The Tank Stream

This collection relates to the Tank Stream, a stream of fresh water that emptied into Sydney Cove which was Sydney's first water supply. With fresh water being so scare, the Tank Stream was really the reason the city was established at this point. It was named for the 'tanks' or reservoirs cut into its sides to hold water. By 1792 water was proving inadequate and the convicts were set to work digging the holding tanks into the watercourse.  The stream had its source up the hill in swampy ground near what is now Hyde Park, and it was fed by springs lower down in the area of what is now Spring and King Streets.

At various times the Tank Stream has been a fresh water supply, a drain, a sewer and a storm water drain.

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