White Bay Power Station Behind the Scenes Tours
Decommissioned in 1984, get behind the scenes at Sydney’s longest-serving power station at White Bay. These tours have been developed by MHNSW as part of Sydney Open Series in partnership with Placemaking NSW.
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 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 rarely 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 general 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.
The tours will be conducted by MHNSW tour guides.
Members get more: Members enjoy pre-sale access and a 20% discount on tickets.
Please note:
- This tour includes stairs and a reasonable level of fitness is required.
- Enclosed shoes must be worn.
- Some areas of the White Bay Power Station include confined spaces.
- Backpacks and handbags will need to be cloaked.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 16 years.
Live Voice App
These sessions will be delivered via a tour app which will enable all participants to clearly hear the site interpretation from the tour guides via headphones. Headphones will not be provided so please ensure you bring your own headphones with you on the day. Download and access information will be available no arrival, or you can pre-download via the links below:
This event is part of
Sydney Open Series
Building on the Sydney Open program, this series offers talks, workshops, and tours throughout the year, with a focus on history, architecture, design innovation, sustainability, and heritage
