and are an enduring symbol of the area’s industrial origins and traditions

The tour will include never-before-seen areas of White Bay Power Station, including the vast and cathedral-like Boiler House and Turbine Hall, as well as some hidden spaces not open to the public. In addition, you will be able to see remarkably intact equipment and machinery and learn about the last remaining example of a coal-fired harbourside industrial complex in NSW.

Meeting place: White Bay Power Station, 28 Robert Street, Rozelle, NSW
Tour length: 60 minutes 
Capacity: 15 people 
Visitor requirements: Bookings are essential. Numbers limited to 15 people per tour. Please arrive 10 minutes before your tour start time. This tour takes visitors through public and restricted areas of the power station. Restricted areas are not fully remediated and present some hazards.

Stay tuned for information on a special members offer in our upcoming enews.

These curated tours are free, thanks to the NSW Government. Take advantage of this special free event!